Syndra vs Xerath
Skill matchup
Build vs Xerath
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Syndra: Luden's Echo, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Blackfire Torch, Stormsurge, Dark Seal, Zhonya's Hourglass.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Xerath's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Xerath's basic attacks periodically restore Mana. Whenever Xerath kills a unit, this cooldown is reduced.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9s | 14s | 13s | – |
| 6 | 7s | 14s | 13s | 2m10 |
| 9 | 5s | 13s | 13s | 2m10 |
| 11 | 5s | 12s | 13s | 1m55 |
| 16 | 5s | 10s | 12s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 5s | 10s | 11s | 1m40 |
Playing as Syndra
Tips to maximize your impact
- Push a sphere to stun
Place Dark Sphere (Q) between you and your target, then cast Scatter the Weak (E): the sphere you push stuns the enemies it hits.
- Follow Force of Will with a sphere
After landing Force of Will (W), follow up right away with Dark Sphere (Q): the target is slowed and has a hard time dodging it.
- Poke with Dark Sphere
Poke with Dark Sphere (Q) from level 1: it has 800 range, its cooldown is only 7 seconds, and each rank of your ult lowers it further.
- Damage enemies to grow your spells
Hit enemies whenever you can: Transcendent (passive) gives you Splinters of Wrath for every level and every hit, and each threshold upgrades one of your spells.
- Set up spheres before your ult
Place several spheres before Unleashed Power (R): the ult launches the 3 orbiting you at your target, plus up to 4 more nearby.
Playing against Xerath
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Stay behind your minions
Keep minions between you and Xerath: Shocking Orb (E) stuns the first enemy hit, for longer the farther it has traveled.
- Change direction
Don't stand still, and change direction often: Arcanopulse (Q) hits a target moving forward or backward in a straight line much more easily.
- Engage while he charges
If you can engage, go in while he charges Arcanopulse (Q): he slows down by up to 50%, and he has no dash to escape.
- Interrupt his Rite of the Arcane
If you have CC and can reach him during Rite of the Arcane (R), use it: he channels the ult, and interrupting it stops his shots.
Other Syndra matchups
Patch 16.21.1