Taliyah vs Xerath

Not enough games

Heavy pokeHeavy AP damageHigh burstHeavy CC

Build vs Xerath

The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup

Starting items

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Core build

1—

2—

3—

Standard

4Magic pen

5—

Anti CC

4vs CC

Other options

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Strength by game phase

Passive, spells and ultimate

Mana Surge (P)

Xerath's basic attacks periodically restore Mana. Whenever Xerath kills a unit, this cooldown is reduced.

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

Tips to maximize your impact

Throw them into your minefield
Place Unraveled Earth (E), then throw the enemy across the stones with Seismic Shove (W): the stones explode and stun them.
Pick your volley based on the ground
Cast Threaded Volley (Q) off Worked Ground to throw 5 rocks, or on it for a single boulder that slows, costs less and has a shorter cooldown.
Cut off their retreat with your wall
Place Weaver's Wall (R) across the enemy's path to cut off their escape or split their team: its range goes from 2500 to 6500 with rank.
Roam along the walls
To roam, follow the walls of the map: Rock Surfing (passive) increases your move speed when you're near them.

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.

Patch 16.21.1