Varus vs Lucian
Build vs Lucian
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Varus: Experimental Hexplate, Dusk and Dawn, Riftmaker, Plated Steelcaps, Guinsoo's Rageblade, Zhonya's Hourglass, Nashor's Tooth, Terminus.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Lucian's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Whenever Lucian uses an ability, his next attack becomes a double-shot. When Lucian is healed or shielded by an ally, or when a nearby enemy Champion is immobilized, his next 2 basic attacks will deal bonus magic damage.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9s | 14s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 7s | 14s | 16s | 1m50 |
| 9 | 5s | 13s | 16s | 1m50 |
| 11 | 5s | 12s | 16s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 5s | 10s | 15s | 1m30 |
| 18 | 5s | 10s | 14s | 1m30 |
Playing as Varus
Tips to maximize your impact
- Apply Blight, then a spell
Apply Blight with your autos through Blighted Quiver (W), then detonate it with a spell: each stack deals damage based on max health and, on a champion, lowers your cooldowns.
- Fire early at close range
Against a close target, fire Piercing Arrow (Q) without waiting for a full charge: charging adds damage, but it slows you in the meantime.
- Cut their healing with your hail
Cast Hail of Arrows (E) on enemies who are healing or charging at you: the desecrated ground slows them and applies Grievous Wounds.
- Target an enemy near their team
Cast Chain of Corruption (R) on a champion close to their allies: the corruption then spreads to nearby champions and roots them too.
Playing against Lucian
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Punish his dash
Punish him after an aggressive dash: Relentless Pursuit (E) has a 16 to 14 second cooldown, only reduced when his double shots hit.
- Step back after each burst
Back off after each of his spells: Lightslinger (passive) doubles the next auto, so his damage comes in short bursts.
- Poke him from outside his range
If your attack range beats his 500 units, poke him from outside it: he then has to use Relentless Pursuit (E) to get back on you.
- Drag the game out
If you survive the laning phase, play for time: Lucian is strongest early and loses impact once everyone has their items.
Other Varus matchups
Patch 16.21.1