Vel'Koz vs Lucian
Build vs Lucian
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Vel'Koz: Luden's Echo, Shadowflame, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Rabadon's Deathcap, Blackfire Torch, Horizon Focus, Liandry's Torment.
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 Vel'Koz
Tips to maximize your impact
- Three spells for the burst
Hit the same target with three spells: at three stacks, Organic Deconstruction (passive) bursts and deals true damage to them.
- Poke and farm with your rift
Stay back and poke with Void Rift (W): its two charges let you kill minions while stacking your passive on your opponent.
- Split your plasma to hit at an angle
Recast Plasma Fission (Q) to split it: the two bolts fly off at 90 degrees, which lets you hit a target hiding behind their minions.
- Start your ray after a knock-up
Cast Life Form Disintegration Ray (R) after the Tectonic Disruption (E) knock-up: your target can't escape, and the ray deals true damage to targets of Organic Deconstruction (passive).
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 Vel'Koz matchups
Patch 16.21.1