Vex vs Xerath
Skill matchup
Build vs Xerath
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Vex: Luden's Echo, Shadowflame, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Stormsurge, Dark Seal, Rabadon's Deathcap, Seeker's Armguard.
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 Vex
Tips to maximize your impact
- Save your empowered spell for a dash
When Doom 'n Gloom (passive) is ready, save Personal Space (W) for the enemy who jumps on you: the shockwave fears them and interrupts their dash, and you gain a shield.
- Make every dash cost them
When an enemy dashes near you, Doom 'n Gloom (passive) marks them: hit them with Mistral Bolt (Q) for bonus damage, and your empowerment comes back sooner.
- Ult in, then Personal Space
After the Shadow Surge (R) dash, follow up with Personal Space (W): the shield protects you on arrival, and the shockwave fears if Doom 'n Gloom (passive) is ready.
- Chain your ults
If the champion marked by Shadow Surge (R) dies shortly after being hit by it, its cooldown is reset for a moment: recast it right away at another target.
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.
Patch 16.21.1