Viktor vs Xerath
Skill matchup
Build vs Xerath
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Viktor: Blackfire Torch, Lich Bane, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Shadowflame, Dark Seal, Hextech Rocketbelt, Rabadon's Deathcap.
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 Viktor
Tips to maximize your impact
- Poke with your ray
Poke with Hextech Ray (E), fired in the direction you choose: it hits every enemy in its line, and its upgrade adds an aftershock in its wake.
- Siphon Power, then an auto
After Siphon Power (Q), land an auto within 4 seconds: it deals bonus magic damage, and the spell's shield covers you during the trade.
- Gravity Field, then your ray
Place Gravity Field (W) in your target's path, then fire Hextech Ray (E): the field slows them, and if they stay in it for 1.25 seconds, they're stunned.
- Choose your upgrades well
Glorious Evolution (passive) upgrades a spell every 100 Hex Fragments: Hextech Ray (E) to poke and clear, Siphon Power (Q) to survive, Gravity Field (W) to slow.
- Drop your storm on their group
Place Arcane Storm (R) on grouped enemies: it follows the champions it just damaged on its own, and you can recast it to move it.
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 Viktor matchups
Patch 16.21.1