Viktor vs Xerath

Viktor
vs
49.1%

over 326 games

Xerath

Skill matchup

Heavy pokeHeavy AP damageHigh burstHeavy CC

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

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Blackfire Torch
1
Lich Bane
2
Zhonya's Hourglass
3

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Shadowflame
5

Summoner spells

FlashTeleport83%
FlashHaste13%

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Other options

Shadowflame
Dark Seal
Hextech Rocketbelt
Rabadon's Deathcap
Luden's Echo
Liandry's Torment
Void Staff
Seeker's Armguard
Oblivion Orb
Mejai's Soulstealer
Stormsurge
Banshee's Veil
Cryptbloom
Cosmic Drive
47.4% WR38 games
SorcerySorcery
Deathfire TouchDeathfire Touch
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
TranscendenceTranscendence
ScorchScorch
ResolveResolve
Shield BashShield Bash
Bone PlatingBone Plating
Attack SpeedAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Xerath's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Mana Surge (P)

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

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
39s14s13s–
67s14s13s2m10
95s13s13s2m10
115s12s13s1m55
165s10s12s1m40
185s10s11s1m40

Playing as Viktor

Tips to maximize your impact

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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