Xerath vs Karma
Build vs Karma
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Xerath: Luden's Echo, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Dark Seal, Horizon Focus, Stormsurge, Mejai's Soulstealer.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Karma's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Karma's damaging abilities will reduce the cooldown of Mantra.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9s | 12s | 10s | – |
| 6 | 7s | 12s | 10s | 40s |
| 9 | 5s | 12s | 10s | 40s |
| 11 | 5s | 12s | 10s | 38s |
| 16 | 5s | 12s | 9s | 36s |
| 18 | 5s | 12s | 8s | 36s |
Playing as Xerath
Tips to maximize your impact
- Charge Arcanopulse to poke from range
Charge Arcanopulse (Q) to poke from long range: its range grows with the charge, but you slow down by up to 50% in the meantime.
- Slow before your Arcanopulse
Slow your target with Eye of Destruction (W) before Arcanopulse (Q): the center of the zone slows the most, and a slowed target dodges poorly.
- Stun, then center your Eye
Land Shocking Orb (E), then center Eye of Destruction (W) on the target: stunned, they can't dodge it, and the center slows the most.
- Finish from long range with your ult
Cast Rite of the Arcane (R) to finish a fleeing target or support a distant fight: your shots reach 5000 range, with bonus damage per champion hit.
Playing against Karma
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Respect her level 1
Play carefully at the very start of lane: Mantra (R) is available from level 1, so Karma already has an empowered spell.
- Break her tether
Move away as soon as Focused Resolve (W) tethers you: if the tether holds to the end, you take damage again and get rooted.
- Leave the ring of fire
Quickly leave the ring of fire left by Inner Flame (Q) empowered by Mantra (R): it slows and deals extra damage.
- Focus her in teamfights
If you can reach her, focus her in teamfights: Mantra (R) then Inspire (E) gives a shield and move speed to every ally grouped around her target.
Other Xerath matchups
Patch 16.21.1