Xerath vs LeBlanc
Hard matchup
Build vs LeBlanc
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Xerath: Luden's Echo, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Dark Seal, Horizon Focus, Stormsurge, Zhonya's Hourglass.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
LeBlanc's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
When LeBlanc drops below 40% Health, she becomes invisible for 1 second and creates a Mirror Image that deals no damage and lasts for up to 8 seconds.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6s | 15s | 14s | – |
| 6 | 6s | 15s | 14s | 45s |
| 9 | 6s | 13.75s | 14s | 45s |
| 11 | 6s | 12.5s | 14s | 35s |
| 16 | 6s | 10s | 12.5s | 25s |
| 18 | 6s | 10s | 11s | 25s |
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 LeBlanc
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Break her chain
As soon as Ethereal Chains (E) tethers you, move away from her: if you stay chained for 1.5 seconds, you're rooted and take extra damage.
- Trade after her Distortion
Trade while Distortion (W) is on cooldown: it's her dash both to get in and to get out, and it comes back in 15 to 10 seconds.
- Save your protection for her burst
If you have a shield or a heal, save it for her combo: Sigil of Malice (Q) detonates as soon as another spell hits you, and all her damage lands at once.
- Aim at her return point
If you have CC, aim at the starting point of her Distortion (W): within 4 seconds, she can return there by recasting the spell.
- Don't hit the wrong LeBlanc
When she drops below 40% health, find the real LeBlanc before hitting: Mirror Image (passive) makes her invisible for 1 second and leaves a copy that deals no damage.
Other Xerath matchups
Patch 16.21.1