Xerath vs Shen

Not enough games

Heavy AD damageVery tankySplit pushStrong engage

Build vs Shen

The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup

Starting items

—

x2—

Core build

1—

2—

3—

Standard

4Magic pen

5—

Summoner spells

50%

Anti CC

4vs CC

Other options

—

Sorcery

Arcane Comet

Manaflow Band

Transcendence

Scorch

Precision

Presence of Mind

Coup de Grace

Strength by game phase

Passive, spells and ultimate

Ki Barrier (P)

After casting a spell, Shen gets a shield. Affecting other champions reduces the cooldown of this effect.

Cooldowns by spell rank

Level	Q	W	E	R
3	8s	16s	18s	–
6	6.5s	16s	18s	3m20
9	5s	14.5s	18s	3m20
11	5s	13s	18s	3m
16	5s	10s	14s	2m40
18	5s	10s	10s	2m40

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.

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

Stay on the same side as his blade
Stay on the same side as his spirit blade: if it doesn't pass through you, Twilight Assault (Q) deals much less damage.
Trade after his E
Take a trade after his Shadow Dash (E): it's both his taunt and his only dash, on an 18 to 10 second cooldown.
No autos into his Refuge
Don't waste autos on targets inside Spirit's Refuge (W): they're blocked there. Use spells instead, or wait for the zone to end.
Interrupt his ult
If you have CC, save it for Stand United (R): Shen channels before teleporting, and interrupting him keeps him away from the teamfight.
Push when he leaves
When he leaves lane with Stand United (R), ping your team and push your wave: each ult costs him minions and tower health.

Patch 16.21.1