Xerath vs Syndra
Skill matchup
Build vs Syndra
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Xerath: Luden's Echo, Shadowflame, Rabadon's Deathcap, Sorcerer's Shoes, Horizon Focus, Dark Seal, Stormsurge, Mejai's Soulstealer.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Syndra's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Syndra collects Splinters of Wrath from gaining levels and damaging enemies which upgrade her abilities.Dark Sphere: Syndra can hold an additional chargeForce of Will: Bonus true damage.Scatter the Weak: Increased width and slows all targetsUnleashed Power: Executes low health targets
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7s | 13s | 15s | – |
| 6 | 7s | 13s | 15s | 2m |
| 9 | 7s | 12s | 15s | 2m |
| 11 | 7s | 11s | 15s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 7s | 9s | 15s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 7s | 9s | 15s | 1m20 |
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 Syndra
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Don't line up with her spheres
Don't stand in line between Syndra and one of her spheres: Scatter the Weak (E) pushes it toward you, and it stuns the enemies it hits.
- Engage after Scatter the Weak
If you can engage, go in right after Scatter the Weak (E): she has no dash and nothing else to push you back during its 15-second cooldown.
- Count her spheres once she hits 6
Once she hits level 6, count her spheres before taking a trade: Unleashed Power (R) launches the 3 orbiting her at you, plus up to 4 more nearby.
Other Xerath matchups
Patch 16.21.1