01 / Xerath
At a glance
Learn Xerath abilities and prepare your first games. Find builds for each supported role.
02
Strengths & weaknesses
Tools to play around
- ArcanopulseContributes damage to the champion’s rotation.
- Shocking OrbCreates a control window for a follow-up.
- Rite of the ArcaneAdds a utility effect to the champion’s kit.
What can go wrong
- ArcanopulsePractise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
- Shocking OrbUse this control to create a follow-up window. Check the target’s defensive spells and your teammates’ range before committing.
- A completed combo is only useful when your position, resources and follow-up are safe.
03
Abilities & tips
Open an ability to read its effect and a practical use tip.
PMana Surge
Xerath's basic attacks periodically restore Mana. Whenever Xerath kills a unit, this cooldown is reduced.
Read the effect and its conditions, then practise it alone. Build your sequence around the effect you can reliably reproduce.
QArcanopulse
Fires a long-range beam of energy, dealing magic damage to all targets hit.
Practise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
WEye of Destruction
Calls down a barrage of arcane energy, slowing and dealing magic damage to all enemies in an area. Targets in the middle receive additional damage and a stronger slow.
Practise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
EShocking Orb
Deals magic damage to an enemy and stuns them.
Use this control to create a follow-up window. Check the target’s defensive spells and your teammates’ range before committing.
RRite of the Arcane
Xerath immobilizes himself and gains numerous long-range barrages.
Read the effect and its conditions, then practise it alone. Build your sequence around the effect you can reliably reproduce.
Xerath combos: execution and timing
AA = basic attack · EAA = empowered attack · 1/2/3 = cast stage. Follow the order, not instant key presses.
Follow up with Eye of Destruction
- W
- Q
With Xerath, start with Eye of Destruction, then continue through Arcanopulse. Give Arcanopulse time to produce its effect. Train the required positioning before adding the other actions.
Follow up with Shocking Orb
- E
- W
- Q
With Xerath, start with Shocking Orb, then continue through Eye of Destruction → Arcanopulse. Give Arcanopulse time to produce its effect. Train the required positioning before adding the other actions.
05
Game plan by role
Xerath · Mid
Use the wave to control when trades happen. Keep a defensive option if the opposing jungler is missing, and avoid forcing a combo into a large enemy wave.
Move after checking the wave, vision and who can follow. A useful roam should not cost several uncontested waves for no clear opportunity.
Fight from a position where you can repeat your useful spells. Look for an opening after enemy control is spent instead of entering first by habit.
Before your next fight, check: Arcanopulse · Rite of the Arcane · Combos
Xerath · Support
Stand where you can help your lane partner without exposing both of you. Coordinate the opening before spending your main control or protection.
Set up vision with nearby allies rather than walking into unlit areas alone. Roam when your lane partner can safely handle the next wave.
Choose between creating an opening and protecting the teammate who can carry the fight. Do not spend every defensive spell on the first visible enemy.
Before your next fight, check: Arcanopulse · Rite of the Arcane · Combos
Xerath · Bot
Coordinate trades with your support and keep last hits consistent. Stand where you can attack without stepping into both enemy players’ threat range.
Collect safe farm while staying close enough to join your team. Check the map before crossing an exposed side lane for one more wave.
Keep dealing damage to an accessible target while tracking enemy engage tools. A safer sustained position is often better than chasing a distant carry.
Before your next fight, check: Arcanopulse · Rite of the Arcane · Combos
06
Matchup preparation
Compare opponents in the build for the role you are actually playing. Then check their key control, escape and defensive spells before choosing your trade.
07
Practice checklist
- Cast each ability alone and identify its range, target conditions and stopping point.
- Practise the first sequence slowly. Repeat it while moving, without skipping the conditions shown on its card.
- After each attempt, identify the spell you would still have available to defend or retreat.
08
Xerath · Builds & runes
Choose a role, then select your rank on the build page for runes, items, skill order and matchup statistics.