01 / Kayn
At a glance
Learn Kayn abilities and prepare your first games. Find builds for each supported role.
02
Strengths & weaknesses
Tools to play around
- Reaping SlashContributes damage to the champion’s rotation.
- Blade's ReachCan slow a target to prepare the next action.
- Shadow StepAdds a utility effect to the champion’s kit.
What can go wrong
- Reaping SlashPractise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
- Blade's ReachUse the slow to make the next action easier. It does not replace checking distance, cooldowns and an escape route.
- 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.
PThe Darkin Scythe
Kayn wields an ancient weapon and fights Rhaast, the darkin within it, for control. Either the Darkin will triumph, or Kayn will master Rhaast and become the Shadow Assassin. Darkin: Heal for a percentage of spell damage dealt to champions. Shadow Assassin: For the first few seconds in combat with enemy champions, deal bonus damage.
Practise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
QReaping Slash
Kayn dashes, then slashes. Both deal damage.
Practise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
WBlade's Reach
Kayn damages and slows targets in a line.
Use the slow to make the next action easier. It does not replace checking distance, cooldowns and an escape route.
EShadow Step
Kayn can walk through terrain.
Read the effect and its conditions, then practise it alone. Build your sequence around the effect you can reliably reproduce.
RUmbral Trespass
Kayn hides in an enemy's body, dealing massive damage when he bursts out.
Practise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
Kayn 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 Shadow Step
- E
- W
- Q
With Kayn, start with Shadow Step, then continue through Blade's Reach → Reaping Slash. Choose a position that lets Shadow Step work without losing your retreat. Check the next target’s range before following the sequence.
Follow up with Shadow Step
- E
- W
- Q
- AA
With Kayn, start with Shadow Step, then continue through Blade's Reach → Reaping Slash → Basic attack. Choose a position that lets Shadow Step work without losing your retreat. Check the next target’s range before following the sequence.
05
Game plan by role
Kayn · Jungle
Practise a repeatable clear before adding risky invades. Check nearby lane positions before entering the river or committing to a gank.
Prepare objectives by resetting, checking vision and moving with nearby allies. Avoid starting an objective solely because it has spawned.
Keep Smite and your escape plan in mind around contested objectives. Choose between engaging, covering a carry and keeping access to the objective.
Before your next fight, check: Reaping Slash · Umbral Trespass · 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
Kayn · Builds & runes
Choose a role, then select your rank on the build page for runes, items, skill order and matchup statistics.