Skins
Counters
Base Stats
Gameplay Ratings
Attack
Defense
Magic
Per Level
Abilities
E
Shocking Orb
Deals magic damage to an enemy and stuns them.
Passive
Mana Surge
Xerath's basic attacks periodically restore Mana. Whenever Xerath kills a unit, this cooldown is reduced.
Q
Arcanopulse
Fires a long-range beam of energy, dealing magic damage to all targets hit.
R (Ultimate)
Rite of the Arcane
Xerath immobilizes himself and gains numerous long-range barrages.
W
Eye 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.
Playing As Xerath
- -It's easier to land Arcanopulse on an enemy when they're moving toward or away from you, rather than side to side.
- -Eye of Destruction will make landing Arcanopulse easier as the target will be slowed.
- -If you stun an enemy with Shocking Orb, follow up with a guaranteed center hit on Eye of Destruction.
Playing Against Xerath
- -Xerath's range can be intimidating, but most champions who close distance with him can trade favorably.
- -Xerath takes a long time to engage Rite of the Arcane. Watch for his spellcast animation and start dodging.
- -Banshee's Veil will make it much harder for Xerath to land Shocking Orb on you.
Lore
Xerath is an Ascended Magus of ancient Shurima, a being of arcane energy writhing in the broken shards of a magical sarcophagus. For millennia, he was trapped beneath the desert sands, but the rise of Shurima freed him from his ancient prison. Driven insane with power, he now seeks to take what he believes is rightfully his and replace the upstart civilizations of the world with one fashioned in his image.
About Xerath, the Magus Ascendant
Xerath is an Ascended Magus of ancient Shurima, a being of arcane energy writhing in the broken shards of a magical sarcophagus. For millennia, he was trapped beneath the desert sands, but the rise of Shurima freed him from his ancient prison. Driven insane with power, he now seeks to take what he believes is rightfully his and replace the upstart civilizations of the world with one fashioned in his image.
How to Play Xerath
Playing Xeratheffectively comes down to understanding the champion's role, combo patterns, and power spikes. As a mage, Xerath benefits from the recommended runes and core items shown above, which reflect the current meta across ranked play.
Strengths & Ally Tips
- It's easier to land Arcanopulse on an enemy when they're moving toward or away from you, rather than side to side.
- Eye of Destruction will make landing Arcanopulse easier as the target will be slowed.
- If you stun an enemy with Shocking Orb, follow up with a guaranteed center hit on Eye of Destruction.
Playing Against Xerath
- Xerath's range can be intimidating, but most champions who close distance with him can trade favorably.
- Xerath takes a long time to engage Rite of the Arcane. Watch for his spellcast animation and start dodging.
- Banshee's Veil will make it much harder for Xerath to land Shocking Orb on you.
Xerath Counters and Matchups
Xerath's toughest matchup this patch is Renekton. Conversely, Xerath performs strongly into Annie.
Difficulty and Who Should Play Xerath
Riot rates Xerath's difficulty at 8/10. Xerath rewards mastery and has a steep learning curve — expect to spend dozens of games before seeing the payoff.