Darius is a dominant toplane fighter who excels at lane control and team fights. His ability to both deal and absorb damage makes him an excellent choice for climbing ranks up to Platinum and beyond.

Ability Overview:

• Q (Decimate): Primary damage and healing tool
• W (Crippling Strike): Auto-attack reset and slow
• E (Apprehend): Hook and armor penetration
• R (Noxian Guillotine): True damage execute with reset potential

Ability Order:

1. Max Q first (wave clear, sustain, main damage source)
2. Max E second (reduced cooldown, armor penetration)
3. Max W last
4. Take R at levels 6, 11, and 16

Level 1 Strategy:

• Safe matchup: Start Q for lane control
• Aggressive matchup: Start W for early all-in potential (AA-W-AA combo)
• Take E at level 3 for engage/disengage potential

Core Build Path:

1. Starting Items:

   • Doran's Blade + Health Potion
   • Shield + 2 Potions (difficult matchups)

2. Core Items:

   • Trinity Force/Divine Sunderer
   • Dead Man's Plate
   • Force of Nature
   • Sterak's Gage

3. Situational Items:

   • Black Cleaver (vs tanks)
   • Death's Dance (vs AD)
   • Maw of Malmortius (vs AP)
   • Guardian Angel (late game)

Key Strategy Tips:

• Hit outer Q ring for maximum damage and healing
• Use E to both engage and disengage
• Stack passive before using ultimate
• Focus on mobility items to counter kiting
• Build tanky after core damage items
• Use ultimate resets in team fights for multi-kills

Gameplay Focus:

• Dominate lane through trading and zoning
• Control wave to deny enemy CS
• Leverage early game strength for objectives
• Transition into team fight frontline
• Target priority: Tanks > Carries (when stacks are built)

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