Karthus is a powerful AP mage who excels at dealing consistent damage and maintaining global map presence. His unique ability to continue casting spells after death makes him a formidable threat in team fights.

Core Abilities:

Passive - Death Defied Allows Karthus to cast spells for 7 seconds after death.

Q - Lay Waste

• 0.5-second delayed explosion dealing magic damage
• Deals double damage to single targets
• Primary farming and trading tool
• Exceptional level 1 all-in potential

W - Wall of Pain

• Creates a 5-second wall granting vision
• Slows enemies crossing it for 4 seconds
• Reduces enemy magic resistance by 15%

E - Defile

• Passive: Restores mana when killing units
• Active: Deals persistent AoE magic damage
• Can be toggled on/off

R - Requiem Global ultimate ability dealing magic damage to all enemy champions

Skill Order Priority:

1. Q - Lay Waste (Max first)
2. E - Defile (Max second)
3. W - Wall of Pain (Max last)
4. R - Requiem (Level at 6, 11, 16)

Early Game Level Order:

• Level 1: Q
• Level 2: E
• Level 3: Q
• Level 4: W Alternative: Take second E point at level 3 if mana sustain needed

Optimal Conditions:

• Excels in AD-heavy teams as sole AP threat
• Strong when enemies build minimal magic resistance
• Powerful with CC-heavy support champions
• Effective at both farming and team fighting

Core Items:

• Lost Chapter (Early mana sustain)
• Focus on AP, ability haste, and magic penetration items
• Build damage-over-time items for maximum effectiveness

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