Karthus is a powerful AP mage known for his global presence and sustained damage output. His unique passive "Defy Death" allows him to continue casting spells for 7 seconds after death, making him a constant threat in teamfights.

Core Abilities:

• Q (Devastate): Primary damage and farming tool. Deals double damage to isolated targets
• W (Wall of Pain): Creates a wall that slows enemies and reduces magic resistance by 15%
• E (Defile): Toggleable AoE damage, restores mana when killing units
• R (Requiem): Global ultimate that damages all enemy champions

Optimal Skill Order: Q > E > W (Max R whenever possible)

• Level 1-3: Q > E > Q/W
• Early second point in E possible for better mana sustain

Lane Strategy:

• Focus on farming with Q
• Leverage isolated Q hits for maximum damage
• Use wall of pain for ganks and teamfight setup
• Conserve mana early game until Lost Chapter

Team Role:

• Excels as the primary AP threat in AD-heavy teams
• Strong AoE damage dealer
• Global pressure with ultimate
• Effective in teamfights even after death

Build Path Priorities:

1. Mana sustain
2. Ability Power
3. Magic Penetration
4. Ability Haste

Key Strengths:

• Exceptional waveclear
• Strong level 1 all-in potential
• Global map presence
• Consistent DPS even after death

Weaknesses:

• Mana dependent early game
• Immobile
• Skill-shot reliant
• Vulnerable to dive compositions

Karthus performs best when paired with crowd control-heavy supports and excels in team compositions that can lock down enemies for his area damage abilities.

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