A powerful AP jungler, Karthus excels at farming quickly and providing global pressure with his ultimate ability Requiem. He's particularly effective as the sole AP damage source in AD-heavy team compositions.

Core Strengths:

• Fast jungle clear speed
• Global map presence
• High sustained damage output
• Strong late-game scaling
• Can cast abilities while dead

Ability Priority:

1. Q (Lay Waste)
2. E (Defile)
3. W (Wall of Pain)
4. R (Requiem)

Optimal Skill Order:

• Start Q > E > Q for efficient clearing
• Take W at level 3 if early fights are expected
• Max order: Q > E > W

Key Runes:

• Domination (Primary)
• Precision (Secondary)

Core Items:

• Starting: Hailblade + Refillable Potion
• Core Build: Liandry's Anguish > Sorcerer's Shoes > Shadowflame
• Situational: Zhonya's Hourglass, Void Staff, Rabadon's Deathcap

Early Game Strategy:

• Focus on efficient full clearing
• Use Q for single-target damage (deals double damage)
• E helps clear small camp monsters
• Look for global ultimate opportunities to assist lanes
• Conserve mana for important objectives and fights

Tips for Success:

• Position Q carefully to maximize single-target damage
• Use Wall of Pain to reduce enemy magic resistance
• Coordinate ultimate timing with team engages
• Don't be afraid to die in teamfights - your passive is powerful
• Prioritize farm and objectives over risky early ganks

This champion particularly shines in compositions needing AP damage and works best when enemies are unlikely to build heavy magic resistance.

Related Articles

Previous Articles