Nasus Champion Guide: Complete Top Lane Mastery for Patch 14.16.1

Nasus Champion Guide: Complete Top Lane Mastery for Patch 14.16.1

By Marcus Chen

November 19, 2024 at 08:22 PM

Nasus is a scaling top lane fighter who transforms into an unstoppable force through his unique ability to stack damage with Siphoning Strike (Q).

Key Strengths:

  • Infinite scaling potential through Q stacks
  • Strong split pusher and tower destroyer
  • Excellent dueling potential in mid-late game
  • Built-in sustain through passive lifesteal

Ability Priority:

  1. Q (Siphoning Strike) - Main damage source, stack this on minions
  2. W (Wither) - Crucial for catching targets
  3. E (Spirit Fire) - Wave clear and armor reduction
  4. R (Fury of the Sands) - Combat steroid and HP boost

Early Game Strategy:

  • Focus on safely farming Q stacks
  • Use E for ranged matchups or when under heavy pressure
  • Take W at level 4-5 for defensive purposes
  • Avoid unnecessary trades before first item

Core Build Path:

  1. Starting: Doran's Shield + Health Potion
  2. First Back: Sheen
  3. Core Items:
    • Divine Sunderer/Trinity Force
    • Dead Man's Plate
    • Spirit Visage

Situational Items:

  • Thornmail (vs heavy AD/healing)
  • Force of Nature (vs heavy AP)
  • Gargoyle Stoneplate (teamfight survival)

Key Tips:

  • Aim for 150+ stacks by 15 minutes
  • Use W to catch fleeing targets
  • Split push when ultimate is available
  • Focus on objectives after getting core items
  • Play defensively early, scale into mid-game

Runes: Primary (Precision):

  • Conqueror
  • Triumph
  • Legend: Tenacity
  • Last Stand

Secondary (Resolve):

  • Conditioning
  • Unflinching

Summoner Spells:

  • Flash (mandatory)
  • Teleport/Ghost (situational)

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