Skarner Champion Guide: Best Runes, Builds & Strategy for Patch 14.16.1

Skarner Champion Guide: Best Runes, Builds & Strategy for Patch 14.16.1

By Marcus Chen

November 19, 2024 at 04:53 PM

Skarner is a powerful jungle champion who excels at initiation and crowd control. His kit allows him to effectively lock down and isolate key targets while maintaining strong durability.

Abilities Priority:

  1. Q (Crystal Slash) - Max first, primary damage source and jungle clear
  2. W (Crystalline Exoskeleton) - Max second, provides shield and mobility
  3. E (Fracture) - Take at level 2 for CC, max last
  4. R (Impale) - Take at all available levels

Optimal Runes:

  • Primary: Determination
  • Secondary: Inspiration

Core Build Path:

  1. Starting Items:
  • Emberknife
  • Refillable Potion
  1. Core Items:
  • Turbo Chemtank
  • Plated Steelcaps
  • Dead Man's Plate
  1. Situational Items:
  • Force of Nature (vs AP)
  • Randuin's Omen (vs AD/Crit)
  • Thornmail (vs Healing)

Key Strengths:

  • Excellent target lockdown with E stun and R suppress
  • Strong objective control
  • High durability with W shield
  • Reliable engage potential

Gameplay Tips:

  • Use spires in your jungle to gain movement and attack speed
  • Lead with E to apply slow before engaging
  • Save ultimate for priority targets in teamfights
  • Focus on securing objectives with strong single target damage
  • Build tanky to maximize survivability when diving backline

Early Game:

  • Start Q for fastest clear speed
  • Path towards objectives and gank opportunities
  • Look for picks with E + R combo
  • Counter-jungle when spires are active

Late Game:

  • Focus on peeling for carries or engaging on priority targets
  • Use ultimate to create pick opportunities
  • Position to maximize spire bonuses in jungle fights
  • Build defensive items to stay relevant in extended fights

Skarner performs best when played as a tanky initiator who can both protect allies and threaten enemy carries. His unique ability to suppress and reposition targets makes him especially effective at creating advantages for his team.

Related Articles