
Skarner: In-Depth Champion Guide for League of Legends Patch 15.4.1
Crystal Vanguard of the Brackern, Skarner excels as a resilient jungler and powerful initiator. His combination of crowd control and sustained damage makes him a formidable force in team fights.
Core Abilities Priority
- Q - Crystal Slash
- W - Crystalline Exoskeleton
- E - Fracture
- R - Impale
Optimal Skill Order
- Level 1: Q
- Level 2: E
- Level 3: W
- Max Q > W > E > R
Q provides essential clear speed and sustained damage, making it the primary maxing choice. W second maximization offers better scaling through increased movement speed and shielding.
Recommended Runes
Primary (Resolve):
- Aftershock
- Font of Life
- Conditioning
- Unflinching
Secondary (Inspiration):
- Magical Footwear
- Cosmic Insight
Core Build
Starting Items:
- Emberknife
- Refillable Potion
Essential Items:
- Turbo Chemtank
- Plated Steelcaps/Mercury Treads
- Dead Man's Plate
- Force of Nature
Situational Items:
- Thornmail (vs heavy AD)
- Gargoyle Stoneplate (team fights)
- Randuin's Omen (vs crit teams)
Gameplay Strategy
Early Game:
- Focus on efficient clearing
- Secure Spire control
- Look for E+R ganks on overextended lanes
Mid Game:
- Prioritize objective control
- Engage with W+E combo
- Use ultimate to isolate priority targets
Late Game:
- Initiate team fights
- Peel for carries
- Focus on locking down key targets
Skarner thrives as a frontline initiator with powerful pick potential. His success relies on proper positioning, timing engages, and maximizing Crystal Spire control for enhanced combat capabilities.
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