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Aatrox combos

the Darkin Blade

3 Aatrox combos explained key by key: in which order to cast the abilities, when to use them and what each step does. The main combo is W › Q › AA › E. Further down: every ability's cooldown, cost and range, and the skill max order measured over ranked games.

Aatrox combos

Written guide · based on the official ability texts

The lane trade

Q AA AA

When: An enemy is within chain range.

Infernal Chains damages the first enemy hit and drags them back if they do not leave the area, The Darkin Blade strikes next, your attack benefits from your passive, Umbral Dash repositions you.

The three strikes

When: The enemy is cornered.

Each hit of The Darkin Blade has a different area of effect: chain all three while moving to hit the target.

The team fight

When: A fight begins.

World Ender gives you damage, healing and speed and terrifies nearby minions; its duration is extended if you take part in an enemy champion takedown.

Common mistakes

Casting The Darkin Blade three times in the same place: each strike has a different area.
Using Infernal Chains without giving the enemy time to stay in the area.
Forgetting your passive: it triggers regularly and heals.

Cooldowns, costs and ranges

A combo only comes back once its abilities are off cooldown: these values (rank 1 to max rank, in seconds) tell how long to wait between two combos. Source: Data Dragon 16.19.1.

Ability	Cooldown (s)	Cost	Range
Q · The Darkin Blade	14/12/10/8/6	—	—
W · Infernal Chains	18/16.5/15/13.5/12	—	825
E · Umbral Dash	9/8/7/6/5	—	—
R · World Ender	120/100/80	—	—

Official ability descriptions

PassiveDeathbringer Stance

Periodically, Aatrox's next basic attack deals bonus magic damage and heals him, based on the target's max health.

QThe Darkin Blade

Aatrox slams his greatsword down, dealing physical damage. He can swing three times, each with a different area of effect.

WInfernal Chains

Aatrox smashes the ground, dealing damage to the first enemy hit. Champions and large monsters have to leave the impact area quickly or they will be dragged to the center and take the damage again.

EUmbral Dash

Passively, Aatrox heals when damaging enemy champions. On activation, he dashes in a direction.

RWorld Ender

Aatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended.

Skill order

Max order: Q > E > W51.5% · 68 games

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
Q	●			●	●		●		●
W			●											●	●
E		●						●		●		●	●
R						●					●

The order shows which abilities reach rank 5 first; the grid shows the most-played level-up sequence with that order (measured over 72 games).

Riot's official tips for playing Aatrox

Use Umbral Dash while casting The Darkin Blade to increase your chances of hitting the enemy.
Crowd Control abilities like Infernal Chains or your allies' immobilizing effects will help you set up The Darkin Blade.
Cast World Ender when you are sure you can force a fight.

How to play around Aatrox's combos

Aatrox's attacks are very telegraphed, so use the time to dodge the hit zones.
Aatrox's Infernal Chains are easier to exit when running towards the sides or at Aatrox.
Keep your distance when Aatrox uses his Ultimate to prevent him from reviving.

Frequently asked questions

What is Aatrox's main combo?

The lane trade: W › Q › AA › E. An enemy is within chain range. Infernal Chains damages the first enemy hit and drags them back if they do not leave the area, The Darkin Blade strikes next, your attack benefits from your passive, Umbral Dash repositions you.

Which ability should I max first on Aatrox?

The most-played max order is Q > E > W (68 games, 51.5% win rate).

What is the cooldown of Aatrox's ultimate?

World Ender has a 120/100/80 second cooldown depending on its rank.

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