Combos · Mid

Xerath combos

the Magus Ascendant

3 Xerath 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 Q › W › E. Further down: every ability's cooldown, cost and range, and the skill max order measured over ranked games.

Xerath combos

Written guide · based on the official ability texts

Harassment

When: An enemy is within range.

Arcanopulse deals damage in a line, Eye of Destruction slows (more in the center), Shocking Orb stuns and damages.

The control stun

When: An enemy dives you.

Shocking Orb stuns first, then Eye of Destruction and Arcanopulse do the damage.

The siege ultimate

When: Enemies are visible at long range.

Rite of the Arcane roots you to fire several barrages: cast it when you are protected.

Common mistakes

Casting the ultimate with no protection: you are rooted while firing.
Wasting Shocking Orb: it is your only stun.
Neglecting mana: your attacks restore it regularly.

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 · Arcanopulse	9/8/7/6/5	80/90/100/110/120 Mana	750
W · Eye of Destruction	14/13/12/11/10	80/90/100/110/120 Mana	1000
E · Shocking Orb	13/12.5/12/11.5/11	60/65/70/75/80 Mana	1050
R · Rite of the Arcane	130/115/100	100 Mana	5000

Official ability descriptions

PassiveMana Surge

Xerath's basic attacks periodically restore Mana. Whenever Xerath kills a unit, this cooldown is reduced.

QArcanopulse

Fires a long-range beam of energy, dealing magic damage to all targets hit.

WEye of Destruction

Calls down a barrage of arcane energy, slowing and dealing magic damage to all enemies in an area. Targets in the middle receive additional damage and a stronger slow.

EShocking Orb

Deals magic damage to an enemy and stuns them.

RRite of the Arcane

Xerath immobilizes himself and gains numerous long-range barrages.

Skill order

Max order: Q > W > E42.9% · 56 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 61 games).

Riot's official tips for playing Xerath

It's easier to land Arcanopulse on an enemy when they're moving toward or away from you, rather than side to side.
Eye of Destruction will make landing Arcanopulse easier as the target will be slowed.
If you stun an enemy with Shocking Orb, follow up with a guaranteed center hit on Eye of Destruction.

How to play around Xerath's combos

Xerath's range can be intimidating, but most champions who close distance with him can trade favorably.
Xerath takes a long time to engage Rite of the Arcane. Watch for his spellcast animation and start dodging.
Banshee's Veil will make it much harder for Xerath to land Shocking Orb on you.

Frequently asked questions

What is Xerath's main combo?

Harassment: Q › W › E. An enemy is within range. Arcanopulse deals damage in a line, Eye of Destruction slows (more in the center), Shocking Orb stuns and damages.

Which ability should I max first on Xerath?

The most-played max order is Q > W > E (56 games, 42.9% win rate).

What is the cooldown of Xerath's ultimate?

Rite of the Arcane has a 130/115/100 second cooldown depending on its rank.

Build, runes and counters: full Xerath guide · every champion's combos · tier list