
Sylas: Ultimate Thief Champion Guide - Master the Demacian Rogue
AP Skirmisher and mage thief, Sylas excels at using enemy ultimates to create unique opportunities in combat. Originally a Demacian magic seeker turned revolutionary, he now wields stolen magic against his former kingdom.
Core Abilities & Mechanics:
Passive - Petricite Vortex
- After using abilities, Sylas's next auto attack deals bonus magic damage
- Grants increased attack speed while charges are available
Ability Priority
- W (Kingslayer)
- E (Abscond/Abduct)
- Q (Chain Lash)
Ability Order & Usage
- Start with E for early skirmishing potential and double passive proc
- Take Q at level 2 for jungle clear and ganking
- Max W first for increased sustain and damage
- Ultimate (Hijack) steals enemy ultimates with separate cooldowns
Key Combos
- Basic Gank: E → Q → E → AA
- Extended Trade: E → W → AA → Q → E → AA
- W can be Flash-buffered for surprise engages
Item Build Path
Starting Items:
Starting Items
Core Items:
Core Items
Situational Items:
Situational Items
Build focuses on AP, ability haste, and magic penetration to maximize burst potential and ultimate stealing frequency.
Playstyle Tips
- Assess enemy ultimates and prioritize stealing AoE or self-buff abilities
- Use W strategically for sustain and execute damage
- Chain abilities to maximize passive procs
- Adapt playstyle based on stolen ultimate (engage, assassin, or AoE damage)
- Not recommended for new players due to complex ultimate mechanics
Power Spikes
- Level 3: Full basic combo available
- Level 9: W maxed, strongest midgame phase
- Key item completions: First mythic item, Zhonya's Hourglass
Sylas reaches peak effectiveness in the mid-game, where ultimate stealing and sustain allow for aggressive skirmishing and objective control.