Xayah Champion Guide: Complete ADC Carry Guide for Patch 15.4.1
Xayah is a Vastayan marksman who excels at controlling space with her deadly feather mechanics. Her unique combination of damage and self-peel makes her particularly effective in solo queue environments.
Core Strengths
- Strong scaling marksman with built-in self-peel
- Excellent lane bully with high early poke damage
- Powerful mid-game power spikes
- Strong counter-engage potential with R -> E combo
Key Weaknesses
- Relatively short attack range
- Struggles against long-range poke champions
- Less effective when enemies kite backward
Ability Priority
- E - Blade Caller (Max first)
- W - Feather Whirl (Max second)
- Q - Twin Feathers (Max last)
- R - Feather Storm (at 6, 11, 16)
Skill Order Strategy
- Level 1: Usually Q for poke, W if playing aggressive with Rakan
- Level 2: E for root potential
- Level 3: Complete basic ability set
Ability Mechanics
- Passive: Attacks after abilities leave feathers that can be recalled with E
- Q: Throws two feathers, good for early poke and feather setup
- W: Increases attack speed and movement speed, crucial for all-ins
- E: Recalls all feathers, dealing damage and potentially rooting enemies
- R: Temporary invulnerability while creating feather pattern
Advanced Tips
- Wait to skill abilities until needed for tactical flexibility
- Combine E with Flash for unexpected feather recall angles
- Use R defensively to dodge crucial abilities and set up counterplay
- Position carefully due to short range, utilizing feather placement for zone control
Core Build Path
- Start: Doran's Blade + Health Potion
- Core Items: Galeforce/Kraken Slayer, Infinity Edge, Bloodthirster
- Situational: Lord Dominik's Regards, Guardian Angel, Mercurial Scimitar
Optimal Playstyle Focus on controlled aggression in lane, using feather placement to zone enemies and set up lethal combinations. In teamfights, maintain safe positioning while looking for opportunities to maximize feather damage through well-timed E activations.
Xayah excels particularly against short-range champions who must approach her feather patterns, but requires careful positioning against long-range threats like Ezreal, Ziggs, or Xerath.