
Xerath Support Champion Guide: Master The Long-range Artillery Mage
Xerath is a long-range mage support who excels at poking enemies and controlling fights from a safe distance. His high damage output and crowd control abilities make him a potential carry from the support role.
Abilities Priority:
- Max R > Q > W > E
- Start W at level 1
- Take Q at level 2
- Get E at level 3
Passive - Mana Surge:
- Auto-attacks restore mana every 16 seconds
- Cooldown reduced by 2.5 seconds when killing units
- Essential for managing high mana costs early game
Core Abilities:
- Q (Arcanopulse): Main damage source, long-range poke
- W (Eye of Destruction): AOE damage and slow
- E (Shocking Orb): Single-target stun
- R (Rite of the Arcane): Long-range artillery strikes
Key Combos:
- Poke Combo: W > Q (Use slow to land Q)
- Standard CC: E > W > Q
- Burst Combo: W > E > Q
- Advanced: Q > Flash (extends Q range)
Strengths:
- Exceptional long-range poke
- Strong lane control
- High burst damage potential
- Good catch potential with E+W combo
Weaknesses:
- Skill-shot dependent
- Immobile and vulnerable to dive
- Requires good positioning
- Susceptible to high-mobility champions
Tips:
- Use W's slow to set up other abilities
- Save E for self-peel against divers
- Position safely behind team
- Use ultimate to snipe low-health targets or zone enemies
- Focus on consistent poke damage before all-ins
Core Items:
- Start: Spellthief's Edge
- Core: Liandry's Anguish, Shadowflame
- Situational: Void Staff, Rabadon's Deathcap
When to Pick:
- Against immobile compositions
- When team needs magic damage
- When lane opponent lacks sustain
- If team needs long-range siege potential
Success with Xerath support requires mastering skillshot accuracy, positioning, and mana management. Focus on consistent poke damage while maintaining safe distance from threats.