Xerath
Matchup Summary
Xerath is a very hard match up for Renekton to do much into, as Xerath's high range and safe playstyle removes most of Renekton's early aggression. Renekton's main way of being able to kill or force plays against Xerath, requires him to play the wave states on his side of the map, forcing himself to use his double dashes to reach and avoid Xerath's stun. Renekton can rush Mercury Treads into Xerath to help him survive against his damage and stun timer, however most of the plays will only available if Xerath over extends. As Renekton the best thing to do is simply look for Xerath to make a mistake, or play off any accessible fights within the early game, as playing around your team and objectives are your main win conditions as Renekton.
Detailed Tips
- 01
Play For Sustain Early - Within the early game Xerath's poke can really create a troubling time for Renekton. Use D Shield and second wind to outsustain and mana burn Xerath through his ability usage.
- 02
Play For Movement - A large portion of this matchup is trying to dodge Xerath's incoming abilities, while also trying to create strategic E dashes to reach Xerath. Dashing from the side, or when he least expects it from minions can allow you to reach Xerath and apply your damage. With that said, try to avoid his damage by doing short clicks in and out the minion wave, to help you bait abilities and create openings for trades.
- 03
Play For Ganks - Xerath can be pretty tough to reach, however if your jungler is in position to gank you can try to double dash and stun Xerath as long as you don't get hit by his E. This isn't easy, but it is a very specific moment you're able to leverage some power in the match up.
- 04
Quick Trades - E > Q > AA > W > AA > E Out / E > Q > W > E / E Q E - These combos allow for Renekton to get quick damage off in being able to keep health up and whittling his opponent down, use these to get your laner low and look for a low HP kill with flash.
- 05
Contest Wave Crashes - A lot of this match up is simply about crashing waves, as Renekton you want to constantly try to shove the wave and look to roam with your jungler. While roaming from mid is hard vs Xerath's pushing power, try to hard push off waves and test the waters if there is an opportunity within this time. This is one way that you’re able to gain a lead over him if you’re unable to make much of anything through the laning phase.
- 06
Respect Xerath R - Xerath will always try to look for R plays to enable his presence on the map. Try to take winnable fights or force fights while Xerath is low mana, or isn't on that side of the map.
- 07
Build Mercury Treads, Eclipse, Stridebreaker or Profane - Go Mercury Treads to lower Xerath’s overall damage and CC duration/ / Go Eclipse for consistent power through mid game and damage mitigation with the shield. / Go Stridebreaker to cripple Xerath’s mobility and provide teammates with additional utility. / Go Profane for full damage focused playstyles.
- 08
Midgame + Teamfighting Tips - Xerath in the mid game will play to utilise his range to try and burst and one shot your teammates. Try to force fights and soak up the damage building defensive items, within the fights try to lock down Xerath and buy time for your teammates to play back to front. Eventually look for Baron to help you push against Xerath’s wave clear to help you end the game vs him.