Karthus

Karthus mid is wave control + scaling. Start Doran's Ring + 2 pots. Push wave with AoE abilities — deny enemy CS and force tower farming.

Karthus doesn't burst — instead, chip enemy with sustained poke and threaten zone control. Track jungler; control mages have weak escape.

Luden's Companion + Sorcerer's Shoes is your spike. Karthus controls fights from 700+ range with zone abilities (Q AoE, R initiate). Roam side lanes post-6 with cross-map R.

Shadowflame 2nd item for magic pen. Zhonya's 3rd vs dive comp. Sustained pressure > burst — control mages outscale.

Backline zone-control. Stand mid-line at 800+ range. Zone with W/E AoE, R as engage or peel. Karthus outscales most matchups — late-game DPS > early-game burst.

Rabadon's + Void Staff 4-5th = max AP damage. Avoid getting caught — squishy = die in 2 hits. Stand near tank ally always.

Scale to 3-4 items → control teamfights → carry 5v5. Karthus doesn't snowball; you win by item economy.

Win: 8 CS/min + 4-item completion by 25min. Lose to: assassins who shut down scaling (Zed, Talon) — need defensive Zhonya's first.

Level 2 — full zone combo unlocked. Level 6 — R for first major teamfight tool. Luden's Companion (1st item) — wave clear + burst proc. Sorcerer's Shoes — magic pen. Level 11 — R rank 2 + 2-3 items = teamfight carry. Rabadon's Deathcap (5th item) — 35% AP amplifier.

Combos:

• Q (zone) -> auto -> W (AoE) = sustained chip
• E (CC) -> Q -> R = guaranteed combo on rooted target
• Use R as engage AND peel — flexibility decides teamfights

Anti-tips:

• Don't burst trade — control mages outsustain, not outburst
• Don't engage solo — wait for tank engage first
• Don't waste R on bad angle — wait for clean shot

Pro tricks:

• Arcane Comet keystone procs every Q at max range
• Push wave under tower mid-game, then roam with TP
• Stand on top side of map for top lane TP support