Karthus bot lane isn't particularly new, but generally speaking players like to put him in a solo lane to speed him to level six for his game-changing ultimate. However, after Patch 8.23 more players are opting to put him bot lane instead. His kit lends itself very similar to the role that marksmen play, and his current strength makes him a very viable pick. Check out how to do it below!
Maximum Cooldown
Karthus bot lane isn't particularly new, but generally speaking players like to put him in a solo lane to speed him to level six for his game-changing ultimate. However, after Patch 8.23 more players are opting to put him bot lane instead. His kit lends itself very similar to the role that marksmen play, and his current strength makes him a very viable pick. Check out how to do it below!How to Play
Abilities: Q, W, Q, E then prioritize R > Q > E > W
Summoner Spells: Flash + Exhaust
Starting Items: Doran Ring + 2 Potions
Core Items: Luden's Echo, Sorceror's Shoes, Morellonomicon, Rabaddon's Deathcap, Void Staff, Zhonya's Hourglass
Summoner Spells: Flash + Exhaust
Starting Items: Doran Ring + 2 Potions
Core Items: Luden's Echo, Sorceror's Shoes, Morellonomicon, Rabaddon's Deathcap, Void Staff, Zhonya's Hourglass
Rune Setup
How It Works
Powerful Early Game
Compared to marksmen in lane, Karthus has a stronger level one and a stronger level two than most marksmen if he's hitting isolated Lay Waste [Q] shots. Meanwhile, if he picks up his Wall of Pain [W], he reduces his mana regen but greatly increases his kill pressure.
Compared to marksmen in lane, Karthus has a stronger level one and a stronger level two than most marksmen if he's hitting isolated Lay Waste [Q] shots. Meanwhile, if he picks up his Wall of Pain [W], he reduces his mana regen but greatly increases his kill pressure.
Higher Dark Harvest Synergy
Placing Karthus in the bot lane allows him to increase his chances of hitting Dark Harvest procs as a result of having two champions bot lane. If you manage to kill one, the rune reset also gives him a ton of burst and may result in a double kill.
Assassin Avoidance
Placing Karthus bot lane is extremely valuable since it allows him to farm freely and avoid would-be assassins mid like Talon or Leblanc. While enemy bot laners still have kill potential, combining Karthus with a peel support like Sona, Karma, or Rakan gives him a ton more survivability.
Higher Early Burst Damage
This build skips Rod of Ages and Archangels, instead relying on high burst damage to take down enemies quickly coupled with a support. It makes Karthus a bit more of a glass cannon, but puts him in largely the same role as any other marksman.
Placing Karthus in the bot lane allows him to increase his chances of hitting Dark Harvest procs as a result of having two champions bot lane. If you manage to kill one, the rune reset also gives him a ton of burst and may result in a double kill.
Assassin Avoidance
Placing Karthus bot lane is extremely valuable since it allows him to farm freely and avoid would-be assassins mid like Talon or Leblanc. While enemy bot laners still have kill potential, combining Karthus with a peel support like Sona, Karma, or Rakan gives him a ton more survivability.
Higher Early Burst Damage
This build skips Rod of Ages and Archangels, instead relying on high burst damage to take down enemies quickly coupled with a support. It makes Karthus a bit more of a glass cannon, but puts him in largely the same role as any other marksman.
Potential Pitfalls
Mana Reliant
While Luden's will provide a decent amount of mana regen, early game Karthus may find himself running out of mana if the enemy laners are pushing hard and he needs to retaliate by pushing lane as well.
Low Survivability
Karthus' wall is an excellent disengage tool, but once enemies jump on him he has little in the way of survivability and will need to mostly rely on his support. This build is especially squishy and is prone to being camped.
Skillshot Reliant Early Game
Before you can start pressing R and one-shotting squishies, Karthus needs to land significant Q's in order to deal similar damage as marksmen. As a result, players may find difficulty against highly mobile champions like Vayne or Lucian.
Low Tower Damage
One role of marksmen is to chip turrets from a range. As a result of his weak auto attacks and low range, this isn't exactly Karthus' forté.
Low Survivability
Karthus' wall is an excellent disengage tool, but once enemies jump on him he has little in the way of survivability and will need to mostly rely on his support. This build is especially squishy and is prone to being camped.
Skillshot Reliant Early Game
Before you can start pressing R and one-shotting squishies, Karthus needs to land significant Q's in order to deal similar damage as marksmen. As a result, players may find difficulty against highly mobile champions like Vayne or Lucian.
Low Tower Damage
One role of marksmen is to chip turrets from a range. As a result of his weak auto attacks and low range, this isn't exactly Karthus' forté.
Conclusions
Karthus in his current state is easily viable enough to be a bot laner. On paper he looks fine, and is good if your team is lacking magic damage. On the other hand, it could very well be just because he's incredibly powerful right now with the new Dark Harvest rune. Time will tell!
Suggested Tier: Tier 1
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