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Recommended Items
Runes: FLEET FOOTWORK
1
2
3
4
Precision
Inspiration
+10% Attack Speed
+9 Adaptive (5.4 AD or 9 AP)
+6 Armor
Spells:
1
2
3
4
Jungle 1 (DEFAULT)
Flash
Mosstomper Smite
Items
Threats & Synergies
Threats
Synergies
Extreme
Major
Even
Minor
Tiny
Show All
None
Low
Ok
Strong
Ideal
Extreme Threats
Ideal Synergies
Rammus
Really annoying matchup. Graves can only get himself and his team ahead, also you can counter jungle him.
Synergies
Ideal
Strong
Ok
Low
None
Champion Build Guide
Combos on Graves
#1. Primary Combo for Surprise Damage
Your go-to combo for unleashing surprise damage involves using "End of the Line" and "Collateral Damage." This combo works best when you position yourself near a wall, as it enables the "End of the Line" ricochet (Q return) to connect as well.
#2. Advanced Combos for Tactical Play
Experiment with these advanced combos in the practice tool to gain a strategic edge:
"End of the Line" + "Flash" for a quick, unexpected maneuver.
"Smoke Screen" + "Flash" and "Collateral Damage" + "Flash" to catch your opponents off guard. Utilize input-buffering for a seamless execution.
#3. Quickdraw Integration with "End of the Line"
During your reload, use "Quickdraw" in conjunction with "End of the Line." Unlike the usual animation lock, this combo allows you to maintain mobility and output damage swiftly.
#4. Surprising Mobility
Discover Graves' unique mobility by dashing over walls with "Quickdraw" and "Collateral Damage." You can even traverse walls that might seem unexpected, such as those around Red Brambleback and Gromp.
#5. Wall Dash Cancellation
Cancel the dash animation by directing "Quickdraw" into a wall. This tactic enables you to land basic attacks on enemies and clear camps more efficiently.
#6. Faster Damage Output
Maximize your damage output by canceling your second basic attack with "Quickdraw." For example, follow this sequence: AA + AA + "Quickdraw" + AA. Using "Quickdraw" quickly after your initial basic attack will reduce the cooldown of "Quickdraw."
#7. Smoke Screen Animation Control
You have the power to cancel the animation of "Smoke Screen" with "End of the Line," "Quickdraw," and "Flash," granting you enhanced control in various situations.
#8. Oracle Lens Utilization
Certain matchups demand effective use of your Oracle Lens. For instance, you can employ it to spot champions like Kha'Zix or Shaco while they are in stealth. This not only allows you to land "Collateral Damage" for damage but also helps you distance yourself from them in melee range.
#9. Targeting Through Wards
Make the most of your abilities by shooting through Stealth Wards and Control Wards. Simply focus your attack on the ward, and it will pass through it, consuming only one pellet from your attack.
Your go-to combo for unleashing surprise damage involves using "End of the Line" and "Collateral Damage." This combo works best when you position yourself near a wall, as it enables the "End of the Line" ricochet (Q return) to connect as well.
#2. Advanced Combos for Tactical Play
Experiment with these advanced combos in the practice tool to gain a strategic edge:
"End of the Line" + "Flash" for a quick, unexpected maneuver.
"Smoke Screen" + "Flash" and "Collateral Damage" + "Flash" to catch your opponents off guard. Utilize input-buffering for a seamless execution.
#3. Quickdraw Integration with "End of the Line"
During your reload, use "Quickdraw" in conjunction with "End of the Line." Unlike the usual animation lock, this combo allows you to maintain mobility and output damage swiftly.
#4. Surprising Mobility
Discover Graves' unique mobility by dashing over walls with "Quickdraw" and "Collateral Damage." You can even traverse walls that might seem unexpected, such as those around Red Brambleback and Gromp.
#5. Wall Dash Cancellation
Cancel the dash animation by directing "Quickdraw" into a wall. This tactic enables you to land basic attacks on enemies and clear camps more efficiently.
#6. Faster Damage Output
Maximize your damage output by canceling your second basic attack with "Quickdraw." For example, follow this sequence: AA + AA + "Quickdraw" + AA. Using "Quickdraw" quickly after your initial basic attack will reduce the cooldown of "Quickdraw."
#7. Smoke Screen Animation Control
You have the power to cancel the animation of "Smoke Screen" with "End of the Line," "Quickdraw," and "Flash," granting you enhanced control in various situations.
#8. Oracle Lens Utilization
Certain matchups demand effective use of your Oracle Lens. For instance, you can employ it to spot champions like Kha'Zix or Shaco while they are in stealth. This not only allows you to land "Collateral Damage" for damage but also helps you distance yourself from them in melee range.
#9. Targeting Through Wards
Make the most of your abilities by shooting through Stealth Wards and Control Wards. Simply focus your attack on the ward, and it will pass through it, consuming only one pellet from your attack.
When and how to gank
I've noticed many questions regarding the challenges of successful ganks while playing Graves. Given that Graves is a ranged champion with limited crowd control (CC) capabilities, except for a suboptimal slow, here are some strategies to consider:
#1. Strategic Approach
Prioritize covering as much ground as possible before arriving for a gank. Avoid walking directly towards the enemy; instead, circle around them to maximize autoattack time and minimize travel time.
Be creative with your ganking paths. For example, when playing on the blue side, consider jumping over the Baron Nashor pit to surprise the enemy toplaner from behind.
#2. Prevent Escapes
When ganking, especially from behind, be mindful of preventing the enemy from dashing away to escape. Anticipate the best pathing to execute an effective gank.
#3. Minion Wave Awareness
Consider the timing of the next minion wave. While not the top priority, Graves doesn't excel in fighting within minion waves. This is something to keep in mind, particularly in the early game.
#4. Rune and Smite Utilization
Leverage Phase Rush, Nimbus Cloak, and Fleet Footwork runes to chase down enemies. Choose Red Smite for increased damage or Blue Smite to slow opponents. These runes empower you to maintain close proximity to your target and deal significant damage. However, exercise caution in getting too close to high-threat opponents, as surviving and preserving jungle efficiency are paramount.
#5. Strategic Smoke Screen Placement
Instead of immediately using Smoke Screen on top of the enemy, consider positioning it slightly ahead of their path, forcing them to walk through it. This way, they'll be slowed and blinded for an extended duration if they choose that route. Ensure you still hit them with the edge of your Smoke Screen.
#6. Towerdiving Considerations
While towerdiving is not impossible for Graves, keep in mind that towers and minions can obstruct your autoattacks, preventing them from reaching the enemy. Plan your dives carefully.
#7. Wait for Enemy Escapes
Apply this general principle for all junglers: wait for the enemy to use their escape abilities. For instance, if Renekton and Galio just used their dashes on the enemy laner, they become easier to catch.
#8. Capitalize on Lane Pressure
If your laners are consistently pushing their lanes, it creates opportunities for you to invade, dive the enemy, or secure objectives. In higher ranks, players consider factors like positioning, health bars, and the state of the lane (minion wave position, etc.) before committing to a gank, a concept known as foresight.
#9. Assess Gank Feasibility
If a gank seems impossible or overly risky, don't waste your time and potentially jeopardize the game. Instead, focus on other lanes and farm to bolster your own strength. Once you've established a lead, you can attempt to outplay the fed opponent using your advantage.
#1. Strategic Approach
Prioritize covering as much ground as possible before arriving for a gank. Avoid walking directly towards the enemy; instead, circle around them to maximize autoattack time and minimize travel time.
Be creative with your ganking paths. For example, when playing on the blue side, consider jumping over the Baron Nashor pit to surprise the enemy toplaner from behind.
#2. Prevent Escapes
When ganking, especially from behind, be mindful of preventing the enemy from dashing away to escape. Anticipate the best pathing to execute an effective gank.
#3. Minion Wave Awareness
Consider the timing of the next minion wave. While not the top priority, Graves doesn't excel in fighting within minion waves. This is something to keep in mind, particularly in the early game.
#4. Rune and Smite Utilization
Leverage Phase Rush, Nimbus Cloak, and Fleet Footwork runes to chase down enemies. Choose Red Smite for increased damage or Blue Smite to slow opponents. These runes empower you to maintain close proximity to your target and deal significant damage. However, exercise caution in getting too close to high-threat opponents, as surviving and preserving jungle efficiency are paramount.
#5. Strategic Smoke Screen Placement
Instead of immediately using Smoke Screen on top of the enemy, consider positioning it slightly ahead of their path, forcing them to walk through it. This way, they'll be slowed and blinded for an extended duration if they choose that route. Ensure you still hit them with the edge of your Smoke Screen.
#6. Towerdiving Considerations
While towerdiving is not impossible for Graves, keep in mind that towers and minions can obstruct your autoattacks, preventing them from reaching the enemy. Plan your dives carefully.
#7. Wait for Enemy Escapes
Apply this general principle for all junglers: wait for the enemy to use their escape abilities. For instance, if Renekton and Galio just used their dashes on the enemy laner, they become easier to catch.
#8. Capitalize on Lane Pressure
If your laners are consistently pushing their lanes, it creates opportunities for you to invade, dive the enemy, or secure objectives. In higher ranks, players consider factors like positioning, health bars, and the state of the lane (minion wave position, etc.) before committing to a gank, a concept known as foresight.
#9. Assess Gank Feasibility
If a gank seems impossible or overly risky, don't waste your time and potentially jeopardize the game. Instead, focus on other lanes and farm to bolster your own strength. Once you've established a lead, you can attempt to outplay the fed opponent using your advantage.
Runes
Graves' rune choices can be a bit perplexing, so let's break down the basics. Remember to check the notes at the top of this page (the little pencil icon) for additional information.
Fleet Footwork
More effective than Phase Rush in the later stages of the game because it scales well.
Grants healing and a bit of movement speed, which synergizes with the tanky items you've built.
Allows you to delve into the Precision tree, enhancing its versatility.
Electrocute
Typically chosen for midlane Graves, especially if you engage in frequent trades.
Boasts a short 20-second cooldown, catching opponents off guard with its burst damage.
Dark Harvest
Thrives against squishy team compositions and works well with early Lethality builds to snowball.
A viable alternative to Electrocute, especially in jungle scenarios, as Dark Harvest scales and resets on kills, granting multiple uses in extended fights.
Conqueror
Not recommended for jungle or midlane Graves. Conqueror takes too long to stack and isn't as effective as other options.
Secondary Rune Choices (flexible for Graves):
Precision
In the Precision tree, combine two of the following: Triumph, Overheal, Legend: Alacrity or Legend: Tenacity, Legend: Bloodline, Coup de Grace, and Last Stand.
An early-game focus is often preferred, like pairing Legend: Alacrity with Coup de Grace.
Domination
Within the Domination tree, choose between Treasure Hunter and Relentless Hunter.
Zombie Ward is favored over Eyeball Collection in higher ranks due to increased warding.
Sudden Impact synergizes well with Graves in the early game.
Sorcery
In the Sorcery tree, consider Nimbus Cloak with Waterwalking, Absolute Focus, and Gathering Storm (scaling), or Nullifying Orb and Waterwalking.
Resolve
In the Resolve tree, Second Wind paired with Revitalize provides excellent healing in midlane, especially when combined with Fleet Footwork.
Opt for Bone Plating in all-in melee matchups where opponents lack escape abilities or Conditioning for scaling.
Inspiration
In the Inspiration Tree, you can opt for Magical Footwear and Future's Market or Magical Footwear with Cosmic Insight.
Graves offers numerous rune options, catering to your playstyle and the enemy team composition. Take your time in champion select to choose runes that best suit the specific game. The choice between an attack speed rune shard or double adaptive force rune shards can be tailored to your preference, bearing in mind that Attack Speed is more beneficial in the early game. And, don't forget to switch to a magic resist rune shard when necessary.
As for smite, the choice of green, red, or blue smite depends on your personal preferences, with green often considered the most consistent option.
Fleet Footwork
More effective than Phase Rush in the later stages of the game because it scales well.
Grants healing and a bit of movement speed, which synergizes with the tanky items you've built.
Allows you to delve into the Precision tree, enhancing its versatility.
Electrocute
Typically chosen for midlane Graves, especially if you engage in frequent trades.
Boasts a short 20-second cooldown, catching opponents off guard with its burst damage.
Dark Harvest
Thrives against squishy team compositions and works well with early Lethality builds to snowball.
A viable alternative to Electrocute, especially in jungle scenarios, as Dark Harvest scales and resets on kills, granting multiple uses in extended fights.
Conqueror
Not recommended for jungle or midlane Graves. Conqueror takes too long to stack and isn't as effective as other options.
Secondary Rune Choices (flexible for Graves):
Precision
In the Precision tree, combine two of the following: Triumph, Overheal, Legend: Alacrity or Legend: Tenacity, Legend: Bloodline, Coup de Grace, and Last Stand.
An early-game focus is often preferred, like pairing Legend: Alacrity with Coup de Grace.
Domination
Within the Domination tree, choose between Treasure Hunter and Relentless Hunter.
Zombie Ward is favored over Eyeball Collection in higher ranks due to increased warding.
Sudden Impact synergizes well with Graves in the early game.
Sorcery
In the Sorcery tree, consider Nimbus Cloak with Waterwalking, Absolute Focus, and Gathering Storm (scaling), or Nullifying Orb and Waterwalking.
Resolve
In the Resolve tree, Second Wind paired with Revitalize provides excellent healing in midlane, especially when combined with Fleet Footwork.
Opt for Bone Plating in all-in melee matchups where opponents lack escape abilities or Conditioning for scaling.
Inspiration
In the Inspiration Tree, you can opt for Magical Footwear and Future's Market or Magical Footwear with Cosmic Insight.
Graves offers numerous rune options, catering to your playstyle and the enemy team composition. Take your time in champion select to choose runes that best suit the specific game. The choice between an attack speed rune shard or double adaptive force rune shards can be tailored to your preference, bearing in mind that Attack Speed is more beneficial in the early game. And, don't forget to switch to a magic resist rune shard when necessary.
As for smite, the choice of green, red, or blue smite depends on your personal preferences, with green often considered the most consistent option.
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