Uploaded October 2012 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
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So much damage! You really can't overestimate just how powerful she's going to be if opponents let her get in range and cast spells. She is really worth playing if you just want to destroy people for a while (though it's hit or miss since there are a couple strong counters to her).
RECOMMENDED BUILD
Summoner Spells: Flash / Ignite
Runes: AP reds, Mana Regen or Armor yellows, Magic Resist blues, Health or AP quints. Actually, do whatever you're most comfortable with as an AP caster (but don't bother with cooldown reduction; it's nice but rarely worth giving something else up for).
Masteries: 21/9/0 with a focus on magic damage in offensive.
Skills: I tend to prioritize R, E, Q, W, with one point in each fairly early. R, Q, E, W is also 100% fine (and often will probably be more reliable for harassment).
ITEMS
With items there is one rule: You should expect to take damage and be focused. Because of this, you should build to survive, not just to burst.
Boots + 3 health potions, followed with 2x Doran's Rings. Sorceror Shoes unless absolutely necessary (i.e. unless you are getting focused way too hard and need mercs or ninja tabi). I'd also strongly recommend a Hextetch Revolver if sustain is any kind of issue (turn this into Will of the Ancients by mid game).
From here you have some choices. Rabadon's should be important, but you can also consider these items for mid or late game:
Rylai's Crystal Scepter -- Despite not getting the full slow, this gives her both survivability and extra 'staying' power. Incredible synergy for her. Get it.
Abyssal Scepter -- More damage, more survivability against incoming magic damage. Great item since you tend to want to be close to opponents.
Zhonya's Hourglass -- Cassiopeia isn't a combo champion and activating the Hourglass can cost you kills. However, it is still a fantastic item that will save you, and it can be particularly good at making up time if you accidentally put Twin Fang on cooldown.
Beyond this, all the usuals apply. Void Staff is great if they're stacking magic resist. If you just can't get blue golem buff, consider some form of mana regeneration. Rod of Ages is decent, but you'll already be picking up a lot of survivability with a Rylai's so I don't explicitly recommend it unless you're swimming in early game money (and still expect you'll need the survivability).
Check out learntheleague.com/ebook to learn about my complete League of Legends book!
So much damage! You really can't overestimate just how powerful she's going to be if opponents let her get in range and cast spells. She is really worth playing if you just want to destroy people for a while (though it's hit or miss since there are a couple strong counters to her).
RECOMMENDED BUILD
Summoner Spells: Flash / Ignite
Runes: AP reds, Mana Regen or Armor yellows, Magic Resist blues, Health or AP quints. Actually, do whatever you're most comfortable with as an AP caster (but don't bother with cooldown reduction; it's nice but rarely worth giving something else up for).
Masteries: 21/9/0 with a focus on magic damage in offensive.
Skills: I tend to prioritize R, E, Q, W, with one point in each fairly early. R, Q, E, W is also 100% fine (and often will probably be more reliable for harassment).
ITEMS
With items there is one rule: You should expect to take damage and be focused. Because of this, you should build to survive, not just to burst.
Boots + 3 health potions, followed with 2x Doran's Rings. Sorceror Shoes unless absolutely necessary (i.e. unless you are getting focused way too hard and need mercs or ninja tabi). I'd also strongly recommend a Hextetch Revolver if sustain is any kind of issue (turn this into Will of the Ancients by mid game).
From here you have some choices. Rabadon's should be important, but you can also consider these items for mid or late game:
Rylai's Crystal Scepter -- Despite not getting the full slow, this gives her both survivability and extra 'staying' power. Incredible synergy for her. Get it.
Abyssal Scepter -- More damage, more survivability against incoming magic damage. Great item since you tend to want to be close to opponents.
Zhonya's Hourglass -- Cassiopeia isn't a combo champion and activating the Hourglass can cost you kills. However, it is still a fantastic item that will save you, and it can be particularly good at making up time if you accidentally put Twin Fang on cooldown.
Beyond this, all the usuals apply. Void Staff is great if they're stacking magic resist. If you just can't get blue golem buff, consider some form of mana regeneration. Rod of Ages is decent, but you'll already be picking up a lot of survivability with a Rylai's so I don't explicitly recommend it unless you're swimming in early game money (and still expect you'll need the survivability).
