In April 2024, League of Legends is gearing up to unveil a completely reimagined version of Skarner. This ambitious project to revitalize the much-criticized scorpion champion has been in development since the winter of 2022. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into effective strategies for playing as Skarner, as well as the best items and runes that will elevate his gameplay and help you dominate the Rift.
Table of Contents
Skarner’s abilities and proper pumping
Skarner is the best gift for players who like to feel like a support for the team, playing as a tank or a fighter in the jungle. The abilities will give a high priority on opponents, causing decent damage, but also reliably controlling opponents, which can show his competence in the style. The most interesting thing is his updated super ability. Previously, he could only take one target hostage, but now Skarner can hold three at once! He clearly has enough strength to turn any round, even if you are losing with your team. This change makes him even more important for those who like to influence the course of the match and will give the best defense to his team decisive advantages.
Shiver (Passive Ability)
Skarner’s basic attacks, along with all his abilities, inflict a status known as Tremor on his enemies. Once the charges reach their peak, foes take periodic magic damage that scales with their health. This means that the more health they have, the more damage they receive over time.
This ability is quite straightforward, yet it complements Skarner’s playstyle perfectly. It allows him to maintain control over his targets effectively, while also consistently dealing extra damage. This dual functionality is incredibly beneficial for his team during skirmishes and larger battles, making him a valuable asset on the battlefield.
Broken Earth / Shock (Q)
The first part of this ability gives Skarner the power to lift a boulder from the ground, which enhances his next three auto-attacks significantly. The second part of the ability allows him to hurl this rock, dealing substantial damage and slowing the target in the process.
This skill serves as Skarner’s primary tool for not only clearing jungle camps but also for dealing damage in fights. By using the stone throw effectively, you can chase down enemies trying to escape or unleash enhanced auto-attacks on opponents who are under control effects. It’s highly recommended to prioritize leveling this skill first, as it will greatly enhance Skarner’s overall effectiveness in both farming and combat situations.
Seismic Bastion (W)
Skarner absorbs the power of the earth itself, and for a moment his body seems to be filled with primal power. A protective shield flares up around him, and the earth begins to tremble, as if from the breath of an ancient creature. A wave of colossal energy spills out around, which can splash onto enemies and slow their movement.
This defense is not a secret – this is the moment when Skarner shows that he is the master of the arena. As soon as each roll of tremors comes, he seems to declare to the enemies: “This is my land, and you will not pass.” The ability develops his process in battle with a strong blow that is capable of crushing strong heroes in competition.
Using this skill as a second priority is extremely important: it will help you survive when clearing the jungle, save health and give a decisive advantage in early skirmishes, when every second and every drop of stamina is at stake.
The offensive of Ishtal (E)
Skarner’s speed increases, his movements becoming fast and predatory, like a creature driven by ancient instincts. He glides along the ground, almost becoming one with it, until he finds his target. The next moment, he charges forward, and the first enemy or monster that crosses his path is caught in his iron claws. But that’s just where the horror begins. Skarner drags his prey along with him until he and them crash into a wall, crushing them with a painful blow. The effect stuns the enemy, leaving them defenseless and open to further attacks.
This ability is the icing on the cake in the arsenal. It can change the outcome of a fight, give your team a chance to win, or get you out of a hopeless situation. With it, Skarner can organize a deadly gank, keep his allies safe, or make a tactical retreat in the heat of the moment. Moreover, it silences enemies, preventing them from casting spells in critical seconds. Use Ish’tal’s Advance with cold calculation: it has a long cooldown, and each charge must be considered. Ideally, combine this skill with your ultimate to open the fight with an aggressive strike and immediately deprive your enemies of a chance to respond.
Impale (R)
Skarner’s ultimate, Impale, is the one time you’ll be too dangerous to deal with directly in a fire fight. Think about it: you charge forward, rip the ground with your claws, and impale up to three enemy champions in a tight cone in front of you! With one powerful dash, Skarner pulls them in, immobilizing them, and turning them into easy pickings.
It’s important to remember that Impale is now a skill hit, meaning it requires a short charge before activating. In combat, this gives you a few tense seconds where your heart skips a beat: either you hit the target or you miss it. To increase your chances of success, play smart: slow enemies down with abilities or items first, or negotiate with your team to share control. There’s nothing more satisfying than when your support throws up a control, and you rush in and take out three at once – the enemies won’t even understand what happened.
Skarner’s skill development
To feel the full power of a real scorpion, start by maxing out your Q ability. This thing is your main “stinger”: with each level, the cooldown decreases and the damage increases, turning you into a real melee monster.
After that, move on to W. Why? Because additional protection and movement speed will allow you not only to survive in fights, but also to catch up with elusive enemies. The shorter the cooldown, the more often you can rush into battles and get out of them alive.
The ultimate ability (R) is a priority always and everywhere. Every time “Pierce” becomes available, take it without hesitation. It is this that makes Skarner a terrible opponent and opens up a crazy chance with an outcome in favor of the team.
Looking at E, save it for last. Upgrade it last to complete your toolkit: slows, control, and damage will complement your playstyle perfectly.
Runes on Skarner
Skarner has all the makings of a terrifying beast on the battlefield, and that’s largely thanks to his three keystone runes: Conqueror, Grasp of the Undying, and Phase Rush. With the War Machine just around the corner, Conqueror is a great choice. It increases Skarner’s damage output as skirmishes drag on, making him a force to be reckoned with.
For those who prefer a more defensive style, Grasp of the Undying is a great choice. It increases survivability and allows you to soak up damage while protecting your teammates and staying on the front lines even in the most heated moments of battle. Phase Rush opens up a whole new playstyle, making Skarner incredibly mobile. Imagine yourself shifting positions, suddenly rushing forward, and using your ultimate when the enemy least expects it.
Item builds for Skarner
Skarner is the quintessence of the role of a tank-initiator, but you should not underestimate his damage potential. This opens up space for experimenting with builds:
If your team lacks a solid frontline, you can build Skarner as a survivable shield that takes damage and opens up space for allies.
If the problem is a lack of damage, there is an alternative: a build that enhances his attacking potential, turning the scorpion pet into a serious threat to even the most persistent opponents. When choosing a playstyle, pay attention to your own habits and mood. Do you want to be an impenetrable wall or a hunter who suddenly bursts in and takes a key target? Skarner allows both options.
Examples of ready-made builds:
Against mixed damage:
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Sunfire Aegis ⇒ Armored Boots ⇒ Heart of Steel ⇒ Jac’Shaw the Multifarious ⇒ Keynic Ruckern ⇒ Spiked Armor.
Against physical damage:
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Sunfire Aegis ⇒ Armored Boots ⇒ Heart of Steel ⇒ Frostborn Gauntlet ⇒ Ice Heart ⇒ Spiked Armor.
Against magical damage:
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Netherglow ⇒ Armored Boots ⇒ Heart of Steel ⇒ Keynic Ruckern ⇒ Jac’Shaw the Multifarious ⇒ Force of Nature.
What will work better against Skarner
Skarner is most often played as a jungler, so finding a universal counter to him is quite difficult. But this does not mean that he is invulnerable! In the early game, he feels insecure, especially against aggressive junglers like Kha’Zix, Lee Sin or Vi – they can easily force a fight on him, outsmart him and leave him without resources. If your playstyle is aggressive, try to exploit this weakness and punish him for every wrong move.
On the other hand, in order to fully unleash Skarner’s activity, he needs allies with strong crowd control. Champions like Leona, Nautilus, Veigar, Lux, Morgana and Braum are ideal for forming big combos: they lock the enemy, and Skarner literally drags them into the arms of his team. In such moments, playing him will have the best effect on matches.
However, do not forget that the same logic works against you. If these champions are on the enemy team, they can seriously complicate your life. Their CC chains easily interrupt your attempts to grab the enemy carry with your ultimate, making teamfights much more tense and requiring careful timing of your dives.
Skarner’s Playing Style
This champion truly shines both in the jungle and on the top lane, showcasing versatility in gameplay. However, for the purpose of this article, we’ll concentrate specifically on jungle Skarner, as that is his primary and most effective role. As a tank, Skarner may not be the most formidable presence in the early game, which is why we strongly recommend focusing on clearing the jungle thoroughly. Your optimal jungle route should be as follows: Red Buff ⇒ Raptors ⇒ Chickens ⇒ Wolves ⇒ Blue Buff ⇒ Gromp ⇒ Blue Crab. This route is particularly effective if you start on the red side. If you find yourself on the blue side, don’t hesitate to ask your top laner for a bit of help with securing the Red Buff before proceeding along the usual path. In cases where your top laner is unable to assist you, you can still effectively begin your journey with: Chickens ⇒ Red Buff ⇒ Raptors. Adapting to the situation is key, and making the most of your resources will enhance your jungle efficiency. In this situation, it is better to take a closer look and assess the state of the top lane. See how your top feels: does he have a chance to play the situation in his favor or is he already under pressure? If you see that a successful gank is quite real, do not waste time – get through the “tribush” and start the attack. The main thing is to give a signal to your teammates in advance so that they are ready to support you at the right moment. But if your top pushed too hard and went too far ahead, do not focus only on this lane. You have two good options: either move to mid to help there, or go to the lower forest and continue farming. You need to wait for a long time in the bushes waiting for the “perfect” moment for a gank – this can slow down your process and reduce the overall pace of the game. Instead, it is better to concentrate on a quick and clean clear of the forest to maintain the advantage in gold and experience. A tip that will definitely come in handy in the match: be sure to take Emberknife. This item will seriously speed up clearing camps, give you more control in duels and allow you to return to the fight faster. The faster you farm and react to situations on the map, the more pressure you can get.
In the mid game, you need to look at the map and keep an eye on objectives to keep pressure on the lane. Using Ixtal’s Advance (E) can be incredibly effective for this purpose. Try to surprise your opponents by sneaking through walls and popping up in unexpected places. Communication is key to success: always communicate to your lanes when you are planning a gank. This is vital, as your ambush can catch both your enemies and your teammates off guard, creating an opening for your team. As you transition into the late game, your role changes: you will be dealing with the frontline for your team, and your job is to initiate fights. It is important to team up with your carries to be ready to respond if the enemy decides to engage. It is also important to maintain vision around key objectives; knowing when they will appear can make all the difference. Don’t be shy about asking your support to plant a few sense1 wards in the enemy jungle. This way you will be able to view every movement and all control will be in your hands – proactivity and communication skills.
Tips for playing as Skarner
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Before you decide to unleash your ultimate ability, make sure to close in on your enemy as much as possible. Getting up close will significantly increase the chances of catching them off guard, making it much more difficult for them to dodge your attack.
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Think carefully before you use “Shattered Earth” (Q) while chasing down an enemy. This ability can momentarily freeze you in place, which might give your target the opportunity to escape if you’re not careful.
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When you’re at a monster camp, take advantage of “Seismic Bastion” (W) right in the center. This will allow you to hit every monster in the area effectively, maximizing your damage output.
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While clearing the jungle, it’s usually best to avoid activating “Tremor” (Q). The rock throw isn’t nearly as effective as landing those enhanced auto-attacks, which can deal significantly more damage in a shorter time.
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When you use “Ish’thal’s Advance” (E), make it a priority to get as close to your enemy as possible. This strategy guarantees that you’ll slam them against a wall, stunning them and setting them up for your follow-up attacks.
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Be cautious about using “Ish’thal’s Advance” (E) to travel between camps, especially during the early stages of the game. The mana cost can add up quickly, and the ability doesn’t provide much value in that scenario.
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Try to engage in fights within enclosed areas on the map, like around objectives, in the jungle, or under towers. Fighting in these spaces makes it far easier to land “Piercing” (R) on multiple champions, increasing your chances of turning the tide in your favor.
What to expect in League of Legends
Riot Games is preparing some pleasant surprises in the upcoming updates: we will see visual improvements for Shyvana and one of the characters from the popular Arcane series. This means that your favorite champions will become even brighter, more expressive and more modern – a reason to return to the game, even if you took a break.
Also see the previous guide on the character Aurora.
