On October 29, League of Legends will unveil Seraphine, the exciting new member of the KDA lineup, often described as a “supercharged Sona.” This incredibly talented musician utilizes her musical abilities not only to elevate her follower count on platforms like Twitter and Instagram but also to support her allies in battle and take down foes with style. Just a week before her official debut on live servers, Seraphine made her first appearance on the PBE. After spending several engaging evenings playing with her, we’re thrilled to share insights into her unique strengths and offer tips on how to truly shine on the dance floor while playing as her. Get ready to discover what makes Seraphine a force to be reckoned with in the game!
Table of Contents
All Seraphine Abilities in League of Legends: A Complete Breakdown of Abilities
Serafina’s passive ability, the “Presence of a Star,” works on several levels at once, and that’s what makes her so interesting. Every two used abilities “charge” a third one: it is simply duplicated, allowing you to cast Q (or another skill) twice in a row. In practice, this significantly increases the damage and at the same time gives the team treatment — at the same time. A rare combination.
In parallel, another mechanism works: when Serafina uses an ability next to an ally, both receive a musical note. There can be up to four notes per champion— for a total of up to 20 charges. Each note extends the range of the attack, and during an auto-attack, all accumulated notes rush towards the enemy, causing additional damage. At maximum stacks, the range of her attacks becomes simply enormous — almost across the entire screen. You can hit while remaining completely safe.
Q — “High note”. Serafina fires a projectile that hits all enemies in the hit area with magic damage. The less health the target has, the more painful the blow. If the passive is charged, two projectiles fly instead of one. This is doubly unpleasant for those who are already on the last percent.
W — “Ambient sound”. Serafina performs a melody that speeds up all the closest allies and throws them a shield. Is there an active shield? Then, in a moment, treatment will be added to it. It is better to activate W with a charged passive — this way the allies get both a shield, speed, and HP recovery. Moreover, the more teammates there are, the more significant this recovery is. The most useful thing in team kneading.
E — “Bit drop”. Serafina releases a sound wave forward: it deals damage and slows down anyone it hits. If the enemy is already slowed down by it, the wave immobilizes him. If he is already under some kind of control, he gets a camp. With a charged passive, you can simultaneously engage several opponents at once. Combined with the CC skills of the allies, this ability is able to block the entire enemy team at the right moment.
R — “Final”. Serafina launches a sound wave that hits both allies and enemies, but in different ways. The allies get the maximum charge of musical notes. Enemies — damage and enchantment status: they slowly begin to reach out to Serafina, losing control of themselves. If the wave passes through the teammates on the way to the enemies, the radius of the effect increases noticeably. A well—placed ult changes the course of the entire battle – perhaps it is for this skill that Serafina is taken into the team.
Seraphine Gameplay in League of Legends: Combos and Playstyle
Seraphine’s gameplay is a playstyle that will be remembered for many years to come with special mechanics. Her passive ability allows you to build entire combos, where each key press sounds like a new note in the melody. It is important to feel the moment: when it is more important to strengthen the third skill and unleash its double effect.
If you want to play aggressively and set the pace of the fight, boldly choose double “Q”. It is like a shockwave that rolls over enemies and emphasizes your pressure. But if the fight is not in your favor, and you see how the health of your allies melts right before your eyes, then double “W” turns Seraphine into a savior. In such moments, you feel that it is your support that keeps the team afloat.
She especially shines next to champions who can hold several enemies at once. Imagine: you synchronize her “E” with Morgana’s “Q” – and now the enemy is already immobilized, as if under the light of a spotlight. At this moment, the team gets the perfect opportunity for a decisive blow. Such connections not only increase the chances of winning, but also ensure a positive reaction for the entire team.
The ult in League of Legends is something from another level. When players tested it on PBE, there were moments when the outcome of the battle seemed predetermined, but it was worth pressing Encore – and the whole situation turned upside down. The most pleasant feeling is when you hit both allies and enemies at the same time: your teammates immediately charge up with notes, and the enemies receive such a decent amount of damage that they can only panic and retreat. It is in such moments that you understand why you need the ult at all – it is not just a button, but a chance to feel like a hero who pulls the whole team out at the most tense moment.
Best Item Builds for Seraphine
Seraphine was born to be a laner, whether mid or support. As a support, she really shines – soft and caring, but dangerous if underestimated. She can do more than just clear out waves of minions with her Q, she can do it effortlessly, as if singing a melody in which each note simultaneously heals her own and confuses her enemies. Double W sounds like a chord that ruins the enemy’s plans and brings chaos to their actions. In one-on-one duels, she surprises: thin and fragile in appearance, but at the right moment she can turn into a real source of power.
As a support, Seraphine can catch enemy marksmen off guard – her notes add up to a blow that feels much more painful than you might expect. And her ultimate isn’t just a skill, it’s a real culmination: one well-placed melody, and two enemies are charmed, and the team gets a chance to turn the tide of the battle in a matter of seconds.
In the mid lane, she reveals herself as a full-fledged mage. Her build is simple and logical: “Luden’s Echo” turns skills into bursts of energy, “Morellonomicon” deprives enemies of hope for a life-saving cure, and “Rylai’s Crystal Scepter” adds a cold weight of control to her songs. “Rabadon’s Deathcap” raises her power to a level where every note becomes a blow to the enemy’s nerves. And, of course, “Zhonya’s Hourglass” is her way of holding out when enemies decide to bring everything down on her at once: one moment frozen in time, and she is ready to fight again.
Seraphine and her confident decision to help the team will be based on artifacts that buff allies: “Burning Censer”, “Mikael’s Crucible”, “Redemption” and “Athena’s Unholy Grail”.
Skill Leveling Order for Support
Selecting Spells
We often choose “Flash” in our spell set – and this is not surprising. Without it, frankly speaking, it is almost impossible to play: it is always there, like a reliable friend. At one moment, it saves your life, when you are ready to accept defeat, and at another – it helps you effectively break in and finish off your opponent.
The second spell already depends on how exactly you want to play and what is happening on the map. If your soul asks for aggression, or the enemies have too much healing – “Ignition” is just made for pressing and finishing off. And if your carry does not have “Healing”, you can take it yourself – sometimes one press saves the whole game and turns a hopeless skirmish into a beautiful salvation for the team.
And, of course, “Exhaustion”. Many people love it, and for good reason. It really decides: it slows down the enemy, reduces damage, and it is in these seconds that your team gets a chance to turn the fight in their favor. Especially in two-on-two duels – these are the moments that remain in your memory, when you win everything with one correct spell.
Method 1
Upgrading your first ability is often a matter of the situation at hand. I highly recommend holding off on maxing out your skills right at the fountain before you make your way to lane. Instead, consider opting for Beat Drop for those early invades. This can be really useful if you find yourself in a tough trading situation or if you get caught off guard while approaching the minions.
Another solid choice is upgrading Surround Sound, which can provide healing for both you and your carry, thanks to its passive effect. This can turn the tide in critical moments. In most cases, players lean towards High Note for poking and stacking Spellthief’s Edge, which can provide a nice advantage.
Always prioritize Surround Sound at level 2; this ability is crucial for gaining the upper hand in early skirmishes and trades, helping you establish control in the lane.
Method 2
This option is well-suited for aggressive gameplay and continuous action. However, it’s important to keep in mind that with this setup, the Surround Sound feature will require a considerable amount of time to recharge.
Seraphine Runes (LoL): Top Defense and Damage Setups
The best rune setup for Seraphine typically looks like this. We start with “Fluffy” to enhance the effectiveness of shields and add some extra harassment in the lane, allowing you to pressure your opponents more effectively. “Mana Flow” will ensure you can keep casting your abilities on enemies, maintaining a steady flow of damage and utility.
For the primary tree, we go with the Courage path, as it contains several crucial runes that synergize well with Seraphine’s kit. We choose Guardian for its shield, which enables us to protect both ourselves and our teammates more efficiently in crucial moments. Shield Bash is included for the bonus damage it offers, which is always welcome, especially when triggered by Surround Sound or occasionally through the Guardian’s shield. The third rune can vary; Second Wind is a solid alternative to Bone Plating if you find yourself facing a lot of poke, like from Xerath, but Bone Plating tends to be the preferred choice for many players due to its defensive capabilities. Revitalize is an essential pick since it further enhances our healing, making us more resilient in fights.
In the secondary tree, we opt for Inspiration, selecting Cosmic Insight for early cooldown reduction and Biscuit Delivery for added mana regeneration. This combination allows us to stay in lane longer and boosts our overall mana pool, providing the sustainability needed to outlast opponents during skirmishes.
The second approach is focused on the Sorcery tree. Here, the main rune will be something like Summon Nest — it’s like a faithful companion that’s always there, helping to consistently deal damage. The solution gives a sense of protection: you know that your blows won’t be in vain. For mana control, we take Manaflow Band — and it’s like breathing with a second lung on the line, allowing you to cast abilities more often without fear of being left empty. Transcendence pleasantly speeds up the game: from the very beginning, you feel that the buttons are rolling back faster, and every time you are a split second ahead of your opponent. And Scorch adds that very “spice”: a light but noticeable bite in the exchange, which makes the enemy respect your every move.
Survivability will take better care of its own. Therefore, we look into the Courage tree. Shield Bash gives you a sense of power: your defenses become weapons, giving you the confidence to fight back even under pressure. And Revitalize amplifies everything healing and shield related. And that’s where the magic of survival begins: when things are on the brink and you feel like you’re about to fall, this is the choice that pulls you back from the brink and gives you a chance to turn the tide of the fight.
Yes, this build is less common, but that’s the beauty of it: it gives you a balanced playstyle where damage is combined with durability. It’s like being both a sword and a shield at the same time. Not only does this path make you a dangerous opponent, but it also opens up more room for creativity in each game.
Pros and cons of a champion
Strengths
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The hero’s control is truly excellent. The course of team fights with the help of the abilities Beat Drop and Encore, which can change the battle in favor of the team.
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Has a flexible set of builds – you can adapt to different styles of play and situations.
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Strengthens allies with the ability Surround Sound, which makes her an important team player in matches.
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Can confidently behave on the lane both aggressively and more cautiously, choosing the appropriate pace of the game.
Weaknesses
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At the beginning of the match, her strength is revealed weaker than in the late stage of the game.
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Requires precise hits with abilities, otherwise the effectiveness is significantly reduced.
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Deprived of reliable tools for escape or a sharp reduction in distance – the only option is Flash.
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Highly dependent on the team: the best result is achieved only in well-coordinated teamfights near allies.
Counter Picks
Seraphina faces her greatest threats from assassins and anyone who can unleash explosive damage within mere seconds. This makes battles particularly treacherous for her. Additionally, she has a strong aversion to any form of crowd control, as her mobility is quite limited. If she finds herself caught in a control effect, the odds of survival plummet drastically, and her healing or shield from Surround Sound rarely provides enough protection. In these critical moments, it’s advisable to activate W immediately to break free from control and regain some footing in the fight.
Who should you play with on a team?
Playing as Ashe is genuinely enjoyable, particularly because she wields two impressive crowd control abilities: Frost Shot, which effectively slows down opponents, and Enchanted Crystal Arrow, a powerful stun that can turn the tide in a fight. On the other hand, Seraphine thrives on crowd control as well, showcasing her skills with Beat Drop and Encore, which can keep enemies at bay and set up devastating combos.
When either Ashe or Seraphine lands their crowd control abilities, or if Seraphine immobilizes an enemy who is already slowed, that opponent is likely to find themselves trapped in a relentless chain of control. This synergy makes it incredibly difficult for enemies to escape once they’re caught.
Moreover, Jhin adds another layer of complexity with his ability to immobilize any enemy who has taken damage from him or his allies in the past four seconds, thanks to his Deadly Flourish. His Captive Audience also provides a slow effect, which complements Seraphine’s abilities beautifully and enhances their teamwork.
I’ve highlighted champions that create an enjoyable and effective duo in the lane. However, it’s tough to pinpoint specific allies because Seraphine’s versatility allows her to pair wonderfully with any marksman or teammate. The crucial factor is having a reliable carry on your team that Seraphine can effortlessly support and empower, ensuring they both shine in battles.
Correct tips for playing time
When you play Seraphine, one of the key elements to focus on is the art of combining her abilities through her passive. Understanding the right moment to activate Double Surround Sound is crucial, but sometimes a simple shield will do the trick. In such cases, you can use Double Beat Drop to land a stun on the enemy team instead. Always be vigilant about the musical notes appearing over your opponents, as they signal opportunities to immobilize them. If your team has AoE crowd control, like Unstoppable Force, you can maximize your damage output by following up with Double High Note after stunning enemies with your basic E ability. The strategies available are numerous, and knowing how to effectively utilize each skill at the right moment is what truly sets a skilled Seraphine player apart from the rest.
One of the most exhilarating aspects of Seraphine’s kit is her ultimate ability. This powerful skill can completely change the tide of a team fight when executed properly, allowing you to impact multiple enemies and support your allies simultaneously. As we dive into Season 11, Seraphine is emerging as one of the top picks and stands out as one of the most formidable mages in the current meta.
Additionally, it’s vital to maintain control over important objectives such as dragons, Herald, and Baron. Make it a priority to secure these when possible. After you’ve stacked your Spellthief’s Edge, be sure to place wards, ideally alongside your teammates. Remember, you can be easily caught and eliminated if you venture out alone.
So, as you embark on your journey in the Rift, keep these tips in mind and best of luck on your adventures! Embrace the music and let your skills shine!
