Cassiopeia Build Guide by Commercialized

Introduction

•If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to send them to me or leave them in the comments
•If anyone has found this guide helpful, feel free to vote it up
•If anyone has used this guide, feel free to send me your results for a future results chapter
•P.S. This is my old guide, I ended up re-creating it due to the abundant troll votes. You now have to comment to vote.

Pros / Cons

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Pros + Has an amazing poke + Does a lot of poison damage + Has very fast casting + Can both slow and stun + Has very high damage

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Cons - Squishy - Hard to master - Depends highly on mana - Huge target - Skill shots

Summoner Spells

Ignite is one of the most helpful spells you can have. Since Cassiopeia can deal so much damage because of Deadly Cadence it is very likely that there will be a point when the enemy will want to recall. Having ignite with you can be the difference between killing them and letting them come right back with full health and mana.


Although exhaust is normally seen as offensive to chase enemies down and slow them, Cassiopeia already can slow with Miasma and with every ability after she buids Rylai's Crystal Scepter. That being said, it is good to use when being ganked to slow down and defensively escape.


Flash is also very important since Cassiopeia is very squishy. Being able to either escape, chase an escaping enemy, or pass through walls/trees is very helpful in that key moment.


The reason why I like teleport for Cassiopeia is because many people believe that she can only mid. Because of that, you can use it to surprise enemies at other turrets, and ultimately play the field as much as possible



Ghost is one of those spells that I have not used very often, but can be very effective if executed correctly.


For Cassiopeia, mana is probablly the one thing that you will find scarce. Because of that, I already have you building Athene's Unholy Grail early off in the game. However, if you want that extra boost, you can bring clarity with you so that you don't have to recall so many times.



I have never found much usage for cleanse. It helps in certain situations, but I figure that if you can only bring two summoner spells, I want them to be two that will help Cassiopeia the most; and this is not one of them.


Smite is a spell that I only bring when I am jungling. If you take on the role of a jungler with Cassiopeia and are successful, then I applaud you. Overall, she does not do as much damage as is needed to be a jungler. It is possible, but not recommended.


Once again, this is one of those spells that is completely situational. However, it could be completely useless if used the wrong way, which is why I prefer to stay away from it, and use those spells that I know can help me in the end.


This spell can be good in some situations, but stay away from it. There are other spells that can help you out so much more in battle, and if you already are using Good Hands then the amount of time you spend dead is already decreased.

Skill Sequence

There's a specific reason why I chose the ability and skill sequence that I have for this build. Even though I have seen this and many others in different guides, this is the one sequence that I have played in games and has always worked for me. The reason why I like to max out Noxious Blast first is because it is your poke. It is your first ability since it will poison and do damage, and has a long range. It is your first ability maxed to level 5 because it will do major damage, and can be later paired with Twin Fang. That is going to be your second move maxed out. When an enemy is poisoned, it has rarely any cooldown, and uses less and less mana due to Deadly Cadence. That being said, you can kill an enemy champion in a matter of seconds. Your third basic ability is Miasma. The reason why that is the last basic skill that you are maxing out is because it costs much more mana than the other two, and is not as reliable when it comes to a team battle. It does slow, but that is not as important if you build the right items. However, when you do finally reach levels 4 and 5 with it, it can be a lifesaver, and help you to escape by slowing any champions giving chase. Finally, we have your ultimate ability. Petrifying Gaze is a fantastic move, because it will do massive damage to enemies in addition to either stunning them or slowing them, based on how skilled you are. Timing with this move is key because you want to make sure that not only your enemy is facing you when you cast it, but that if a team of enemies is chasing you, that most of them if not all of them are facing you when you cast it. It does require training to master, but it super effective once it is.

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Items

These boots will give you 15 increased magic penetration. Since you are already building magic penetration using your masteries and runes, this will allow you to do more damage to enemies that are drastically building their armor.


Since you will be building up Cassiopeia as an AP carry, Rabbadon's is one of the items that you want to build earlier on. It will allow her poisons and attacks to do massive damage and can turn the odds in your favor.


The reason that you are building this last is because it helps later on in the game if enemies start to build Rabbadon's. Most people will push that build off because of the high gold price, so this way you will have the advantage as you get to the higher levels by increasing your health, mana, and magic resistance with this.


The main reason I take Deathfire Grasp with me is because of the ability power, in addition to the Unique Active... Sometimes you may be caught in a fight with an AD champion and they just destroy you every time, so by being able to deal 15% of their max health in magic damage then increasing the damage done from spells can help you come out on top.

Because you will frequently be using your poke, Noxious Blast, you want to make sure that you have the mana available to you when needed. Building Athene's in the middle of the game grants you the mana for a more aggressive game play if the enemy is turret-hugging, enough mana for defending yourself against ganks, and additional ability power.


Rylai's will give you a lot of ability power, as well as it's passive of slowing. That passive combined with the slow from Miasma can aid you in getting the kill before an enemy can retreat.


Many people will choose either Rod of Ages or Rylai's Crystal Sceptor, which is why if you are going to build the rod, I would suggest building it later on in the game. It's benefits are significant and even though it gives the same bonuses as Rylai's (ability power, mana, and health) it still helps to defeat enemies in head to head battles.


The ability power that this item gives you, as well as the huge increase in magic penetration overall help out a lot, and is perfect when matched up with your masteries that add magic penetration and armor penetration.

The reason why you want to rush this item is because of its unique passive. An increase in magic penetration, extra burn damage to enemies, as well as the ability power and health given from the item itself make for an excellent start to the game.


You could replace this with items such as Will of the Ancients or other ability power items, but I like to make it near the end of the game for its ability power and armor. However, ig you see that a majority of the opposing team is building AD, it would be better to build Abysal Sceptor to replace armor with magic resistance.


The main perks to this item is the magic resist. However, do not buy it just for 1v1 against your opponent mid. If you see that there are 3 or more AD champions on the opposing team, do not buy this item. The main place where this will help you is in team fights against multiple AP champions.

Because this is a very expensive item, you may want to build it last, however, you can still build it earlier than listed. Being cautious of gold and making sure that you do not fall behind the opposing team itemwise, this is the last item I like to build if the game does not end first. It brings you ability power, and works well with your Twin Fang after Deadly Cadence reduces its cooldown, because it brings a magic damage boost after using an ability.

Runes

For each of my runes, I tried to pick out the 3 things that I find most important to Cassiopeia that would help her to thrive in battle.


•Magic Penetration
•Ability Power
•Mana regeneration

The reason why I choose the Greater Mark of Magic Penetration is because it is being paired with other items and boots that increase magic penetration by percentages. You want to increase magic penetration as much as possible so that you can take down your opponents faster.



The reasoning behind picking the Greater Seal of Mana Regeneration is because you want to build up fast mana regeneration. Since you are not making your Athene's Unholy Grail until mid game, you want to make sure that you have increased mana regeneration for Cassiopeia because as time goes on, and you level, you are going to realize how much Noxious Blast can take a toll on your mana levels.



The reason why I chose the Greater Glyph of Scaling Ability Power is because ability power can either make or break you as soon as the game begins. Overall, all of the spells and abilities that Cassiopeia uses are significantly effected by ability power, and many of the items chosen for her build will increase it by a percentage, in which case more is better. The reason why I chose to gradually gain more as you level is because in the end, you have significantly more ability power than you would have if you had taken other glyphs granting you all the ability power right away.



I chose the Greater Quintessence of Ability Power because usually the first kill happens before minions even spawn, so it is important to make sure that you have the ability power to either defend yourself against an oncoming enemy or to be the one drawing first blood. The reason why I choose this time to take all of the ability power at once rather than get more gradually as Cassiopeia levels up is because there is not as huge a difference between force and potency when it comes to the quintessences.

Choosing Your Lane

Although I do not prefer playing the top or bottom with Cassiopeia she still does just as well. In some instances, she can even do better based on who she is up against. Right from the begining, Noxious Blast can be used to hit both enemy champions if you have a sight ward in the second brush, giving you a large lead, and possibly two kills if your ally is with you. In addition, as time goes on, Cassiopeia is still a very good pusher in many instances, and is able to quickly take down turrets if played the right way.

Do I suggest jungling as Cassiopeia? NO WAY! Even though it is possible, it is just a simple fact: Cassiopeia. Is. Not. Meant. To. Jungle. Leave the jungling to your Shaco or Warwick because you can aid your team so much more in the middle or other lanes. The one jungling aspect which I do suggest for Cassiopeia is getting the blue, because you need the mana. In the beginning of the game you may want to get someone to leash it, but later on it most likely won't even be necessary to get it because of your Athene's Unholy Grail giving you high mana regeneration.

Abilities & Combinations

Deadly cadence is a perfect spell for Cassiopeia since she relies so heavily on mana. It gives you the ability to cast multiple spells or abilities in a row for less mana than it would normally cost.

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Noxious blast is your poke move. You can use it on enemies in order to poison them and do damage. The reason why yo want to maz out this move first is because you can pair it with Rylai's Crystal Scepter so that it also slows enemies. In addition to that, you need to make sure that you practice using it before jumping right into a PvP. This move is a skill shot move, because as soon as you click your "q" it goes into effect, unlike other abilities where a target will show up first. It can be hard to land, but is super effective when it is mastered.

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This is supposed to be your last move maxed out. It does slow, but it only poisons, and does not do any further damage besides the damage from that poison. It can be seen by enemies, but can still be effective if done correctly. It does aid before you build up Rylai's Crystal Scepter because of its slow, but is also better to be mastered before you go into a PvP.

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The reason why twin fang is one of my favorite moves is because if it hits a poisoned target, it has literally no cooldown. It does massive damage, but also requires a lot of mana. However, if you time it right and cast it correctly with Deadly Cadence then you can find yourself killing your opponent in a matter of seconds.

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This move can either stun or slow your enemy, which is why you want to make sure that you master it also before you enter a PvP. It can be used offensively in order to stun an opponent, do damage to them, then follow up with other abilities, or it can be your lifesaver, and stun them as you make you escape with 10 health. However, even if you miss your target and they are turning the other way, it is nice that it will also slow your enemies.

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Throughout a series of tests and games, I found that there are 3 different combinations that I have found for Cassiopeia. These consist of early game, mid game, and late game combinations. Each combination is similar but unique from each other at the same time because of its end effects.

Early Game Combination - By this point, I would hope that you have a strongish Noxious Blast. Your other abilities are all lower level, and will act as support for after you attack your enemy with your "q". It can also be paired with Ignite so that you can guarantee the kill.

Mid Game Combination - By this point, you will have a strong Twin Fang as well as Noxious Blast. You still do not have your ultimate ability, but you can still do major damage by first slowing your enemy with Miasma.

Late Game Combination - Finally by this point, you should have all of your abilities, and can use the final combination that follows. You want to use your Miasma first to slow, but put it behind your enemy, then quicky use your ultimate to stun them or slow them. This way, even if your stun misses, they will be slowed massively by both Miasma and Petrifying Gaze. Then, work your magic with the rest of your abilities.

Team Play

You always have to remember that you are only as strong as your weakest link. This isn't an individual game, it's a team game, and there's no I in team. That being the case, make sure that you have a well balanced team before you even choose Cassiopeia as your champion.


• Twitch
• Teemo
• Singed


All 3 of these characters use poison, which is key to using Twin Fang. Pairing up in a lane with one of these champions works well because your cooldown of that ability can be instant after each attack if timed correctly, and can do massive damage to champions.


• Tristana
• Jax
• Lee Sin
• Soraka
• Karthus

Throughout trials I have also found these champions to work well with Cassiopeia. Overall, the range that Tristana offers helps when you are going in to attack with Noxious Blast, paired with a slow and/or stun can leave enemies dazed. I have always seen good combinations with Jax because of his move where he jumps into an enemy and attacks, taking a huge toll on the enemy's health as well. Lee Sin can dash up to an enemy if they are trying to escape, which is important because I have seen many times that you can rush into an enemy too quickly and they go and recall because of the damage your poison does. Soraka is a great partner to have because of her healing abilities and the fact that she can attack a huge area of enemies. And finally, Karthus has shown to be a great ally because of his ultimate, which also aids in killing off weak enemies.


• Morgana
• Fizz
• Diana
• LeBlanc


Watch out if you are midding against these champions. Fizz has a strong utimate ability that can slow you and deal massive damage, but if you can shut him down pre level 6 you should be fine. Morgana is a very strong farmer and has useful crowd controls, but she can be easily beaten down if you avoid her stun and read her movements. Diana uses her poke without spending much mana, so it is best to play defensive, go in when you see a chance, poke moderately, then when you get the chance with a jungler or your ult to go in for the kill. Watch out for LeBlanc because her abilities are OP and you need to play it safe. If she decides to try and turret dive (Which many do because of her passive which creates another LeBlanc at low health) use your ult to stun her and your Noxious Blast followed by Twin Fang combination.

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Now that you are past champion selection and in the game, you want to make sure that each lane is evenly balanced. If you are on a team with an Annie then perhaps they should go mid, especially if that means you could lane with one of the suggested champions listed before.


Cassiopeia is a good choice for if you want to go in with a gank, since you can put miasma down slightly behind enemies, then help finish them off. Overall, just make sure that if a team mate needs help, that you go with them, because the second there's an ace, you can say goodbye to a few turrets.

Farming

Farming is very easy using Cassiopeia due to her Noxious Blast. However, make sure not to overpoke. If you poke too far, it puts you in the "danger zone" and vulnerable to ganks by the opposing jungler. You want to find the perfect mix where you play offensively but are cautious enough to be able to escape if needed.


Wards are always a great to prevent ganks. However, if you do not want to spend the money to purchase either Sight Ward or Sightstone, you could use miasma to check brush which gives you 7 seconds of vision of that brush. Make sure you are still cautious not to waste all of your mana, but to dominate the mid at the same time.

Tips / Tricks / Things To Know

*Make sure that you don't max out Miasma first. So many people fall victim to that because they think that it is better to slow their enemies. However, in the end you will find that when you do this, you also get ganked much easier, and enemies don't walk through the big purple spot on the ground.


*Make sure to check your team's composition before choosing Cassiopeia because you may just find that she is not the best fit for that specific scenario.


*Make sure to make usage of Deadly Cadence by casting spells right after that first one. However, don't waste them if you don't need them.

*Make sure that Petrifying Gaze is used when as many enemies as possible are facing you. And, it can be used either offensively or defensively.


*Watch out for any ganks! Cassiopeia is squishy, and even though she can slow, you can find yourself dead if you get over confident. TO avoid this, you can place down Miasma to slow your enemies and do poison damage if being chased.


*Make sure that your enemy is poisoned before using Twin Fang because otherwise the cooldown might take awhile.


*Miasma-check brush before going into it late game. This can also be used to counter possible ganks early/mid game, and is a great strategy to scare off the enemy jungler.

Summary & Credits

I hope you guys all enjoyed my guide! If you are looking for the queen of ability power, then make sure to try out Cassiopeia because if you use her right, then you will be unstoppable!


If you guys liked my guide, then make sure to vote it up, as well as send me any scores that you may get by using it so that I can add you to the Hall of Fame/Results page


Also, I am completely open to any constructive criticism that you may have, and open to any suggestions that you may want added into the guide. The following people have helped to make this guide possible:


•ThaKinetic - many good points on things to change and helpful tips
•IceCreamy - I would never know how to make the columns without your guide, and you played a huge role in the design of my guide.
•WOMBO - you also had many good points and suggestions yo add to the guide, which made a much better build in the end.
•jhoijhoi - Your guide on how to make a guide is what got me started, and none of this would have been possible without it.



Also, make sure to check out my other guides! Currently I have guides for the following characters:
• Zyra