Taking my inspiration from many of the other great guides on Mobafire, as well as Ciderhelm's "Don't Feed" series, I will try to model this guide on a didactic approach. As such, I hope to provide coherent rationale on my recommendations, logical explanations for my advice, and general insight into how I play Viktor.

Viktor is an AP Caster through and through. As such, he can deal boatloads of damage to an enemy team. What makes him special amongst other AP casters is his remarkable versatility and the extreme utility he provides for his team as a whole. Overall, he's a blast to play (literally and figuratively). If you enjoy being a huge asset to your team and pulling off amazing plays with style and flair, then Viktor may be for you.

Like many other mids, he is best kept safe from harm when possible, although he has the tools to defend himself when needed. Overall, his role is that of a heavy damage dealer, while providing amazing zone control, team protection, and general utility. He therefore fits well in almost any team comp, as long as he isn't taking all of the damage. To this end, building high damage, cooldown reduction, and a splash of survivability will help you successfully accomplish these goals.

PROS +Amazing damage (both burst AND sustained) +Extreme utility with slow, stun, vision granting ability, silence, and shield +Powerful passive and augments +Great tools for surviving ganks/counter ganking +Strong positional control +Good long range poke with Death Ray +Godly farming capability

CONS -Like most AP mids, squishy -Requires being in somewhat close range to deal full damage (like Annie) -Mana hungry at early levels if you aren't frugal with his skills -Slightly nerfed late game damage potential due to the hex core -Like all mids, requires farm SPACES PACESPACE SPACESPA CESPACE ESPAC SPACE SAPCE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE

Flash is almost obligatory on most champions. Its ability to both secure kills and save your life make it indispensable.SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE

Ignite is amazing as both the final component to a damaging combo, as well as retaining its usefulness in late game against healing. As a damage dealer, ignite fits Viktor's role well.

Teleport is viable for getting back to lane after shopping and for the improved map presence when ganking and defending towers. SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE

Exhaust is also viable, though you'll probably get more mileage with ignite (especially against other AP mids). Exhaust is, however, a better escape tool, and it will work well against certain champions, if you know you'll be matched up against them (i.e. Talon or Caitlyn).

Barrier is also OK, though your Power Transfer accomplishes a very similar role. I wouldn't recommend getting it too often.SPAC SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE

Heal is an underrated summoner spell - the double heal and speed boost in teamfights is amazing. However, Ignite counters it (unless you have very quick reflexes/preemptively heal), and if you are looking for personal protection, barrier is better. Still, it's not a bad summoner spell.SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE

Ghost (flash is better for repositioning)
Cleanse (you shouldn't be getting in harm's way often enough to warrant this)
Clarity (although decent in early game, loses most of its significance by late game)
Clairvoyance (you are an AP caster, not a support. Also, your Death Ray grants vision)
Smite (you aren't jungling)
Revive (no explanation needed)

The hex core is an often overlooked item, and most people tend to disregard it as a useless item that gimps Viktor's damage potential as an AP caster.

To this I say, "nonsense!" The hex core instantly provides an impressive 3 AP per level for FREE, without having to go back to the shop. This means that Viktor does not have to return to the shop as often in order to keep up his damage output. In fact, as Viktor and the enemy mid stay in lane for longer periods of time, Viktor gradually gains an advantage over his opponent, since his AP will rise more rapidly. This may force the enemy to recall to shop in order to acquire the items necessary to match Viktor's damage output, thereby giving you free farm (and who doesn't like that?).

The augments themselves also make this passive well worth it, but we'll get to those later.

Remember that you can't sell the hex core (but considering how awesome it is, why would you want to?).

---

The important thing to remember about power transfer is that it fulfills distinctively different roles depending on the stage of the game in which it's being used.

In the early game, its low cost and decent damage make it excellent for last hitting minions. However, power transfer doesn't have the range or early game damage to justify putting yourself in harm's way in a trade with most enemy mids. Additionally, the shield (arguably power transfer's most useful component) doesn't usually return fast enough to block much damage in quick single-spell exchange against enemy champions. You'll usually end up behind if you try to use it this way in the early game, and this often frustrates many beginning Viktor players.

That being said, in the mid/late game, and in long, drawn-out teamfights, power transfer is great at providing sustained damage output while protecting yourself from damage. In these situations, Viktor CAN trade well with multiple power transfers, particularly with some AP and cooldown reduction.

Additionally, power transfer is excellent at all stages of the game as a defensive ability against damage-over-time spells, especially Ignite. Because the shield is unaffected by healing reduction, it's one of the best ways to protect yourself. Furthermore, because its strength is dependent on the damage before reductions (i.e. due to magic resistance), you'll always get a full shield return, and you therefore don't have to be picky about what your target is. Last hitting minions while shielding damage is doubly effective. In fact, even if your target minion/champion dies before power transfer reaches them, it will STILL shield you.

Although you can max this first for consistent damage and a stronger shield, I put 1 point in at level 2 and only max it after Viktor's E ( Death Ray), which is arguably a much stronger skill.

---

Gravity field is another easily misunderstood skill. Many people try to use it as an initiation tool to begin a damaging combo. Without its eponymous Augment: Gravity, gravity field doesn't have the range to fulfill that role.

This is not to say you won't ever use it as part of a combo to stun your enemy and burst them down. You'll just usually have to wait for the enemy to initiate on YOU before they are close enough for you to use gravity field in this manner.

However, gravity field is SUPERB at stopping aggressive opponents and preventing ganks. This is especially the case against champions that lack blinks who must run straight towards you to (i.e. Udyr). Its area of effect slow + situational stun makes it one of the few spells that can stop all 5 players on an enemy team if placed correctly.

It's equally useful as an escape mechanism if you are being pursued. Drop it behind you in the path your enemies must take, and you'll force them to either go around the field or through it. Either way, you'll buy yourself time to escape.

It can also be used as a zoning tool, though I wouldn't use it in this way unless you have mana to spare and are reasonably sure you won't be ganked soon (it has a relatively high mana cost and long cooldown early game)

Because extra ranks in gravity field don't significantly improve its utility, I put 1 point into it at level 3, and max it last.

---

Death ray is the reason you play Viktor (well, one of the reasons). It does immense damage at long range (which is not reduced by minions), can be cast without interrupting movement, and has a variable firing vector. In other words, it's an ideal poke and farming tool. With a little AP, a well-placed death ray can clear an entire minion wave as it approaches. It can also devastate an opposing team by hitting multiple targets with the same cast.

Mastering this spell is crucial for reaching Viktor's full damage potential. Therefore, it is important to practice using this skill, especially for beginner Viktor players who may find the targeting and hitbox to be a bit awkward. Although it can only begin firing near Viktor, it can reach extreme ranges when aimed directly outward, and will outrange most other pokes. If you aim carefully, you can often hit all the minions in a wave, even after they've begun attacking each other.

Death ray also gives vision along its path. Use it to check bushes or reveal enemies in the fog of war.

The insane damage and utility of this spell warrant getting it at level 1 and maxing it immediately.

---

Chaos storm is a very powerful ultimate with tremendous sustained damage output over its duration. If cast directly on top of an enemy champion, the storm will follow the enemy as they move, even if they stealth or enter a bush. This is fantastic for locking down opponents (like Akali) who might try to escape in this way.

If it is not initially cast upon an enemy champion, it will NOT automatically track any champions that subsequently cross its path. It can however be continually redirected by pressing R again and clicking on a new location. In this manner, you CAN follow another champion with the ultimate even if it wasn't initially cast on them.

In addition to the damage over time, it deals an initial burst of damage, as well as an initial silence on the first enemy champion it is cast on. It will NOT silence any champion after the initial cast.

Although the constant area damage is great for scattering enemy teams and zoning off portions of the battlefield in teamfights, the silence and initial burst are also vital components, giving Viktor much of his power as a burst mage, and making him a deadly opponent against a huge number of champions (especially other casters).

Level chaos storm whenever possible.

---

---

There has been much debate on the relative benefits of leveling Power Transfer vs Death Ray. The issue has been overcomplicated numerous times, particularly because of the massive discrepancy between what Riot employees (like Phreak) recommend, and what actual Viktor players do.

For the vast majority of games with Viktor, Death Ray is the superior choice. Death Ray has a far greater capacity to hurt your opponent due to the higher range and damage as compared to Power Transfer. It also provides Viktor with much better farm due to its AoE. Moreover, Power Transfer's initial shielding is rather lackluster, so its defensive potential is outshone by Death Ray's absurd range (which allows you to stay far away from most dangers).

However, the case for leveling Power Transfer first is valid under certain conditions:


I can't argue with the first situation - if that's your plan, go ahead and level up Power Transfer. However, I'd recommend reading the Augments section of this guide before you decide to do that.

However, it's almost impossible to find yourself in a situation that meets BOTH criteria for situation 2. Even someone as mobile as Kassadin, who is hard to hit without targeted spells, will punish you severely if you get too close. Similarly, Fizz, LeBlanc, and Ahri all fail to meet both requirements. In general, you'll likely never come across situation 2.

Augment: Power The combination of health, health regen, and (most importantly) movement speed, make Augment: Power a fun choice of augment. It strengthens Viktor's skirmishing ability by giving him survivability and tankiness while using Power Transfer to chase down targets or escape from sticky situations. This is my preferred augment when playing Dominion, but not Summoner's Rift. If you can make it work on Summoner's Rift, then more power to you (ba dum dum). SPACESPACESPACESPACESPACE Verdict: Viable

Augment: Gravity Although the CDR and mana regen are useful, the real reason you would want this augment is for the longer range on Gravity Field. It allows you to initiate from range and slow/stun the enemy team to set up easy kills for your allies. However, if all you want to do is initiate from a range and disrupt the enemy team, you're better off playing Leona or Thresh. Viktor's strength is in his damage, and this augment sacrifices that. Overall, I only choose this option if my team has absolutely no other way to initiate. Verdict: Use Sparingly

This is my preferred augment in most games, and will be the focus of the rest of this guide.

The flat 45 AP that it provides (for 1000 gold) is in and of itself a cost-effective purchase. Additionally, the passive effect of The Hex Core still takes effect, giving you a whopping 99 AP at level 18. For 1000 gold, this is about 1 AP per 10 gold. To put that in perspective, Needlessly Large Rod only gives 1 AP per 20 gold, and even the almighty Rabadon's Deathcap's 150+ AP comes at a huge cost of 3300 gold. This makes it among the most cost-efficient items you can purchase in the whole game, and a really valuable item for Viktor, especially in the mid-game.

The extra 30% damage on Death Ray is also a welcome boost to your primary damage ability. The extra damage and DoT from Augment: Death on a creep wave often yields you last hits on minions that you would otherwise be unable to reach. With only Doran's Ring, Augment: Death, and appropriate runes and masteries, Viktor can kill caster minions with 1 use of Death Ray, and deal enough damage to instantly last hit melee minions to finish them off.

It can even yield you an unexpected kill on an opponent. Many players will not realize the strength of the DoT, and will forget to use Heal or Barrier, netting you a kill.

Most games, you'll want to rush straight for this as your first item, even before boots. It's just that good.

Although many players tend to start with Boots + Health Potions these days, I find Doran's Ring to be a much more useful item to start with.


Ever since the Season 3 nerf to boots' movement speed, they are less effective at dodging skillshots or helping you backing away from attacking enemy minions. The concurrent buff to all champions' base movement speed means that even without boots, you are inherently better at dodging skillshots and avoiding enemy harassment.

Additionally, Doran's Ring gives flat health (always useful for survivability), AP, and mana regen for some basic lane sustain. However, its passive (mana restoration upon killing a unit) is what gives Doran's ring its true strength as a starting item. Gaining 5 mana after killing minions gives you the potential for at least 30 free mana after every creep wave (assuming you last hit diligently).

In the mid game, when you have enough AP to allow Death Ray to instantly clear minions, it basically reduces the mana cost of death ray by around 30% for an average creep wave (though if the wave is big enough, you can potentially GAIN mana from a well-placed Death Ray). Since you likely won't get rid of the ring for a while, this is a very significant advantage in lane.

This, combined with the ring's other stats, gives you utility and sustain that Boots + Health Potions can't provide.

Furthermore, the reduction in Dorans Ring's cost from 475 to 400 allows you to buy 2 potions, or even a ward in addition to the Ring.





Once in lane, your job is to assess your enemy and use your skills to zone him out and out-farm him. You may even be able to continually poke his health down to the point of recalling, or ideally, bursting him down.

As mentioned earlier, rushingS Augment: Death is fantastic for making you a dominant force in the mid game, with an eventual Chalice of Harmony and Boots rounding out your basic items. I love Chalice because it gives you great mana sustain, and sets you up for purchasing the amazing multipurpose Athene's Unholy Grail later. Although Tear of the Goddess is also an ok item (that eventually turns into the much better Seraph's Embrace), I don't find myself buying it that often since its recent nerf makes it very difficult to get it fully charged before the game is already decided. If you feel like you can get away with it, then feel free to buy Tear, though I don't recommend it.





1. Your basic burst combo involves using Chaos Storm and Gravity Field to lock your opponent down, and then using Death Ray, Power Transfer, and autoattacks for as long as you can remain in range and as often as your cooldowns permit.

2. Make sure to use Gravity Field judiciously - although it's your only skill that doesn't do damage, it is often the most crucial skill to land correctly for both protecting yourself and dealing maximal burst. You don't want it on cooldown when you get ganked, and your damage output is not as assured before landing its stun.

3. Power Transfer's cooldown can get very low at later levels and with high CDR (≈ 3 seconds). For this reason, I recommend smartcasting this skill to maximize your DPS and shield protection. A split second can often make the difference between successfully shielding yourself from fatal damage or dying to the final tick of Ignite. Clicking only once to use this skill helps shave precious moments off of your cast time. Most new Viktor players will experience moments when they wish they had cast Power Transfer sooner - save yourself the heartache with smartcast.

4. Because of the variable trajectory of Death Ray, it can be difficult for your opponent to avoid. Cast Death Ray from different angles to keep them guessing.

5. Don't forget about the initial silence on Chaos Storm - it's often more important to land the silence than to actually deal the damage (i.e. during Katarina's Death Lotus or Nunu & Willump's Absolute Zero). Also, remember that you can redirect the storm during its entire duration. Forgetting to do this can leave your storm sitting over empty ground, while it could have been attacking other players. This is critical in maximizing your damage potential as Viktor.

At this point, feel free to adjust the build as necessary, though I find Rabadon's Deathcap, Ionian Boots of Lucidity, and Athene's Unholy Grail to be solid choices.

These constitute your core build, giving you an impressive 35% cooldown reduction (40% if you count the Sorcery mastery), incredible sustain from mana font, and high damage output (Oh, and a decent bit of MR against the enemy mid, if they are still skirmishing with you). Because all of Viktor's basic skills have relatively short cooldowns (especially Power Transfer), itemizing for CDR helps immensely in teamfights and skirmishes, where your combined damage and disruption capabilities will be unmatched.



If you absolutely cannot fathom forgoingS Sorcerer's Shoes, then use them instead. In my experience, the CDR is much more useful though - after all, magic penetration doesn't matter when farming minions. In general, your ridiculously high AP will outclass the magic resist they buy, which will only matter in the late game.

It's also sub-optimal with regard to Power Transfer, since the shield is unaffected by damage reduction. You're better off being able to use it more often.

Seeker's Armguard is also a great buy at this stage because it of it's scaling AP and armor (which you'll probably need by now). It also builds into Zhonya's Hourglass, which you will eventually want to buy.




With your high AP and almost maximum cooldown reduction, you want to force teamfights as much as possible, since your AoE stuns and damage will give you an advantage over the other team. Viktor really shines when he can hit all the enemy champions with his spells and disrupt enemy teams with his board control. Between the cost-effectiveness of Augment: Death and his supreme AoE, mid game is where Viktor shines brightest and snowballs the hardest.


It's worth noting that you do very well with objective control. You can easily delay/scatter oncoming enemy teams with Gravity Field and Death Ray when protecting important objectives like Dragon and Baron. You are also one of the best champions at contesting objectives that the ENEMY team is attempting to take. The threat of stunning and damaging an entire team with Gravity Field + Chaos Storm is usually enough to get players to back off. If they don't, you have a very high likelihood of killing them and taking the objective yourself.

By late game, you want to round out your build with both damage and, more importantly, some survivability. Most importantly, you want to think about getting Zhonya's Hourglass. It can be the deciding factor in pitched teamfights or duels, as it can block infinite damage and CC. Chaos Storm also continues to deal damage while you are in stasis, and the duration of the invulnerability will often be enough for your basic spells to come back off of cooldown.

In general, the ability for Zhonya's Hourglass to royally save your butt and create amazing plays should make it an integral part of your late build, regardless of the enemy team composition.

---

If you don't have any other specific issues that you have to address, I like to sell the Doran's Ring and finalize the build with Void Staff. By late game, having some magic penetration is critical to maintaining your damage output.

Your main alternative to Void Staff is Abyssal Mask, which you would buy if enemy magic damage is an issue (Zhonya’s should cover you against physical). Remember that in many cases, Abyssal Mask will give you more effective penetration than Void Staff (usually below 100 MR), while the passive reduction in enemy magic resist synergizes with your own magic damage.

Item Swaps

Sometimes, certain champions become disproportionately threatening in particular games. For example, your top laner may have fed the enemy Dr. Mundo, and he may be doing what he pleases all over your squishies (giggity).SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE SPACE

In that case, it may be necessary to counter-build certain champions. If you are at full build, swapping your Boots for counter-items may be a prudent choice. Unless you absolutely need the movement speed (for example, your base is being constantly pushed and you need Enchantment: Homeguard to defend it), swapping boots for another item may help round out your build and ameliorate any late game threats or team weaknesses. Moreover, Viktor’s positional control with Gravity Field, Death Ray, and Chaos Storm should be more than enough to keep him safe. If they aren't, then 45 extra movement speed probably won't make a difference either (remember that in late game teamfights, most of the battle is often relatively stationary).

As a final note, it's important to optimize placement of your Death Ray to last hit, damage minions, and poke champions, preferably all at once. The best Viktor players learn to do this seamlessly while moving and avoiding enemy skills, giving you great lane presence and easy farm.

As my favorite AP mid, I enjoy how powerful, versatile, and fun Viktor is to play. I hope this guide has increased your understanding of his gameplay and inspired you to give him a try.

5/22/13 - Released
6/23/13 - Update for changes to Doran's Ring
5/26/14 - Update for Season 4 items, masteries, and newest champion matchups