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Recommended Items
Runes: Universal runes (for blue and purple)
+9 Adaptive (5.4 AD or 9 AP)
+9 Adaptive (5.4 AD or 9 AP)
+10-180 Bonus Health
+9 Adaptive (5.4 AD or 9 AP)
+9 Adaptive (5.4 AD or 9 AP)
+10-180 Bonus Health
+9 Adaptive (5.4 AD or 9 AP)
+9 Adaptive (5.4 AD or 9 AP)
+10-180 Bonus Health
Spells:
Flash
Smite
Ignite
Smite
Ghost
Smite
Items
Ability Order Standard
The Darkin Scythe (PASSIVE)
Kayn Passive Ability
The Darkin Scythe (PASSIVE)
Kayn Passive Ability
Threats & Synergies
Amumu
When fighting this champion, consider using Conqueror and be aware that his double Q makes it easy for him to lock you down, so take lane priority into account before engaging. Rhaast, in particular, can dominate Amumu even with fewer items, so avoid getting locked down at all costs. If you're playing Shadow Assassin (SA), using Edge of Night can help mitigate this threat.
Bel'Veth
When facing this champion, be cautious early as she can easily dodge your W with her Qs, and her E provides substantial protection. Try to deny her Rift Herald and look to fight her with Rhaast, being prepared to dodge her knock-up. It will be difficult to burst her with Shadow Assassin (SA) if her E is up. Winning the fight is possible if you can knock her up; use your Q to dodge her knock-up. Pay attention to the indicator to predict her dashes. You can one-shot her with SA if her E is down, but if her E is active, focus on taking out her team instead.
Cho'Gath
When facing this champion, save your Q to dodge his knock-up for an easier fight. Look for invades since his clear is painfully slow. Avoid fighting him post-6, as his ultimate does massive damage and can kill you from half HP. As Rhaast, he is a free kill, but you should still try to dodge his Q with yours.
Dr. Mundo
When facing this champion, if they are low on HP, they are a free kill. Otherwise, you can only win 1v1s if you have Conqueror and dodge their cleavers. Generally, you can't kill them quickly, but they also can't kill you unless the fight drags on. As Rhaast, you absolutely dominate as long as you have healing reduction. With Shadow Assassin (SA), focus on killing their team before turning on them.
Ekko
When facing this champion, you typically win fights but may not secure kills as he can escape with his passive. Focus on farming faster to reach level 6 as soon as possible. Be cautious when ulting, as you will follow him if he ults; however, you should still be able to beat him. As Rhaast, you can knock him up if he tries to dash onto you and win 1v1s as long as you dodge his W stun. With Maw of Malmortius, it's a guaranteed kill unless he's fed. In a Shadow Assassin (SA) matchup, it's an assassin vs. assassin scenario where the one who gets the jump first will secure the kill.
Elise
When facing this champion, you can take trades as long as she doesnât catch you with her cocoon. As Rhaast, you can 1v1 her with ease; melee champions have to come close, making it easier to hit your W if you're patient. If youâre playing Shadow Assassin (SA), avoid her cocoon or youâll likely die. If you manage to dodge her cocoon, sheâs killable. Try to ult before she uses Rappel at low HP, as your ult damage will still go through.
Evelynn
This champion is more useless than you early on, so look for invades when she shows on the map and place deep wards. Against Evelynn, make sure to ult her before she ults, so you'll be teleported alongside her. Even with her invisibility, warding her camps will give you vision when she attacks them. As Rhaast, you can dodge her R with your R and use Q to dodge her charm proc. In a Shadow Assassin (SA) vs. Evelynn matchup, it's an assassin vs. assassin scenario where whoever gets the jump first will one-shot the other.
Fiddlesticks
You lose all fights against this champion, as his W will always win trades. Avoid fighting him. If Fiddlesticks uses his W and you ult inside it, the W damage will still execute if youâre low, so try to ult when he isnât using W. As Rhaast, you can knock him up after his R since he canât move, assuming you arenât already dead. Rhaast's knockup cancels his W healing, which usually allows you to kill him if you are even in terms of gold. As Shadow Assassin (SA), you can one-shot him only if his abilities are on cooldown, so be cautious of his Zhonya's Hourglass.
Gragas
His E takes priority over your Q, so it will be canceled if you try to use it. Winning fights against him is unlikely unless you use your Q to dodge his E. He will likely destroy you with a full combo, leaving you with little counterplay. However, after obtaining an MR item, he shouldn't be able to one-shot you anymore, allowing you to outduel him.
Graves
You won't be able to beat him early on as he gets free armor. Take what opportunities he allows you to get and avoid forcing anything. If Graves invades, it's best to avoid confrontation and give up your camps unless your team is there to collapse on him. You may have a chance to kill him late game if you managed to stay even through the early and mid-game.
Hecarim
You can take trades early, but be cautious as he will win very extended fights due to his W. As Rhaast, you can dominate Hecarim if you can land your W and even dodge his R with your own. Rhaast typically has the upper hand against this champion unless significantly behind. In a Shadow Assassin (SA) matchup, it's a potential Assassin vs. Assassin scenario where the one who gets the jump first will secure the kill.
Ivern
If you dodge his root, you can consider fighting him for orbs, but don't underestimate his damage. As Rhaast, he'll likely shield himself and prolong the fight with Daisy until his team arrives or he can escape. As Shadow Assassin (SA), you can kill him with Serpentâs Fang. This champion is very squishy since they typically build supportive items, making them a free kill, especially if you have Serpentâs Fang.
Jarvan IV
You won't be able to beat him, as this champion is very strong early game. Take what opportunities he allows you to get and avoid forcing anything. You can escape his ultimate with your Q or E. It's tough to beat him 1v1 without items. Rhaast outscales him, so aim to reach the late game. As Shadow Assassin (SA), look to take out his backline rather than directly engaging with him.
Jax
You can skirmish pre-6 if you dodge his E, but itâs challenging. Avoid extended fights as his passive grants an attack speed boost. As Rhaast, you can easily knock him up. Use your ultimate when he uses his E and enjoy the free kill. This applies to both forms of Kayn. As Shadow Assassin (SA), look for opportunities to engage in 2v1s in side lanes when he overextends, as you can take advantage of his positioning.
Karthus
Karthus will almost always full clear into crab. Do the same, but avoid fighting him and ping your team to collapse if possible. He is akin to a ranged Kha'Zix - if he hits Q and you're alone, you can't beat him. As Rhaast, maneuver around his Qs and he's usually dead if you can knock him up. As Shadow Assassin (SA), it's easy to kill him whenever Karthus doesn't have exhaust up. However, it's tough for Rhaast as you'll likely be slowed and kited, especially since he's scaling. SA destroys this champion since he has no mobility. Just be cautious when running away from his passive after obliterating him.
Kha'Zix
You won't be able to beat him as this champion is very strong early game. Take what opportunities he allows you to get and avoid forcing anything. As Rhaast, look to knock him up when he jumps on you. As Shadow Assassin (SA), it can be tough; try to get your combo off and use your ultimate before he does. You can still get your ultimate damage if he's invisible. Against Rhaast, it remains tough due to his slow and invisibility; landing W is crucial. In a Shadow Assassin (SA) vs. Assassin matchup, the one who gets the jump first will secure the kill.
Kindred
You won't be able to beat them, as this champion is very strong early game. Take what opportunities they allow you to get and avoid forcing anything, especially watching out for Level 2 invades. As Rhaast, you'll still get kited, so avoid confrontation as much as possible. Hold your W until they dash, and if possible, use your ultimate at the end of their ultimate for a chance to turn the fight. Shadow Assassin (SA) follows the same rules as Rhaast. In the mid-game, the matchup never becomes easy. SA can one-shot if Kindred has no ultimate available.
Lee Sin
You won't be able to beat him, as this champion is very strong early game. Take what opportunities he allows you to get and avoid forcing anything, especially watching out for early invades. Lee Sin is strongest in the early-mid game, while Kayn outscales. Track Lee Sin and counter-gank when possible. Your goal is to protect laners; kills are bonuses. If you manage to go even without falling too far behind, you're in a good position to win as Kayn scales well into the late game. Enjoy the advantage if you've reached this point relatively unscathed.
Lillia
You'll get kited, so don't bother trying to 1v1 without your form. She's very adept at kiting and will be difficult to 1v1 unless you can one-shot her. If she uses her ultimate, look to use your own ultimate while you're drowsy, and you can wait out her ultimate inside of her. This applies to both forms of Kayn. She's very good at kiting and will be tough to 1v1 unless you can one-shot her. If she uses her ultimate, look to use your own ultimate while you're drowsy, and you can wait out her ultimate inside of her.
Master Yi
You can't kill him through his W, and you lack hard CC to shut him down. He beats you 1v1 early on. This makes it hard for Kayn, as you lack hard CC. However, Rhaast can knock him up once he uses Q, but it's still tough due to his mobility. Your best chance is to wait for your team to provide CC. Ultimately, you don't beat him in any form, so play to beat his team instead. You can attempt to kill him if your team provides CC to lock him down.
Naafiri
She can follow your E. There's a lot of burst damage, so it's best to avoid fighting until you've transformed. Once you've transformed, you can start fighting. Use your Q to easily take out her packmates. Rhaast outscales and can stomp Naafiri late in the game. In a Shadow Assassin vs. Assassin matchup, whoever gets the jump first will secure the kill.
Nidalee
You won't be able to beat her, as this champion is very strong early game. Take what opportunities she allows you to get and avoid forcing anything, especially watching out for invades. You can take trades with your ultimate, but not without it. Try to use your ultimate to dodge her cougar execute if possible. Track her movements and avoid her, counter-ganking when you can. Protect your laners if possible; kills are bonuses. If you manage to go even without falling too far behind, you're in a good position to win. Enjoy the advantage if you've reached this point relatively unscathed.
Nocturne
He beats you with fear and lethal tempo. Path around him and donât engage. Try and countergank his ult as itâs usually telegraphed. Still donât 1v1. His spell shield will put your R on CD! Careful. Can R inside before fear goes off and wait it out inside. Either form is strong here. Take his spell shield with smite if you can, then fight. His spell shield will put your R on CD! Careful.
Nunu & Willump
Track Nunu and communicate ganks to your team while counter-ganking when possible. Your primary goal is to protect your laners through the early game; kills are just bonuses. Keeping your laners in the game is key to winning. You can use your ultimate to avoid Nunu's E root, dodge his ultimate, or follow him as he snowballs away, using your ultimate to exit in his path and stop the snowball. If you've managed to reach this point without falling too far behind, enjoy the advantage you've earned.
Olaf
He's very strong early game. It's extremely risky, but you can attempt invading at his red buff. Olaf stays low during his clear to gain attack speed from his passive. Otherwise, it's best to avoid him. You can't knock him up due to his CC invulnerability. Use your ultimate to wait out his ultimate duration. If you're playing Shadow Assassin, focus on his team instead of directly engaging with him.
Rammus
You can fight during his first clear, but it becomes tough after he gets bramble. If you're tracking him, you can take his camps due to his slow clear speed. Late game becomes easier unless your team is all AD. Building Black Cleaver and Serylda's Grudge can help against his armor. As Shadow Assassin, focus on his team rather than directly engaging with him.
Rek'Sai
You won't be able to beat her, as this champion is very strong early game. Take what opportunities she allows you to get and avoid forcing anything. She will likely go for a level 3 gank, so ping your team after you finish your third camp. You still lose hard in direct engagements, so avoid them and look to path around her camps, as Rek'Sai likes to spam ganks. You can start winning after building Black Cleaver, but it's still a challenging matchup. If you have good reflexes, you can try to dodge her ultimate with yours.
Rengar
His early game power allows him to invade you at will, so it's best to avoid confrontation. You really can't beat him due to his double W heal, so avoid fighting him and look to counter-gank his ultimate if possible. As Rhaast, try to knock him up when he hops on you. As Shadow Assassin, you can burst him out if you bait his heal, but it's easier for him to get to you first.
Sejuani
Her Q cancels your Q, and her team will rotate before you can kill her. Focus on gathering free orbs instead of actively seeking kills. Prioritize counter-ganking, pinging ganks, and tracking her movements. The matchup becomes easier for Rhaast in the late game. As Shadow Assassin, path around her and focus on taking out her backline rather than engaging directly with her.
Shaco
Look to invade his raptors around 1:00 and destroy his boxes to disrupt his clear. His clone takes increased damage, so use this to discern the real Shaco. Make sure to use your Q after he places a box to kill it and damage him. As Rhaast, use your Q to clear his boxes, and he should be an easy target. In a Shadow Assassin matchup, it's an assassin vs. assassin scenario where the one who gets the jump first will secure the kill. Edge of Night can help against AP Shaco.
Shyvana
It's essentially a farm race with Shyvana; she won't interact with you much. Ensure that either you or your team wards the dragon by or before 5 minutes. You can't really beat her when she has her ultimate, but she is vulnerable without it. AD Shyvana possesses a lot of burst, while AP Shyvana can one-shot you. Don't get caught off guard by her ultimate, and you should be fine.
Skarner
You won't be able to beat him, as this champion is strong early game. Take what opportunities he allows you to get and avoid forcing anything. If he ults you, you're probably dead, so it's best to stay away. Rhaast outscales him, so focus on reaching the late game. As Shadow Assassin, prioritize taking out his team instead of engaging directly with him.
Trundle
He's an extremely strong duelist, so it's best to avoid him throughout the game and focus on dealing with his team instead. Use your W ability to peel for your carries and keep them safe from his threats. While you'll never be able to 1v1 him, he doesn't offer much for his team in teamfights. As Rhaast, focus on peeling for your team with W. As Shadow Assassin, prioritize taking out his team members rather than engaging directly with him.
Twitch
He will likely level 2 gank one of your lanes, so make sure to spam ping it to alert your teammates. He only wins if he snowballs early, so try to prevent him from getting ahead. After you've transformed, you can kill him repeatedly if you play around your ultimate cooldown effectively. Make sure to time your engages carefully and take advantage of opportunities when his abilities are on cooldown. This applies to both forms of Kayn.
Udyr
He will likely try to invade you, and his ganks are very strong. It's best not to contest him and focus on scaling instead. If you have help, you can pick fights, but otherwise, it's better to avoid confrontation and focus on scaling safely. After you've transformed and built Black Cleaver, you outscale him. As Shadow Assassin, prioritize taking out his team rather than directly engaging with him.
Vi
She can cancel your Q and lock you down, so it's best not to fight her unless you know her Q is on cooldown. Her ultimate can kick you out of yours if she targets you before you cast it, so it's important to avoid getting caught in it. The matchup becomes much easier in the late game. However, as Shadow Assassin, be cautious; her ultimate locks you down long enough for her team to kill you if you're not careful.
Viego
He's not extremely strong early, but he's stronger than Kayn. Focus on grabbing your camps and farming efficiently. He can be extremely tough if he starts resetting his ultimate. Similar to Yi, prioritize worrying about his team, but take him out if he mispositions or gets CC'ed. Depending on his build, you may be able to one-shot him with Shadow Assassin if you catch him off guard or if he's squishy.
Volibear
His early game power allows him to kill you when he wants, so it's best to avoid confrontation. As Rhaast, you can survive encounters with him, but your goal isn't necessarily to secure kills. You can use your ultimate to dodge his ultimate or dodge his E ability if his ultimate is down. In the late game, you outscale him with Rhaast. As Shadow Assassin, focus on taking out his team rather than engaging directly with him.
Warwick
His passive makes him impossible for you to kill 1v1 early on, so avoid fighting him alone. Use your ultimate to dodge his fear ability. As Rhaast, he becomes beatable, but it may still be challenging. Building Black Cleaver and Executioner's Calling can greatly help in this matchup. You can start fighting him now that you have these items. If you manage to dodge his ultimate or E ability, you likely have a good chance of winning the fight. As Shadow Assassin, focus on taking out his team rather than engaging directly with him.
Wukong
He is stronger than you early, so focus on farming and playing for your transformation. You can look to fight him with Rhaast once you've transformed, but it's best to run away if you're playing as Shadow Assassin. With the spike from Black Cleaver, you can start fighting him now. Be cautious of his W ability, which allows him to dodge yours, so use your abilities carefully and strategically.
Xin Zhao
His kit is just better than yours early, and his third Q will cancel yours, so it's best to avoid direct confrontation. His red smite warrior is stronger than anything you have, unless you're ahead by a few kills. Wait for your form to come online and focus on taking his camps to accelerate your transformation. Once you have Black Cleaver, you should be able to dominate him. However, if you are playing as Shadow Assassin, be cautious of his ultimate counter-engage potential.
Zac
His early game power allows him to kill you whenever he wants, so it's best to avoid him. Counter-ganking and jungling efficiently are vital strategies against him. Remember that you outscale him, so focus on holding on until you reach the late game. In the late game, you should win easily against him.
Kayn
THE ONLY ONE YOU NEED TO WIN IS YOURSELF!!!! Prove you are worthy enough
Yuumi
When Yuumi sits on Kayn after he has obtained either his Red or Blue form, he becomes an extremely strong and massive threat all around the map. With Yuumi's heals, movement speed boosts, and additional damage, Kayn becomes super fast, gains significant healing and crowd control, and is essentially unkillable and unstoppable, especially in his Blue form where Yuumiâs abilities perfectly complement his strongest traits.
Malphite
Malphite offers Kayn excellent gank potential once more! Furthermore, his R + Kayn combo is lethal to all opponents and extremely effective in teamfights!
Galio
Fantastic opportunity for ongoing gank! In JG/River battles, Galio can assist Kayn after 6 with his ult and is always able to set up fantastic ganks for him!
Yasuo
To win fights, Rhaast/Yasuo can make fantastic W airborne + Yas R combos!
Akali
The combination of Kayn's high damage output and her high mobility prevents enemies from being able to properly itemize against both of them.
Shen
Shen can ult you when you play Red Kayn, and every time you go up beside someone, you will always receive a free taunt.
Lulu
You can stay alive during battles for both forms with Lulu.
Janna
Morgana
Orianna
Renata Glasc
Renekton
Kayn
THE ONLY ONE YOU NEED TO WIN IS YOURSELF!!!! Prove you are worthy enough
Yuumi
When Yuumi sits on Kayn after he has obtained either his Red or Blue form, he becomes an extremely strong and massive threat all around the map. With Yuumi's heals, movement speed boosts, and additional damage, Kayn becomes super fast, gains significant healing and crowd control, and is essentially unkillable and unstoppable, especially in his Blue form where Yuumiâs abilities perfectly complement his strongest traits.
Malphite
Malphite offers Kayn excellent gank potential once more! Furthermore, his R + Kayn combo is lethal to all opponents and extremely effective in teamfights!
Galio
Fantastic opportunity for ongoing gank! In JG/River battles, Galio can assist Kayn after 6 with his ult and is always able to set up fantastic ganks for him!
Yasuo
To win fights, Rhaast/Yasuo can make fantastic W airborne + Yas R combos!
Akali
The combination of Kayn's high damage output and her high mobility prevents enemies from being able to properly itemize against both of them.
Shen
Shen can ult you when you play Red Kayn, and every time you go up beside someone, you will always receive a free taunt.
Lulu
You can stay alive during battles for both forms with Lulu.
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