Hello, Im daudr - adc main with EUW rank 100 peak, the most stoic and composed league player you'll see.

Here i've included only what i considered most important while keeping it brief and short so you can quickly navigate and find what you need on the go.

For a lot, lot more game and bot lane related info feel free to visit my socials and i'll be glad to help you out :) https://www.twitch.tv/daudr9
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You aren't really left with many options here, Exhaust is the best but if you really insist on something else (or your adc/sup already went with Exhaust) go Barrier.

Ignite isn't really viable, since Xerath doesn't have any escape system and even though you will do more damage in a single fight you'll die way more so do less damage in a long run. (If screen is gray you do 0 damage)

If you're against 2-3 tanky champions you can go with Liandry's Anguish.

You might change Shadowflame for Horizon Focus if tnemies don't have many shields and you can ulilize max range poke well.

Consider Dark Seal into Mejai's Soulstealer only if you're confident in your ability to not die often, otherwise you lose value and are better buying something else.

Banshee's Veil is an alternative to Zhonya's Hourglass when there are 3 or more AP champions, because Xerath is really immobile it's usually the best to go Zhonya's. A thing worth noting is to not upgrade into Zhonya's as long as your Stopwatch is not broken and ready to use.

Morellonomicon only in scenarios where enemies have 2-3 hard healing champions and your teammates have not went for heal reduction already.

It's important to poke with W first then it becomes far easier to land a Q.

When aiming with Q look not at enemy champion as whole but only focus on his feet. You won't believe how many more skillshots will hit :).

If there's time try to change hit pattern of your R - e.g. throw 2 first shots very quickly and then wait 2-3 seconds before firing next shots. Enemies will be confused and easier to hit.

If enemies have no way to regain helth, you might quickly force them out of lane with poke from R, you don't have to wait to finish them off with it and instead use it for priority.

Arcane comet straightforward - poke.

Manaflow band for mana sustain and the reason for starting with W, so you have almost guaranteed stacks from the very beginning for the maximum value.

I go with Absolute focus for more damage.

Scorch more early poke.

Presence of mind with manaflow band gives infinite mana.

Coup de grace deals more damage.

Keep in mind you schould change armor rune to magic resist if you're up against 2 AP champions bot or enemy team has 4 or more AP champions.