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Recommended Items
Spells:
Ignite
Flash
Items
Ability Order
Draw a Bead (PASSIVE)
Tristana Passive Ability
Introduction: Why AP Tristana?

Most summoners seem to think AP Tristana is the stuff of trolls, and with good reason! If I had a shot of Southern Comfort for every time I've seen a summoner feed with her, I'd be moderately drunk (an impressive feat indeed given my level of alcoholism).
But I digress -- my aim is to show you skeptical summoners that AP Tristana is a force to be reckoned with, and a viable threat even on the ranked fields of justice. Consider the following:
Just take a gander at those AP ratios, and notice that Rocket Jump resets on kills and assists. Now those are some fine ingredients for a potent glass cannon! Numbers aside, y'all should give her a try for one reason above all: she's some of the most fun Benadryl Jackson has ever had in the League.
For the most part you want to go mid lane, but top and bot are both surprisingly effective locations for AP Trist as well. The build remains the same for all lanes.
I could go on all day proselytizing Tristana's insane burst damage and exhilarating high-risk high-reward gameplay, but youtube videos speak louder than words. My video and written guide are intended to complement each other, and I recommend both to those who wish to master the ways of AP Tristana.
Normally I'm inclined to encourage personal flair in rune choice, but when it comes to AP Trist I must insist on what I've laid out. Given her impressive AP ratios, it makes plain good sense to go with AP runes. As for flat versus scaling seals/glyphs, consider the following:
The flat runes seem tempting for that early-game oomph, but the scaling runes become just as good once you hit level 6...and level 6 happens to be when you go ham. Furthermore, they will continue to grow and provide even more AP throughout the game, so the choice is clear: for seals and glyphs, scaling is where it's at.
The flat runes seem tempting for that early-game oomph, but the scaling runes become just as good once you hit level 6...and level 6 happens to be when you go ham. Furthermore, they will continue to grow and provide even more AP throughout the game, so the choice is clear: for seals and glyphs, scaling is where it's at.
I doubt anyone would complain about 21 points in the Offense tree, but the disagreements come on where to put the other 9 points. Some folks go for the Defense tree, which is alright, but I recommend Utility. AP Trist doesn't need that much mana, but when you go hoppin' around on a killing spree you will be glad you had that extra chunk from Masteries. A little goes a long way!
The famous Demacian philosopher Euripides once said: "'tis best for a summoner to approach the fields of justice sober and austere".
That's nice Euripides, but Benny Jack don't roll that way. Y'all know that BJ's first choice of drink is and always will be Southern Comfort, but when I play with AP Trist the occasion calls for something special. I recommend a jug of fine yordle spirits, preferably Megling moonshine if you can get it, otherwise Heimerweizen.
That's nice Euripides, but Benny Jack don't roll that way. Y'all know that BJ's first choice of drink is and always will be Southern Comfort, but when I play with AP Trist the occasion calls for something special. I recommend a jug of fine yordle spirits, preferably Megling moonshine if you can get it, otherwise Heimerweizen.

In my video guide linked above I have several examples of these abilities in action. See below for more in-depth explanations.
First up we have


Second, we have

Next, we have


Finally, we have your ultimate

Final Note: Don't be hasty when learning your first ability. If a level 1 teamfight breaks out, or you get caught, then learn


As the icons suggest, you






The Combo™ requires some fast fingerwork and a bit of practice to get down perfectly, especially in the chaotic heat of a teamfight. It's not easy, but damn is it satisfying, and the reward of doing some of the most insane burst damage in the game is worth it!
Final Note: Using










At the start of the game, your primary goal is this: win your lane. Farm from a distance and tag your opponent with [explosive shot] every chance you get. With [rocket jump] you are practically ungankable, so it is best to save it for escaping and only use it offensively when you are confident you can kill. There are only a handful of champions that can stand up to your punishment. If you're good, many opponents will die once you hit level 6 (or sooner), and the rest will be forced back to base constantly, putting you at a strong experience and gold advantage.
Once you've established your dominance in lane, you need to start helping your team where applicable. You are an excellent ganker. Don't be afraid to roam around and help the other lanes -- you can even sneak through their jungle and jump from behind their own tower for a nasty surprise. Be wary of the knockback on
Buster Shot when ganking, as you can push them to safety if you're not careful. Conversely, you can also push them into your allies for the kill!
Once you enter the mid/late game and teamfights start happening, you need to be very careful. Jumping into the middle of an enemy team is a great way to get killed before you can even cast all your spells. Generally, you want to poke with your
Explosive Shot and wait for someone else to initiate. Once a fight breaks out, pick out your priority target, unleash your full combo on them, and jump the hell out. In the majority of cases, your priority target will be their AD or AP carry. Take them out at all costs!
Once you've established your dominance in lane, you need to start helping your team where applicable. You are an excellent ganker. Don't be afraid to roam around and help the other lanes -- you can even sneak through their jungle and jump from behind their own tower for a nasty surprise. Be wary of the knockback on

Once you enter the mid/late game and teamfights start happening, you need to be very careful. Jumping into the middle of an enemy team is a great way to get killed before you can even cast all your spells. Generally, you want to poke with your


While AP Tristana is best mid lane, in the event that you go bot, Lulu is your best friend. Why?


The path to mastering AP Tristana is no easy road, but those with the gumption to learn her secrets will find that it's a worthwhile and highly enjoyable approach to a classic champion. I hope y'all enjoyed my guide and were able to glean something from it. If I can introduce even a single summoner to the joys of AP Tristana then it will be worth it!
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