Hey everyone. This is my first and probably only build, because after I upload it I'm probably gonna get flamed to tears and I'll never go on the internet again. Anywho, just give it a read before you start foaming at the mouth because of my items.

This build is a work in progress, but I've been doing extremely well with it so I've decided to upload it; if anything for my own reference. Feel free to comment and criticize, but please try the build before you do.

I would put a list of pros and cons here, but honestly, why bother?

You probably know his pros by now, and as far as I can tell his only real con is that he's squishy. But then again, if he wasn't, why would you even play any other champs?

Ghost:

Chasing and running away. You'll be doing a lot of both as Nocturne, so Ghost is always a good choice for him.


Exhaust:

People run like hell when they see Nocturne coming, so try and slap this on them before they get too far away. If someone's taking a little longer to kill then your Unspeakable Horror will allow, this will keep them around.

Umbra Blades:

This is one of the reasons attack speed is important for Noc, and also why he's such a great farmer. One of the best passives in the game.


Duskbringer:

This is your bread and butter. Use it as a ranged attack. Use it to chase your targets. Use it to run away. Use it to deal extra damage. Just make sure you always use it.


Shroud of Darkness:

This is my favorite ability in the game. It will require reflexes and knowledge of enemy champs to use effectively, but damn is it hilarious when you block Caitlyn's ult.


Unspeakable Horror:

After you throw Duskbringer on a champ, you use Unspeakable Horror. This creates a leash that does a tiny bit of damage, but if held within range for a few seconds, will fear your target, allowing you to whack them in the back of the head with those giant blades you have for arms.


Paranoia:

Everyone knows what this is. Great ult? Or Greatest ult? Hell, even your own team's gonna get scared when you activate Paranoia. Plan your entrance into a team fight around this. Hide in a bush, unlock your camera, and search for your victim.

These are pretty standard runes for Noc I think. Armor penetration is extremely important; Noc needs to get his kills quick and get out. Nobody has time to keep poking at that guy with Thornmail, especially not assassins. The extra health from the seals is nice, and every assassin can do with more attack speed.

Obviously offensive masteries are a priority here, but putting some points into utility, especially mana regen, will benefit Noc. Anyone who's played Nocturne once will know how frustratingly small his mana pool is early game, which will send you back a lot if you don't watch it carefully.

My runes and masteries are pretty standard I think, so items are the main reason I'm posting this build.


Doran's Blade:

Starting the game with a Doran's item is usually a good decision, and Doran's Blade is perfect for Noc. The extra health is nice, and so is the damage, but the real reason I choose this item is for the lifesteal. Nocturne can burn through minions like crazy, even early game, so that 3% will go a long way until you get the Hextech Gunblade.


Berserker's Greaves:

Personally, I believe attack speed is one of the most important assets a champion can have. Even if you're not a damage dealer, attack speed will get you more last hits, which means more kills, which means more money and experience. After you get this item, you'll really start raking in the dough from all those minions.


The Brutalizer:

This is my first damage item purchase for two reasons: it's cheap, and it builds into Youmuu's Ghostblade. I don't like holding out for huge damage items like Infinity Edge early, because it will make you less effective for an important period of the game. On top of the early game damage, the cooldown reduction is a nice bonus.


Youmuu's Ghostblade:

This is the first major purchase. You'll already have half of it because of The Brutalizer, and the rest should come quickly. It has everything a damage dealer wants; damage, armor penetration, and crits. But most importantly, you want its active. It will give you 20% movement speed and 50% attack speed for 4 seconds. This is part one of the reason I named this build "No One Escapes Nocturne". Say you've already wasted Ghost ganking some other poor soul. Throw down a Duskbringer, activate this, and watch them run. Or, watch them try and catch you if you're running away. Also, it will make you a real turret killer.


Hextech Gunblade:

For some reason, I don't see any other Noc's with this item. The ability power is great, the lifesteal and spell vamp is nice, and the attack damage is very effective. Also, this is part two of the name. The active will do 300 magic damage and slow your target by 50% for 3 seconds. Sound familiar? (psst...Exhaust...)


Banshee's Veil:

This item is conditional. I usually like to make Noc a little beefier, and the only thing better than blocking somebody with a spell shield is doing it twice. But if you're going against a real AD heavy team, obviously you'll want to trade this out for an armor item. Or, if you're doing really well, don't take any defense items at all and start working toward the Infinity Edge.


The Bloodthirster:

Nothing compliments AD like lifesteal. You should be racking up the kills by now, so the stacks are nice too.


Infinity Edge:

Usually for me a game will end before I make it to Infinity Edge, which is a shame because after getting it Nocturne is unstoppable. This isn't a crit build; I don't believe in those because they're so easy to counter, but the extra crits will definitely compliment your attack speed. Plus, how can you argue with +80 attack damage?

This is not a jungling guide. I use this build for soloing mid and laning with a buddy, and I succeed at both. Feel free to try jungling and let me know how you make out though.

Early Game (Top/Bottom Lane):

Nocturne can lane well with almost anyone, although you probably want to avoid other assassins if you can. You'll be susceptible to long-range harassers like Caitlyn, who will be able to eat away at your pathetic health bar before you can get close enough to deal with them. A tank may not be that helpful, as the other champs will target you anyway. I prefer mages like Ryze or Lux who can snare your enemies for you.

Early Game (Mid):

Nocturne can excel in mid against most enemies, and at least hold his own against the rest. Again, you'll get pushed back by mages, but if you can hang on until level 6 you'll teach them some respect with Paranoia. Go back for health and mana pots whenever you can.

Mid Game:

This is where Nocturne shines. You've probably heard him called the best ganker in the game once or twice, and after a few games you'll probably agree. Roaming between lanes killing minions at the rate that you do, you'll be up to 18 before you know it. There's a bush in every part of the map that you can launch Paranoia from, enabling you to enter team battles whenever you choose. Always target the weakest enemy, and try not to do it when said enemy is within walking distance of a turret. Before you launch, calculate how long you think it will take you to kill him, whether or not you need to use Exhaust/Hextech, and what your escape plan is.

Late Game:

You may find your Paranoia becomes less useful at this stage, what with the enemies all cozy in their base surrounded by turrets. But that's ok. Aside from being a great ganker, Nocturne can backdoor with the best of them. You may want to avoid some team fights at this point, allowing your team to distract the enemy while you go for a turret. Using Youmuu's Ghostblade on a turret will bring it down in seconds; just be mindful of the map. You don't have many escape mechanisms, so be on the lookout for ganks.