In Noxus, any citizen may rise to power regardless of race, gender, or social standing – strength is all that matters. It was with committed faith in this ideal that Riven strove to greatness. She showed early potential as a soldier, forcing herself to master the weight of a long sword when she was barely its height. She was ruthless and efficient as a warrior, but her true strength lay in her conviction. She entered battles without any trace of doubt in her mind: no ethical pause, no fear of death. Riven became a leader amongst her peers, poster child of the Noxian spirit. So exceptional was her passion that the High Command recognized her with a black stone rune sword forged and enchanted with Noxian sorcery. The weapon was heavier than a kite shield and nearly as broad – perfectly suited to her tastes. Soon after, she was deployed to Ionia as part of the Noxian invasion.

What began as war quickly became extermination. Noxian soldiers followed the terrifying Zaunite war machines across fields of death. It wasn’t the glorious combat for which Riven trained. She carried out the orders of her superiors, terminating the remnants of a beaten and fractured enemy with extreme prejudice. As the invasion continued, it became clear that the Ionian society would not be reformed, merely eliminated. During one bitter engagement, Riven’s unit became surrounded by Ionian forces. They called for support as the enemy closed in around them. What they received instead was a barrage of biochemical terror launched by Singed. Riven watched as around her Ionian and Noxian alike fell victim to an unspeakably gruesome fate. She managed to escape the bombardment, though she could not erase the memory. Counted dead by Noxus, she saw an opportunity to start anew. She shattered her sword – severing ties with the past – and wandered in self-imposed exile. Now she seeks atonement and her own way to serve the pure Noxian vision in which she believed.

“There is a place between war and murder / in which our demons lurk.”
- Excerpted from the poem, “Scarlet Shon-Xan”

With Riven I take Armor Penetration reds, flat Armor yellows, CDR blues, and MS Quints. IMO this setup is perfect for Riven.

On Riven I run a very weird 24-6-0 setup, however I would also strongly suggest taking 21-0-9, 21-9-0, 0-9-21, or 0-21-9. This is all personal preference, however.

Runic Blade: Riven's abilities charge her blade, causing her to do bonus damage on her next autoattack. Riven can store up to 3 charges, but only expends one at a time.

Broken Wings: Riven steps forward and lashes out in a series of powerful sword slashes. This ability can be reactivated up to 3 times in a short period.
1st Use/2nd Use: Deals damage to a small area in front of her.
3rd Use: Jumps into the air and slams downward, causing a larger impact nova that deals damage and knocks nearby enemies back.

Ki Burst: Riven damages and stuns nearby enemies.

Valor: Riven dashes forward and gains a shield for a short duration.

Blade of the Exile: Riven's sword reforms, giving her a percentage multiplier on her total attack damage, extended range on her damaging abilities and basic attacks and the ability to use Wind Slash once. Wind Slash: While Blade of the Exile is active, Riven can reactivate the ability to emit a large shockwave that deals damage to all units hit based on their missing life.

Exhaust - Great choice for Riven. Helps her single target damage output and is very strong early game.

Ghost - Good chasing/escaping ability, but since both Broken Wings and Valor are dash abilities, I see no use for this on Riven.

Heal - Sure why not. Strongly don't recommend this but I know people who can't play without it..........

Promote - Viable choice for Dominion; we'll have to wait and see though.

Revive - Only Dyrus.

Smite - Jungle Riven is possible, but I have never tested it nor plan to do so.

Teleport - Take this always if you are soloing top with Riven.

Cleanse - In Ranked, only take this to counter CC. In Blind Pick, however, I do not recommend this on [{Riven]].

Fortify - Better off that a tank/support takes this. Riven's role is to deal damage, and this does not help her very much.

Garrison - **see Promote

Clarity - WTF

Ignite - Not a bad alternative on [{Riven]]. Helps to finish off those enemies just out of your range.

Rally - Please, no!

Clairvoyance - If your support doesn't have this all I can say is GG

Flash - Name me one champion that wouldn't benefit from flash.

Riven is a great solo top or bottom lane champion. She can also be played as a jungler, however I do not focus on jungling Riven in this guide.

Riven should focus on farming early game. Remember that her abilities are free, so don't hesitate to use Broken Wings and Ki Burst to farm . I suggest leaving Valor available for a free escape if ganked.

Riven can start harassing/kiting at level 3. Broken Wings in, Autoattack, Q again, Autoattack, W (stun), autoattack, Q part 3, autoattack. Then Valor to chase and complete a kill or dash out. This is the method you will use to maxmize your passive, Runic Blade, and make use of the Sheen effect.

-When chasing, do not be afraid to spam your Q and E to catch up. Same goes for running away.
-When attaacking an enemy, and you fear they could get away without much HP, activate your ultimate and proceed to Wind Slash to secure kills
-Red buff makes offense with Riven a lot easier.

Really short guide, sorry guys. Comment and vote honestly! Now go out and own like me in the only two games I've played with Riven!