Personally, I've found that a Trinity Force and some lifesteal is more than enough survivability for Skarner. And I don't get any item specifically for the AP. The Nashor's Tooth is for the MP5 and the Gunblade is for the spellvamp and lifesteal. The AP is simply a bonus which makes him hit slightly harder but it's not a goal. But I'm not the highest ELO in the world, so a more tanky build may be better in other skill levels. I'd seriously hesistate to call this build 'squishy' though.

The build is AWESOME. You got 1+

Sorry but downvoted. You are wasting so much of skarners ability to be able to last in team fights and iniate. He is an excellent tanky dps, but with this build you will melt in 5 seconds due to being so squishy. And ap just isnt that good on skarner.

Excellent guide keep it up.

nice build please watch mine http://www.mobafire.com/league-of-legends/build/skarner-the-cc-master-jungling-tank-guide-157646

Hey, I love playing Skarner on a offensive build too in probably a very similar way, but i do it a little differently. Instead of trinity force i base mine on lich bane, supported by archangels staff ( i've seen a lot of people with manamune... but i think this works better). This gives you a huge amount of mana and ability power.

I also go for the berserkers greaves instead of the ninja tabi for higher attack speed. When my build is finished i end with moonflair spellblade because it takes little place...

I'm still having trouble in early game, but i fix this by making a lot of assists and farming rapidly with crystal slash.

still thanks for your build man, it gave me a good start :)

Lmao just went 11/7/8. First time using skarner (without a practice game mind you). Very easy to follow and is very effective! +1 (Can't wait to see him after the buff's int he upcoming patch)

Thanks for the kind answer and getting me right.
I did not downvote your Guide btw. And I also didn't wanna start a fight or something and you got it.
Skarner's free this week and I might try him again.

But I really have to say although you're right and you can't have the best game ever when you first play I champion, I have to say Skarner takes so long to get used to... I had 3 MEGA-fail games so far and I don't wanna brag at all - but I'm not THAT bad!!

Whatever wish your Guide all the best and thanks for all the effort you afford :DD

Most champions require more than one game to do well with. Not everyone can be Caitlyn. Just because you did badly with him your first time doesn't mean he's bad--more likely it means you need practice. I remember when I first picked up Akali and I was terrible with her. It all takes practice.

Skarner is the worst Champion I have ever played. In comparison, Eve or Twitch are GODS. Very Sad.

Edit: Oh, yeah: Went 3/8/2 with him with this build. The enemies were quite bad. Got the 2 kills at Level 1.

Never before had I ever gotten a kill advantage first, and lost it afterwards.
It's rather the other way around. You can have a bad game and sometimes still catch up.

Really disappointed. Well, at least it was my friend's account that spent 6300 IP on a champion with only one skill that's any good. :(

Very nice guide, doing very well with Skarner.

Lovely build. Got me 11-2 with it.