Darius is a tanky DPS. He is build on armor penetration and a massive damage output. He can be abit fragile early game, but has the damage output to counter that. He does agressive damage and finishes his enemy's off quickly with his ultimate or just tons of damage.

I build him tanky because he has to get close up to get the damage output that is needed. That way i can go in, do tons of damage and then run out again still in one piece. Building him pure damage or tank would also work, but this (hybrid) way will work awesome with Darius, The Hand of Noxus.

Early game

In your early game you need to farm. Because your spells are great for that. You will also need to poke your enemy with tricks. Try to land your Q-spell at max range, then it will drain their HP quickly.

Mid game

Now, you have all your spells and you have maybe farmed up quite a few minions and/or kills. You can now help other lanes. Push them and maybe even take the dragon down with your team. Of course you must remeber that you have a lane, and that you do not want to loose those towers! So keep an eye on your lane at all times when your out helping your team.

Late game

Now you are tanky with alot of nasty damage. Focus on towers and getting kills, because by this time you have all the minions you will need. The baron buff goes great with Darius, so gather your team and get it! Even though the laning phase is over, you still don't want to leave all your towers unguarded!

What makes Darus good and bad..? This is why:

PROS

-Great damage
-Good dueler
-Awesome DoT passive
-Good damage 1v1 AND in team fights
-Good lane farmer
-Nice ultimate to finish off enemy's

CONS

-No escape mechanisams (exept flash)
-Can kill steal with his ultimate
-Open for ranged attack's