TOP 5 XERATH MIDLANE COUNTERS

Xerath is a long-range artillery mage known for his relentless poke, strong zoning capabilities, and high burst potential from a distance. With abilities like Q (Arcanopulse) and R (Rite of the Arcane), he can wear down opponents and snipe them before they ever get close. However, he struggles against champions who can quickly close the gap, dodge his skill shots, or punish him during his casting windows.

Below are five of the most effective mid lane champions to counter Xerath — each bringing unique tools to disrupt his playstyle, negate his range advantage, and keep him from safely scaling into the late game.

1. Talon

• Playstyle: Assassin / Roaming Skirmisher
• Strengths:
  • Exceptional mobility with E (Assassin's Path) allows Talon to bypass Xerath's poke and engage from unexpected angles.
  • High burst damage can eliminate Xerath before he can react.
  • Strong roaming potential to influence other lanes, reducing Xerath's impact.

Play Tips:

• Utilize Talon's mobility to dodge skill shots and close the gap quickly.
• Aim to all-in when Xerath's E (Shocking Orb) is on cooldown.
• Roam to other lanes to capitalize on Talon's map presence.

2. Anivia

• Playstyle: Control Mage / Zoning Specialist
• Strengths:
  • Can out-range Xerath with Q (Flash Frost) and R (Glacial Storm), providing strong lane control.
  • Passive (Rebirth) offers a safety net against Xerath's burst.
  • Excellent wave clear to match Xerath's pushing power.

Play Tips:

• Use W (Crystallize) to block Xerath's escape routes.
• Maintain mana management to sustain pressure.
• Coordinate with your jungler for gank setups using Anivia's CC.

3. Qiyana

• Playstyle: Burst Assassin / Terrain Manipulator
• Strengths:
  • High burst damage with Q (Elemental Wrath) and R (Supreme Display of Talent) can quickly eliminate Xerath.
  • Utilizes terrain to enhance abilities, making her unpredictable.
  • Strong early-game presence to pressure Xerath before he scales.

Play Tips:

• Use terrain to your advantage for empowered abilities.
• Engage when Xerath's E (Shocking Orb) is on cooldown.
• Roam to other lanes to apply pressure across the map.

4. Katarina

• Playstyle: Reset Assassin / Teamfight Cleaner
• Strengths:
  • Can dodge Xerath's skill shots with E (Shunpo).
  • Resets from Passive (Voracity) allow for continuous damage in teamfights.
  • High mobility makes her difficult for Xerath to target.

Play Tips:

• Wait for Xerath to use E (Shocking Orb) before engaging.
• Use W (Preparation) to bait out Xerath's abilities.
• Coordinate with your team for synchronized engages.

5. Zoe

• Playstyle: Long-Range Poke Mage / Pick Specialist
• Strengths:
  • Can match Xerath's poke with Q (Paddle Star).
  • E (Sleepy Trouble Bubble) sets up for easy kills if landed.
  • R (Portal Jump) allows for safe harassment and repositioning.

Play Tips:

• Aim to land E (Sleepy Trouble Bubble) through terrain for unexpected angles.
• Use R (Portal Jump) to dodge Xerath's abilities while poking.
• Capitalize on summoner spells and items picked up from W (Spell Thief).