Overview
The big boss of Noxus, Swain is a fearsome champion that brings a little bit of everything to the table -- some damage, some tankiness, some CC, and some utility. He can do it all. Champions like this typically excel when they’re ahead and still find value when behind. Swain is a champion that can be played in multiple roles as a result of this. Click here for the latest data on his best builds, including Runes, Items, Summoner Spells, and more.
Keys to Remember About Swain
Swain is a champion that snowballs well -- as a sustain tank, he can literally 1v5 enemies if he's able to get far enough ahead, especially if they fail to build grievous wounds (which will happen in Solo Queue). You want to play him almost like a melee champion by getting right in the enemies' faces.
He combos well off CC from your teammates, and he also does well when the enemy team is lacking in damage options -- this means you can find a lot more value with him if you're observant during the champion select phase.
Strengths
Between Ravenous Flock [P] and Nevermove [E], he has some good inherent CC potential that can help your team secure picks. You can use your Visions of Empire [W] to bait enemies into stepping in a certain direction, especially if they’re already moving backwards, which can make it easier for you to land Nevermove [E]. Come team fighting, Swain is happy to jump into the thick of the action with his Demonic Ascension [R] granting him both damage and healing. He’s a champion that wants to make plays for your team and he’s been given the tools to do so.
Weaknesses
He’s very immobile as he doesn’t have any sort of dashes, which means he needs to land his CC in order to get in close, otherwise he’s at risk of being kited to death. This means he can also be focused down if enemies back off away from him, and if he’s being played from support, he typically won’t have the resources to be able to properly drain tank enemies. This means you can find yourself in an awkward spot where you have neither enough damage or tankiness, and your only form of CC is your E, which forces you into uncomfortable range. Being able to do everything can sometimes just mean you can’t excel at any one thing.
Game Plan
Early Game: You can find kills if you’re able to chunk opponents down first and then land a Nevermove [E], though it’s typically difficult without the help of a jungler.
Mid Game: You should have a lot of power at this phase in the game -- with just an item or two online, teams are going to have more difficulty bursting you down through your ultimate at this point. Look to be right in the middle of fights.
Late Game: You can still look to brawl, but it might be better to peel back and support your team at this point unless you are extremely fed and the enemy team lacks damage.
