How to Play Skarner Mid: Tips & Power Spikes (26.19)

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Skarner Power Spikes (Patch 26.19)

Mid

When Skarner Mid gets stronger, in the order it happens in a typical ranked game: ability unlocks from the most common skill order, item spikes at the median minute players finish them, and the game length Skarner wins most.

Lv 3
All three basic abilities at level 3
Skarner's full combo is online — the first point where trading all-in is realistic.
Lv 6
Ultimate rank 1 at level 6
The biggest early spike: look for a kill or a roam as soon as Skarner hits it.
Lv 11
Ultimate rank 2 at level 11
Lower ultimate cooldown means more fights Skarner can start or win.
Lv 16
Ultimate rank 3 at level 16
Lower ultimate cooldown means more fights Skarner can start or win.

Item timings are medians: half of players finish later. Fall behind in farm and every item spike moves back with it.

Skarner Mid and Late Game

What Skarner does better or worse than other champions after laning, from this patch's ranked games — percentiles where 100 is the highest of every champion.

Play to these strengths

Skarner soaks damage well (percentile 98): stand between the enemy and your carries.
Skarner brings crowd control (percentile 80): start the fight or follow up on a teammate's engage.
Skarner wins 30.0 points more in long games than short ones: avoid coin-flip fights early and let the game go long.

Mistakes to avoid

Skarner falls behind in CS (20/100): last-hit the waves you can, items still matter.
Skarner is not a damage carry (21/100): don't take fights expecting Skarner to win them alone.

Playing Skarner

Basic attacks apply Quaking. Stick to your target and re-apply it for maximum damage.
Capturing Crystal Spires before attempting neutral objectives or team fights around them improves Skarner's performance in said fights dramatically.
Impale is extremely powerful when you use it to position an enemy so your allies can attack them.

Playing Against Skarner

Ixtal's Impact can be stopped by any stun, root, or knock-up. Save a key cooldown if he's coming for a gank!
Impale can be dodged. Use Flash or another ability to get out of reach.
Skarner's sustained damage can eventually take you down. Be careful not to ignore him.

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How to Play Skarner FAQ - Patch 26.19

When does Skarner power spike?

Skarner's spikes in a typical ranked game: All three basic abilities at level 3; Ultimate rank 1 at level 6; Ultimate rank 2 at level 11; Ultimate rank 3 at level 16.

How do you play Skarner Mid?

From this patch's ranked data, Skarner wins by playing to these strengths: front-line for your carries; start fights with crowd control; play for the late game.

Skarner How to Play: Tips & Power Spikes