Why does karthus’s Q feel so awful to use?

Oakleaf Ranger·Dec 3, 2017·1 votes·421 views

When I started playing league, Karthus was one of the first champions I heard of (really liked what his ultimate did) but I was drawn to other champions as I started playing and sort of forgot about him.

Eventually I started getting a understanding of the meta and found out where Karthus stood in it which almost completely put me off him.

I finally reached the point where I can be somewhat choosy about what I want to spend my BE on and I finally got Karthus.

Played him in a normal and his Q feels awful to use. I play with smart cast indicator on and it felt like I might as well not be using it.

I think the mechanic behind the ability needs to be changed to feel like Swain W, yorick E, and/or cho gath Q which feels way more inuitive to use and way less clunky.

5 Comments

Baron BarianDec 3, 20172 votes

Been playing him a lot when I go mid lately. Been loving him.

But the awkwardness of his Q is a necessary trade-off. It's the best level 1 ability in the game due to the constant damage for a super low mana cost. But it can be tough to use shortly after due to the shorter range when compared to other poke abilities, and if you're fighting someone who is getting used to your BS, even slow moving champions can avoid it.

He's one of those easy-to-learn, hard-to-master guys. Keep spamming, farm up, and when it comes to late game teamfighting, not even death will stop you from kicking some ass.

Oakleaf RangerDec 3, 20171 votes

what I mean is with the champion's I named, I can hold down their ability key to display the ability range and where my ability will land within that range even while moving until I right click.

I cant do that with Karthus Q which I don't understand why. Swain W also roots you in place (for a small moment) as you cast the spell so I don't understand why Karthus Q mechanic has to feel so clunky to use when other champion with similar abilities don't do it either.

Your saying his Q ability is made more difficult to use by a clunky mechanic that other champions (to my knowledge) with similar abilities don't suffer from because its too strong otherwise is a pretty bad argument since its power is locked behind a awkward to use mechanic that if I really wanted too only requires me get used too.

The Bearded BardDec 3, 20172 votes

Because it can't be cast while moving

YokoNomiDec 3, 20171 votes

Karthus is definitely becoming more awkward as the current meta and uniqueness of the champions being released pulls them further away from what Karthus requires for his own kit to work fluently. The problem is, he does not necessarily feel weak either. I like his Q. While I can see your point, I do also enjoy the fact that it's awkward to use. I use that awkward utility in my favor, forcing the opposing mid-laner to dance, lead them into following Q strikes, or potentially zoning them away from the farm.