What to Max first on Sion

Q being most recommended since the damage output with some patience really pays off, plus having the mana cost being same at all ranks.

E can also be another ability to max first if against a a laner who has tons of mobility & interruption like Riven. Damage output is pretty good, but comes at the cost of mana being increasing steadily at higher ranks. (Anyone missed the old 25 mana at all ranks from release...?)

W is best to max last, as it is only good for small skirmishes, plus the damage output is already outstanding enough at Rank 1 or 2. The shield strength can already be increased from simply cs-ing since it scales with your own HP.

just pick at random.

E is bad outside of lane so I would never recommend it. Max Q normally but vs Champs that counter Q A **LOT ** or just give you a rough time anyway and you cant expect to win max W. Such as (well you can win if hes a monkey)

E can be really strong in lane, but the more you level it up the more mana it takes and it can be hard to sustain that.

Neither of them is really the right call. Its situational.

Q: this is your bread and butter spell. Max it first for damage. W: get a point at level 2. you want to be stacking health as long as possible. E: amazing poke potential in lane. out of lane, you won't be nearly as excited about it. If you are getting killed in lane, I'd probably max this for the poke potential. If your running even or better, E is great with just one point.

essentially, you go e>q>w if you are losing and want to come back, but q>w>e if you are winning and want to snowball.