Karthus is a powerful AP mage jungler known for his global presence and consistent damage output, even after death through his passive ability.

Core Strengths:

• Global map pressure with ultimate (Requiem)
• Strong AP damage dealer
• Excellent clear speed
• Continues dealing damage after death

Skill Priority:

1. Q (Lay Waste) - Primary damage ability, maxed first for jungle clear and champion damage
2. E (Defile) - Second max for enhanced AoE damage and faster clearing
3. W (Wall of Pain) - Last max, used for utility and magic resistance reduction

Skill Order:

• Level 1-3: Q > E > Q (standard clear) or Q > E > W (if early fights expected)
• Max order: Q > E > W

Build Path:

Starting Items:

• Hailblade
• Refillable Potion

Core Items:

• Liandry's Torment (First item priority)
• Sorcerer's Shoes
• Demonic Embrace
• Rabadon's Deathcap

Situational Items:

• Zhonya's Hourglass (vs heavy AD)
• Void Staff (vs magic resistance)
• Shadowflame (vs shields)

Gameplay Tips:

• Focus on efficient farming early game
• Use Q for single target damage (deals double damage)
• Position E for optimal clear of small camp monsters
• Save ultimate for securing kills or assisting other lanes
• Coordinate team fights around your passive
• Ideal as the sole AP damage source in AD-heavy team compositions

Most Effective When:

• Team needs AP damage
• Enemy team has low magic resistance
• Team requires global pressure
• Looking for consistent damage output

Note: Success with Karthus heavily depends on positioning, farm efficiency, and ultimate timing.

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