Katarina is a unique assassin whose effectiveness scales dramatically with player experience, particularly in her AD On-Hit build variant. Her kit revolves around reset mechanics, making mechanical skill more crucial than macro gameplay knowledge.

Core Mechanics

Passive (Voracity):

• 15-second cooldown reduction when damaging champions who die within 3 seconds
• Deals magic damage when collecting daggers
• Dagger damage scales with AD, AP, and on-hit effects

Ability Priority: 3 Points Q > Max E > Max Q > Max W

• Q (Dagger Dance): Throws bouncing dagger, dealing magic damage
• E (Shunpo): Teleports to target, applies on-hit effects
• W (Preparation): Creates dagger above Katarina, grants movement speed
• R (Death Lotus): Channels damage to nearby enemies, applies on-hit effects and grievous wounds

Optimal Combo Sequences

Without Ultimate: E > Q > W > AA > Collect W Dagger > E to Q Dagger > AA > AA > E > AA

With Ultimate: E > Q > W > R > Collect W Dagger > E to Q Dagger > AA > AA > E > AA

Core Build Path

Starting Items:

• Long Sword + 3 Health Potions
• Dark Seal + Refillable Potion

Core Items:

• Blade of the Ruined King
• Divine Sunderer
• Death's Dance

Situational Items:

• Black Cleaver (vs. tanks)
• Maw of Malmortius (vs. AP)
• Guardian Angel (when ahead)

Key Strengths

• Exceptional punishment of enemy mistakes
• Strong snowball potential
• Versatile build paths

Key Weaknesses

• Steep learning curve
• Vulnerable to CC
• Requires proper timing for team fight entry

This guide was authored by Julian "Xioh" Dumler, a former professional League of Legends player, streamer, and head coach.

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