Sylas Mid Guide: Master the Mage Stealing Champion
Sylas is an AP skirmisher who excels at stealing and utilizing enemy ultimates. While challenging to master, he offers tremendous versatility and power when played correctly.
Core Abilities and Usage:
- E (Abduct): Primary engage tool and first skill to max
- W (Kingslayer): Point-click dash with damage and healing
- Q (Chain Lash): Ranged waveclear and poke
- R (Grand Finale): Steals enemy ultimates
Standard Combo: E -> W -> AA -> Q -> E -> AA -> AA -> AA Special technique: W can be combined with Flash for unexpected engages
Ultimate Usage Tips:
- Prioritize impactful AoE ultimates before objectives (Hecarim, Yuumi)
- Consider self-buffing ults for sustained fights (Aatrox, Swain)
- Mobility-damage ultimates provide flexibility (Akali, Yone)
- Adapt playstyle based on stolen ultimate (frontline, assassin, or AoE damage)
Core Build Path:
- Starting Items: Doran's Ring + Health Potions
- Core Items: Everfrost > Cosmic Drive > Zhonya's Hourglass
- Situational: Void Staff, Rabadon's Deathcap, Shadowflame
Key Strategies:
- Level 1: Use E for trades, leveraging Petricite Burst passive
- Level 2: Choose W for aggressive lanes, Q for defensive play
- Focus on AP and ability haste early game
- Build magic penetration in later stages
Early Game Focus:
- Trade aggressively with E-W combinations
- Use Q for safe farming when needed
- Look for ultimate steals that complement your team's strategy
Playing Sylas effectively requires extensive game knowledge and practice, particularly in understanding which enemy ultimates are most valuable in different situations. His flexibility allows him to adapt to various team compositions and playstyles.