Ever felt the sting of a Void Seeker from an enemy Kai’Sa and wondered how she hit so hard with an Ability Power (AP) build?
You’re not alone. Dive into the realm of AP Kai’Sa, a build that has stormed the Summoner’s Rift, offering a unique spin on the champion’s playstyle.
TL;DR:
- Exploration of AP Kai’Sa’s sudden rise in popularity.
- Deep-dive into optimal rune selections and the reasoning behind them.
- Guide to mastering AP Kai’Sa’s build, skill path, and item choices.
- Insider tips from pros on getting the most out of this build.
- FAQs to address common misconceptions and queries about AP Kai’Sa.
Why AP Kai’Sa is Buzzing in the Rift
Gone are the days when Kai’Sa was only seen as an ADC. The AP build has added another dimension to her gameplay. Whether it’s unleashing a devastating Void Seeker or maximizing the power of her Icathian Rain, the AP version provides a fresh perspective to her skirmishes.
Optimal Rune Choices
When embarking on the AP Kai’Sa journey, runes play a pivotal role. Let’s decipher this rune code, shall we?
Domination:
Keystones: Electrocute, Predator, Dark Harvest, Hail of Blades
Primary Runes: Cheap Shot, Taste of Blood, Sudden Impact
Ward Runes: Zombie Ward, Ghost Poro, Eyeball Collection
Hunter Runes: Treasure Hunter, Ingenious Hunter, Relentless Hunter, Ultimate Hunter
Inspiration:
Utility Runes: Hextech Flashtraption, Magical Footwear, Perfect Timing
Economy Runes: Future’s Market, Minion Dematerializer, Biscuit Delivery
Trait Runes: Cosmic Insight, Approach Velocity, Time Warp Tonic
Spezzy’s Pro Tip: While the domination tree aids in bursting enemies, the inspiration tree provides the necessary utility to maneuver around the battlefield. Always remember, a well-placed Void Seeker can change the tide of the game.
Gear Up with the Best Items
The magic of AP Kai’Sa comes alive with the right items:
- Starting Items: Best for most matchups with a 56.5% WR from 58,417 matches.
- Mythic & Core Items: Building these every game will secure you a 58.5% WR from 25,339 matches.
- Fourth to Sixth Item Options: These are the flexibility points in the build. Some options boost win rates up to 82.84% in certain matches, based on situational needs.
Spezzy’s Secret: Remember, Kai’Sa’s Passive: Second Skin offers dual scalings. Make sure you build items that complement both her AP and AD traits.
Master the Skill Path
Dive into AP Kai’Sa’s skills and their evolution order:
- Kai’Sa’s Q: Icathian Rain – Levels: 1, 4, 5, 7, 9
- Kai’Sa’s W: Void Seeker – Levels: 2, 8, 10, 12, 13
- Kai’Sa’s E: Supercharge – Levels: 3, 14, 15, 17, 18
- Kai’Sa’s R: Killer Instinct – Levels: 6, 11, 16
Spezzy’s Insight: Kai’Sa’s ultimate, Killer Instinct, is not just an engagement tool. It’s a perfect baiting mechanism against unwary opponents.
Unconventional Approaches to AP Kai’Sa
While the mainstream approach to AP Kai’Sa focuses on maximizing her magic damage, let’s explore some out-of-the-box ideas that some pros have been experimenting with:
- Hybrid Kai’Sa: This build combines elements of both AP and ADC Kai’Sa, ensuring damage versatility. While this might seem counterintuitive, a hybrid approach can throw off opponents who itemize against a specific damage type.
- Support AP Kai’Sa: Imagine a world where Kai’Sa provides utility for the team while also packing a punch with her AP scalings. With items like Ardent Censer and Moonstone Renewer, Kai’Sa can offer surprising amounts of healing and shielding, providing a secondary support role from the bot lane.
Spezzy’s Secret Tip:
When attempting these unconventional builds, communication with your team is paramount. Ensure your allies are on board with the strategy and adjust roles accordingly.
The Importance of Adaptability
Adapting your build based on the game’s flow is an art. While the rune and item choices provided above offer a foundation, the in-game situation might require adjustments. Always keep an eye on enemy builds, and don’t be afraid to divert from the standard path if the situation calls for it.
Spezzy’s Pro Tip: Investing in defensive items can sometimes be the difference between life and death. Zhonya’s Hourglass or Banshee’s Veil can offer Kai’Sa the much-needed survivability against burst champions.
Endgame Thoughts
Playing AP Kai’Sa isn’t just about dealing damage; it’s about embodying the essence of the Void, catching enemies off guard, and exploring the depths of a champion that offers so much versatility. Dive into the rift, experiment with builds, and find the perfect balance that works for you.
FAQs
Why choose AP Kai’Sa over ADC Kai’Sa? AP Kai’Sa offers an alternative playstyle, focusing on her magic damage output which can be surprising for enemies expecting a traditional ADC.
Is AP Kai’Sa viable in ranked games? Yes, as evidenced by her win rates when built correctly. However, success largely depends on the team composition and player proficiency.
Which champions complement AP Kai’Sa in a team setup? Champions with crowd control or those that can peel for Kai’Sa work best, such as Leona, Thresh, or Sejuani.
What’s the biggest challenge when playing AP Kai’Sa? Positioning is key. Without proper positioning, it’s easy to get caught out and eliminated due to her squishiness.
Any counters to watch out for? Hard engage champions or those that can burst her down quickly, like Zed or LeBlanc, are significant threats.
Can AP Kai’Sa work in other lanes? While traditionally played as a bot laner, AP Kai’Sa has seen experimentation in mid, and even the jungle. However, her success in these roles largely depends on matchups and player expertise.
How does AP Kai’Sa’s late game compare to ADC Kai’Sa? AP Kai’Sa excels in poke and burst with her W, while ADC Kai’Sa is more consistent in extended fights due to her auto attacks. Both have their strengths and weaknesses as the game progresses.
Is there any situation where I should avoid picking AP Kai’Sa? If your team already consists of heavy AP champions, or if the enemy team has champions that can easily negate AP burst (like Galio or Kassadin), it might be worth reconsidering.
Conclusion
The world of AP Kai’Sa is vast and requires patience, practice, and the right information. With the insights provided above, any player can step onto the rift with confidence. Remember, while AP Kai’Sa offers a different flavor, mastering her nuances ensures you strike fear into the heart of the enemy.
