Darius is a lane bully who snowballs out of control if you let him get ahead. He's got sustain with Q, a pull with E, and his R resets on kills. The key to beating him is not letting him stack his passive. If he gets 5 stacks, you're dead.
His Q heals him based on how many champions he hits with the blade (outer ring). If you're inside the handle, he doesn't heal. His passive applies a bleed that stacks to 5, giving him bonus AD and making his R do true damage.
Best Darius Counter
1. Vayne (Top Lane)
Vayne hard counters Darius. Her Q lets her kite him. Her E knocks him back when he tries to engage. Her W does max HP true damage, so his tankiness doesn't matter. She outscales him hard.
Why it works: Kiting beats melee. E knocks him back. True damage shreds him.
How to play it: Q to dodge his Q. E him away when he walks up. Auto → Q → Auto to proc W. Build Kraken Slayer → Blade of the Ruined King → Phantom Dancer.
2. Quinn (Top Lane)
Quinn pokes Darius from range and he can't touch her. Her E knocks him back and gives her speed. Her W reveals him in bushes. Her R lets her roam and impact the map while he's stuck top.
Why it works: Range beats melee. E knocks him back. You outroam him.
How to play it: Auto → Q → Auto to proc passive. E away when he walks up. Roam with R. Build Galeforce → Stormrazor → Infinity Edge.
3. Mordekaiser (Top Lane)
Mordekaiser beats Darius in the 1v1. His R pulls Darius into the death realm where he can't escape. He builds AP and armor, so Darius's damage doesn't hurt. He also outscales.
Why it works: Death realm negates his escape. You win extended fights. You outscale.
How to play it: Trade with Q. If he pulls you, R him and fight in death realm. Build Riftmaker → Rylai's → Thornmail.
4. Gwen (Top Lane)
Gwen's W makes her immune to Darius's abilities from outside the zone. Her Q does max HP true damage. She outscales him hard. She also heals a ton with Q.
Why it works: W negates his abilities. True damage shreds him. You outscale.
How to play it: Farm early. At 6, W → Q spam → R and he can't touch you. Build Riftmaker → Nashor's Tooth → Zhonya's Hourglass.
5. Kennen (Top Lane)
Kennen pokes Darius from range and he can't engage. His W and R stun Darius. His E lets him escape ganks. He also outscales in teamfights.
Why it works: Range beats melee. Stuns lock him down. You outscale in teamfights.
How to play it: Auto → W to poke. E away when he walks up. At 6, R → W and he's stunned. Build Riftmaker → Shadowflame → Zhonya's Hourglass.
How to Beat Darius in Lane
Don't let him stack passive. If he gets 5 stacks, you're dead. Disengage before he stacks.
Walk into his Q. His Q only heals if you're hit by the blade (outer ring). Walk into the handle and he doesn't heal.
Dodge his Q. If you dodge his Q, he doesn't heal and you win the trade.
Build grievous wounds. Thornmail or Mortal Reminder cuts his healing in half.
Don't fight him at 6. His R does massive true damage. If you're low, he'll dunk you and reset.
How to Beat Darius in Teamfights
Kite him. Darius has no gap closer. If you kite backwards, he can't reach your backline.
Focus him before he stacks. If you let him stack passive on your frontline, he'll dunk everyone.
CC him. Darius has no escapes. If you CC him, he's dead.
Don't clump. His Q hits everyone in range. If you clump, he heals for massive amounts.
Items That Counter Darius
- Thornmail — reflects damage and applies grievous wounds
- Mortal Reminder — applies grievous wounds on autos
- Blade of the Ruined King — shreds his HP
- Randuin's Omen — slows him and reduces crit damage
- Frozen Heart — reduces his attack speed
Frequently Asked Questions
Who counters Darius the hardest?
Vayne. Her Q kites him, her E knocks him back, her W does max HP true damage. She outscales hard.
How do I beat Darius in lane?
Don't let him stack passive. Walk into his Q handle so he doesn't heal. Dodge his Q. Build grievous wounds. Don't fight at 6.
What items counter Darius?
Thornmail and Mortal Reminder (grievous wounds), Blade of the Ruined King (shreds HP), Randuin's Omen (slows), Frozen Heart (reduces attack speed).
Does Quinn counter Darius?
Yeah. She pokes from range, E knocks him back, R lets her roam while he's stuck top.
How does Darius's passive work?
Applies bleed stacks on autos and abilities. At 5 stacks, he gets bonus AD and his R does true damage. Disengage before 5 stacks.
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