Cho'Gath vs Aatrox Matchup Guide

Cho'Gath

Cho'Gath

Top Lane Tank/Mage

The Terror of the Void - tanky control mage with AoE CC and true damage execute

VS
Aatrox

Aatrox

Top Lane Drain-tank Bruiser

Drain-tank bruiser who chains three Q casts with sweetspot healing, amplified by World Ender for sustained all-ins

VerdictSkill matchup EarlySkill Matchup MidSkill Matchup LateCho'Gath Favored Updated Jul 10, 2026 · Patch 26.13

Champ Select Cheat Sheet — Cho'Gath vs Aatrox

Runes
Grasp of the Undying (Resolve) - preferred Tank path for scaling through short trades and permanent HP
Secondary: AP alternative: Hail of Blades (Domination) with Cheap Shot, Grisly Mementos, Relentless Hunter; Sorcery secondary with Nimbus Cloak and Waterwalking
Summoners
Flash + Ghost
Start
Doran's Ring + 2x Health Potion
Core Build
Bramble Vest (level 6)HeartsteelFrozen HeartWarmog's Armor
Trade Pattern
Q > W > AA > E > disengage
Exit after the silence window expires; extended trades past W duration let Aatrox restart the Q chain and heal through damage.
Danger Levels
Respect Aatrox at levels 6, 9
First Back
Bramble Vest (800g)
Ideal Back (800g+)

Matchup Dynamics

How This Matchup Works

Tank path is the preferred approach; Grasp scaling with Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. at 6 reduces the lane to short trades that compound in Cho'Gath's favor. The AP alternative (HoB, Q priority) keeps it competitive through burst windows but doesn't outscale as decisively. Two points in Q early lets Cho'Gath contest when Aatrox steps forward with E into Q; W silence after any commit denies the three-cast chain that Aatrox relies on for healing. At three completed items, Cho'Gath wins the side lane and teamfights outright. Late-game, a single W silence removes Aatrox from grouped fights while World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. ticks down with nothing to show for it.

Early Game (1-5)

Skill Matchup - Cho'Gath cannot win trades outright but contests them; 2 points Q punishes Aatrox E+Q commits, Grasp autos stack permanent HP between cooldowns.

Mid Game (6-11)

Skill Matchup - Both scale toward item spikes; anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. cuts Aatrox healing while Cho'Gath builds toward the 3-item breakpoint with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. stacks compounding.

Late Game (12+)

Cho'Gath Favored - FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. stacks create an HP wall; one max-rank W silence removes Aatrox from teamfights entirely while World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. expires unused.

Key Interactions

  • W – Feral ScreamW – Feral ScreamCho'Gath unleashes a terrible scream at enemies in a cone, dealing magic damage and Silencing enemies for a few seconds. denies Aatrox Q rotation: Silence interrupts the three-cast Q chain; Aatrox cannot cast Q2 or Q3 during the mute window, losing all sweetspot damage and healing from the rotation.
  • Q – RuptureQ – RuptureRuptures the ground at target location, popping enemy units into the air, dealing damage and slowing them. during Aatrox Q3 commit: Aatrox locks into Q3 with the longest wind-up of the three casts; drop RuptureQ – RuptureRuptures the ground at target location, popping enemy units into the air, dealing damage and slowing them. directly under him during the slam for a guaranteed knock-up punish.
  • Anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. at level 6 versus World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended.: Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. (Tank) or Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage (AP) before Aatrox hits 6; World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. amplifies healing and anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. must land before it compounds.
  • Grasp auto spacing for permanent HP: Proc Grasp on short E-auto trades between Aatrox Q cooldowns; each stack adds permanent HP that compounds with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. scaling toward the 3-item breakpoint.

Cho'Gath

Strengths

  • W silence shuts down the entire Q chain; no casts means no sweetspot healing or damage
  • Grasp short trades scale permanently; each proc compounds with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. HP stacking
  • Tank path with Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. reduces the lane to favorable short exchanges after level 6
  • FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. objective control outvalues Aatrox at every Dragon and Baron contest
  • Late-game teamfight utility through AoE CC outscales a drain-tank that dies to silence

Weaknesses

  • Cannot win trades outright in early levels; contests without dominating
  • Q wind-up is predictable; Aatrox E dash sidesteps it without committing FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor.
  • Mana-gated early if forced to Q-farm without connecting Grasp trades for sustain
  • Extended trades let Aatrox land multiple Q sweetspots and healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. through damage dealt
  • No mobility; Aatrox W pull zone punishes bad positioning with guaranteed chain return

Aatrox

Strengths

  • Three-cast Q chain with sweetspot healing sustains through most short trades
  • World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. amplifies all healing; extended fights favor Aatrox until anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. completes
  • E reposition lets Aatrox angle Q sweetspots through Cho'Gath sidestep attempts
  • W – Infernal ChainsW – Infernal ChainsAatrox smashes the ground, dealing damage to the first enemy hit. Champions and large monsters have to leave the impact area quickly or they will be dragged to the center and take the damage again. catches immobile Cho'Gath consistently; no dash to escape the pull
  • Early-mid pressure forces Cho'Gath to play reactive until the 3-item breakpoint arrives

Weaknesses

  • Silence from W denies the entire Q rotation; no healing, no damage, no fight contribution
  • Anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. from Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. or Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage cuts the drain-tank identity at level 6
  • Outscaled at 3 items; Cho'Gath HP wall and CC become insurmountable in side lane
  • Q3 animation is the slowest cast; Cho'Gath Q lands free during the telegraphed slam
  • Teamfight utility drops off hard against AoE silence that removes him from grouped fights

Power Curve Comparison EXPERIMENTAL

Power Curve Visualization

Win Conditions

Cho'Gath's Win Condition

  • Take the Tank Grasp path; permanent HP scaling compounds with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. and outscales at three completed items
  • Build Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. (Tank) or Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage (AP) before Aatrox reaches level 6; anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. guts World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended.
  • Two points Q early to contest when Aatrox commits forward with E dash into Q1
  • Save W for Aatrox Q chain; one silence removes his entire damage rotation and all sweetspot healing
  • Group for objectives and teamfights where AoE CC outvalues a drain-tank that dies to silence

Aatrox's Win Condition

  • Force extended trades where multiple Q sweetspots stack healing; short trades favor Grasp Cho'Gath
  • All-in with World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. before anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. completes; the healing gap closes after Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. or Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage
  • Weave E between Q casts to angle sweetspots through Cho'Gath sidestep attempts
  • Land W – Infernal ChainsW – Infernal ChainsAatrox smashes the ground, dealing damage to the first enemy hit. Champions and large monsters have to leave the impact area quickly or they will be dragged to the center and take the damage again. to guarantee Q3 sweetspot; Cho'Gath has no dash to escape the pull zone
  • End the game before three items; Cho'Gath outscales in side lane and teamfights past that breakpoint

Laning Phase Guide

Level/Phase Cho'Gath Aatrox
Level 1 Tank: start E – Vorpal SpikesE – Vorpal SpikesCho'Gath's attacks release deadly spikes, dealing damage and slowing all enemy units in front of him.; E-enhanced autos proc Grasp and trade safely between Aatrox Q cooldowns. AP: start Q – RuptureQ – RuptureRuptures the ground at target location, popping enemy units into the air, dealing damage and slowing them. for ranged poke. Ward pixel brush at 2:30. Start Q – The Darkin BladeQ – The Darkin BladeAatrox slams his greatsword down, dealing physical damage. He can swing three times, each with a different area of effect.; angle Q1 sweetspot on CS approaches. Short Q1 poke wins level 1 but does not threaten a kill without follow-up.
Level 2 Take W – Feral ScreamW – Feral ScreamCho'Gath unleashes a terrible scream at enemies in a cone, dealing magic damage and Silencing enemies for a few seconds.; silence immediately when Aatrox starts the Q chain to deny Q2 and Q3 casts entirely. Take W – Infernal ChainsW – Infernal ChainsAatrox smashes the ground, dealing damage to the first enemy hit. Champions and large monsters have to leave the impact area quickly or they will be dragged to the center and take the damage again.; Q1 into W sets up the pull for a guaranteed Q2 sweetspot. Respect silence timing on the follow-up.
Level 3 AP: second point Q for contest power. Tank: full kit (E-W-Q). Contest when Aatrox steps forward with E+Q by dropping RuptureQ – RuptureRuptures the ground at target location, popping enemy units into the air, dealing damage and slowing them. under his commit. Full kit online; E reposition between Q casts for sweetspot angles. Extended trades still favor Aatrox but silence shortens the window.
Level 4-5 Farm with Grasp procs; stack permanent HP. Prep for anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. buy on next recall. Concede CS rather than taking an all-in death before the component completes. Push for plates; Cho'Gath cannot match wave pressure without spending mana. Freeze if Cho'Gath overextends past the wave for a greedy Grasp proc.
Level 6 Back for Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. (Tank) or Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage (AP); anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. before World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. unlocks is the matchup's inflection point. Stack FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. on cannons when no objective is coming. World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. unlocks; all-in with R while healing is still uncontested. Every fight before anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. completes is the strongest kill window in the lane.
Level 7-8 Tank: E max continues for short-trade DPS with Grasp. AP: 3 points Q provides safe poke and wave clear. Scale with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. stacks and compound HP. Complete first item; Sundered SkySundered Sky45 Attack Damage400 Health10 Ability HasteLightshield StrikeYour first Attack against a champion Critically Strikes and restores Health. healing compounds with World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended.. Push the advantage before Cho'Gath reaches the 3-item breakpoint.
Level 9 Tank: W second max extends silence duration for longer denial windows. AP: W max begins. Longer silence removes Aatrox from extended fights completely. Q max complete; lowest Q cooldown enables frequent trade rotations. Force fights before Cho'Gath anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. and scaling fully converge.

Power Spikes

Level Spikes

Cho'Gath Aatrox
Level Description Level Description
2 Minor W – Feral ScreamW – Feral ScreamCho'Gath unleashes a terrible scream at enemies in a cone, dealing magic damage and Silencing enemies for a few seconds. unlocks; silence denies Aatrox Q chain on the first rotation attempt 3 Minor Full Q chain online; E reposition lets sweetspot angles land consistently against immobile targets
6 Major R – FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. adds execute threat, objective control, HP stacking, and tower dive defense 6 Major World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. unlocks; healing amplification turns extended fights before anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. completes
9 Major Tank: E max improves short trade DPS; AP: W max extends silence duration for longer denial 9 Major Q max; lowest cooldown enables frequent trade rotations and sustained side-lane pressure
11 Major R2 lowers FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. cooldown; more stacks and more objective control windows compound the advantage

Item Spikes

Cho'Gath Aatrox
Item Description Item Description
Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. (800g) Tank path rush at level 6; cuts Aatrox Q sweetspot healing and World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. sustain before it compounds Sundered SkySundered Sky45 Attack Damage400 Health10 Ability HasteLightshield StrikeYour first Attack against a champion Critically Strikes and restores Health. Core first item; healing on champion hit sustains through extended trades and compounds with World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended.
Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage (800g) AP path rush at level 6; anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. before World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. unlocks guts the drain-tank identity Death's DanceDeath's Dance60 Attack Damage50 Armor15 Ability HasteIgnore PainA percentage of damage taken is dealt to you over 3 seconds instead.DefyWhen a champion that you damaged within 3 seconds dies, cleanse Ignore Pain's... Damage delay prevents burst deaths; bleed passive extends fight duration where Aatrox thrives
HeartsteelHeartsteelRestores Health on kill or assist Tank core; permanent HP stacking synergizes with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. and Grasp for compounding scaling advantage Black CleaverBlack CleaverDealing physical damage to enemy champions reduces their Armor Armor shred mandatory versus Tank Cho'Gath stacking HP and resistances through HeartsteelHeartsteelRestores Health on kill or assist and Frozen HeartFrozen HeartMassively increases Armor and slows enemy basic attacks
Rod of AgesRod of Ages45 Ability Power350 Health500 ManaTimelessThis item gains 10 Health, 30 Mana and 3 Ability Power every 60 seconds up to 10 times. AP Tank core; stacking HP, AP, and mana accelerate the 3-item outscale breakpoint Serylda's Grudge Slow prevents Cho'Gath from walking out of Q sweetspot range; armor pen cuts through tank stacking
Frozen HeartFrozen HeartMassively increases Armor and slows enemy basic attacks Armor plus ability haste; enables more W silence rotations to deny Aatrox Q chains in fights

Best Build for Cho'Gath

Starting Items

Doran's RingDoran's RingGood starting item for casters + 2x Health PotionHealth PotionConsume to restore Health over time

Core Items

Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. (level 6) → HeartsteelHeartsteelRestores Health on kill or assist → Frozen HeartFrozen HeartMassively increases Armor and slows enemy basic attacks → Warmog's Armor

Runes

Primary: Grasp of the UndyingGrasp of the UndyingEvery 4s your next attack on a champion deals bonus magic damage, heals you, and permanently increases your health. (Resolve) - preferred Tank path for scaling through short trades and permanent HP

Secondary: AP alternative: Hail of BladesHail of BladesGain a large amount of Attack Speed and bonus true damage for the first 3 attacks made against enemy champions. (Domination) with Cheap ShotCheap ShotDeal bonus true damage to enemy champions with impaired movement or actions., Grisly MementosGrisly MementosCollect 1 memento on champion takedowns, up to 18 total.Gain 6 Trinket Haste for each collected., Relentless HunterRelentless HunterUnique takedowns grant permanent out of combat MS.; Sorcery secondary with Nimbus CloakNimbus CloakAfter casting a Summoner Spell, gain a short Move Speed increase that allows you to pass through units. and WaterwalkingWaterwalkingGain MS and AP or AD, adaptive in the river.

Summoner Spells

FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. + GhostGhostGain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration.

Priority Build Path

1
Bramble Vest

Level 6 anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. rush; cuts Aatrox Q healing and World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. sustain before it compounds

2
Heartsteel

Tank core; permanent HP stacking synergizes with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. and Grasp for compounding scaling

3
Frozen Heart

Armor and ability haste; enables more W silence rotations to deny Aatrox Q chains

4
Warmog's Armor

Permanent out-of-combat regen with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. and HeartsteelHeartsteelRestores Health on kill or assist HP; sustain between fights in the side lane

Situational Adjustments

  • Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage: AP path: anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. at level 6 when running Hail of BladesHail of BladesGain a large amount of Attack Speed and bonus true damage for the first 3 attacks made against enemy champions. instead of Grasp
  • Rod of AgesRod of Ages45 Ability Power350 Health500 ManaTimelessThis item gains 10 Health, 30 Mana and 3 Ability Power every 60 seconds up to 10 times.: AP Tank hybrid: stacking HP, AP, and mana for the 3-item breakpoint on HoB path
  • Kaenic RookernKaenic Rookern400 Health80 Magic Resist100% Base Health RegenMagebaneAfter not taking magic damage for 15 seconds, gain a magic shield.: Heavy AP elsewhere on the enemy team; MR shield blocks burst windows
  • Hollow RadianceHollow RadianceImmobilize enemies to gain a shield. Activate to run faster at opponents.: Mixed damage team; AoE burn assists wave clear and adds fight DPS alongside tank stats

Key Patterns

Lethal Combos

Cho'Gath Full Combo (Level 6+):

Q > W > AA > E > R

Only commit R when the execute indicator confirms; Q must land first to lock Aatrox and prevent E dash escape.
Aatrox Escape/Counter Combo:

Q1 > E > Q2 > W > Q3 > R

Weave E between Q casts for sweetspot repositioning; W chains lock Cho'Gath for the Q3 slam; R amplifies healing through the fight.

Trading Combos

Cho'Gath Short Trade:

Q > W > AA > E > disengage

Exit after the silence window expires; extended trades past W duration let Aatrox restart the Q chain and healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. through damage.
Aatrox Quick Trade:

Q1 > E > Q2 > disengage

Two-cast trade with E reposition for sweetspot; save Q3 to zone or disengage; avoid overcommitting into W silence range.

Lethal Thresholds

  • Cho'Gath Kill Range: FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. execute confirms below roughly 25-30% HP after Q > W > E rotation; wait for the indicator before pressing R.
  • Aatrox Kill Range: World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. all-in threatens kills at roughly 40-50% HP with sweetspot Q3 and full ConquerorConquerorGain stacks of adaptive force when attacking enemy champions. After reaching 12 stacks, heal for a portion of damage you deal to champions. stacks; healing amplification sustains through the burst.
  • Critical Levels: Cho'Gath outscales at 3 completed items with Grasp stacks and FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. HP; avoid isolated fights before the breakpoint and dominate after.

Level by Level Game Plan

Level Primary Goal Lane Position Trading Opportunities Kill Windows Setup Opportunities
1 safe CS with E (Tank) or Q (AP) hold outside Aatrox Q1 sweetspot range E-auto Grasp trades between Aatrox Q cooldowns; Q poke on AP path none without jungle ward pixel brush 2:30
2 unlock silence punish keep wave between tower and river W silence on first Q cast then disengage; deny Q2 and Q3 only with jungle gank thin wave to prep crash for anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. recall
3 contest Aatrox E+Q commits stay near tower; never past river without vision Q under Aatrox during E+Q commit; W silence the follow-up chain possible with jungle when Aatrox Q chain is on cooldown second point Q on AP path for contest power
4-5 stack Grasp HP; prep anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. recall freeze near tower if possible E-auto Grasp procs only; concede CS vs all-in threat very low crash cannon wave for Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. or Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage recall
6 anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. online; FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. stacks begin fight only near tower or with anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. completed Q > W > E short trade; hold R for execute confirmation medium if Q lands and anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. is active stack R on cannon if no objective or kill is available
7-8 scale toward 3-item breakpoint match Aatrox push with Q wave clear; do not let him proxy Tank: E trades with Grasp; AP: Q poke at range between cooldowns medium with jungle rotations rotate for Herald or Dragon when R is available
9+ W max approaching; silence duration extends avoid extended 1v1 until 3 items complete W silence into Q; force disengage after the combo lands any Q land into full rotation plus R group for objectives where FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. decides the contest
Mid Game (11-16) approach 3-item breakpoint; group for objectives avoid isolated fights; group or match with numbers front-to-back with AoE CC; W silence Aatrox during World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. R execute on carries or isolated targets vision around objectives; force fights in chokes where Q lands
Late Game (16+) outscale active; dominate teamfights and objectives Baron and Dragon pits where FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. secures one W silence removes Aatrox from any fight; zone with Q any Q into R confirm on a carry deny vision near objectives; body-block with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. HP

First Back Goals

Ideal Back (800g+)

  • Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. (800g)
  • Control Ward (75g)

Crash cannon wave at level 5-6; anti-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. before Aatrox World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. unlocks is the matchup's inflection point

Behind Back (400-700g)

  • Cloth Armor (300g)
  • Ruby Crystal (400g)

Base before Aatrox forces an all-in with World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended.; finish Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. on second recall

Teamfight Tips

Aspect Cho'Gath Aatrox
Primary Role Frontline zone control with AoE CC; one W silence removes Aatrox from the fight entirely Drain-tank looking for extended fights; World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. sustain through Q sweetspot healing on grouped targets
Target Priority ADC or fed carry
Aatrox during World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. when W silence is available
Jungler near contested objective		 Backline carries after building healing through frontline Q chains
Cho'Gath if isolated from team without W available
Whoever is caught by team CC or Infernal ChainsW – Infernal ChainsAatrox smashes the ground, dealing damage to the first enemy hit. Champions and large monsters have to leave the impact area quickly or they will be dragged to the center and take the damage again.
Objective Control R – FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. secures neutrals through any contest; arrive early and zone with Q
Force fights in tight spaces where Q and W hit grouped enemies reliably		 Force objective before Cho'Gath arrives; FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. outsmites through any healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion.
Split opposite side of objective to draw Cho'Gath away from the pit
Positioning Fight in choke points and jungle entrances where Q and W cover the entire passage
Body-block with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. HP; size advantage absorbs skillshots for carries		 Fight in open space where E reposition angles sweetspots freely without walls
Avoid narrow passages where W silence covers the entire width of the corridor
Other Tips Save W to silence Aatrox during World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended.; the healing amplification means nothing when he cannot cast Q for damage and sustain
Body-block Infernal ChainsW – Infernal ChainsAatrox smashes the ground, dealing damage to the first enemy hit. Champions and large monsters have to leave the impact area quickly or they will be dragged to the center and take the damage again. for carries; Cho'Gath size absorbs the pull without losing critical position		 Stack healing through frontline Q chains before pivoting to carries with World EnderR – World EnderAatrox unleashes his demonic form, fearing nearby enemy minions and gaining attack damage, increased healing, and Move Speed. If he gets a takedown, this effect is extended. active and ConquerorConquerorGain stacks of adaptive force when attacking enemy champions. After reaching 12 stacks, heal for a portion of damage you deal to champions. stacked
Time all-ins for when Cho'Gath W is on cooldown; the silence window is the real threat, not the HP wall