Cho'Gath vs Vladimir 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
Vladimir

Vladimir

Top Lane Sustain Mage

Resourceless sustain mage who scales into a late-game team-fight burst threat through Hemoplague amplification and Sanguine Pool invulnerability

VerdictSkill matchup EarlySkill Matchup MidVladimir Favored LateSkill Matchup Updated Jul 10, 2026 · Patch 26.13

Champ Select Cheat Sheet — Cho'Gath vs Vladimir

Runes
AP: Hail of Blades (Domination) with Cheap Shot, Grisly Mementos, Relentless Hunter; or Arcane Comet for poke. Tank: Arcane Comet (Sorcery) with Manaflow Band, Transcendence, Scorch
Secondary: HoB secondary: Nimbus Cloak, Waterwalking. Comet secondary: Cheap Shot, Relentless Hunter
Summoners
Flash + Ghost (Roam'Gath AP) or Flash + Teleport (Tank)
Start
Doran's Ring + 2x Health Potion
Core Build
AP: Flexible based on enemy team; Oblivion Orb at level 8-9 | Tank: Warmog's ArmorForce of Nature
Trade Pattern
W > Q > AA > E > disengage
Lead with W to silence the E channel; land Q during the silence window for a guaranteed hit. Exit before Pool comes back up.
Danger Levels
Respect Vladimir at levels 6, 9, 16
First Back
Blasting Wand (AP) or Giant's Belt (Tank)
Ideal Back (1000g+)

Matchup Dynamics

How This Matchup Works

Vladimir punishes passive lanes through infinite sustain and back-loaded scaling. AP Cho'Gath (HoB or Comet, 3-point Q into W max) fights back with fog-of-war Q picks and silence on the Tides of BloodE – Tides of BloodVladimir pays his own health to charge up a reservoir of blood which, when released, deals damage in the area around him but can be blocked by enemy units. channel; Tank Cho'Gath (Comet, Q max) stalls until Warmog's and Force of NatureForce of NatureMove Speed, Magic Resist, and max Health Regeneration erase Vladimir's kill window entirely. Neither side threatens a solo kill before level 6. The matchup tilts at Vladimir's Rocketbelt spike, where charged E into FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. ult becomes lethal. Always W the Tides of BloodE – Tides of BloodVladimir pays his own health to charge up a reservoir of blood which, when released, deals damage in the area around him but can be blocked by enemy units. channel — silence during that wind-up wastes his HP cost and denies his strongest pre-6 trade tool. On AP, buy Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage by level 8-9 to cut sustain before it compounds. Do not buy 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 any path; Vladimir never auto-attacks in trades.

Early Game (1-5)

Skill Matchup - Both champions scale; neither has strong kill pressure pre-6. Farm with Q, trade around W silence on Vladimir's E channel, and build toward core items.

Mid Game (6-11)

Vladimir Favored - Vladimir spikes at 6 with Hextech AlternatorHextech AlternatorIncreases Ability Power. Deal bonus magic damage on attack periodically. and HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration.; charged E into FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. ult threatens lethal. AP Cho'Gath needs fog-of-war plays, Tank Cho stalls.

Late Game (12+)

Skill Matchup - Vladimir's HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. teamfight bomb versus Cho'Gath's AoE CC and 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; the winner depends on team composition and positioning.

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. to silence Tides of BloodE – Tides of BloodVladimir pays his own health to charge up a reservoir of blood which, when released, deals damage in the area around him but can be blocked by enemy units. channel: Vladimir charges E over 1 second, paying HP upfront; silence during the wind-up wastes his health cost and cancels the damage entirely. Time W the instant the charge animation starts.
  • Fog-of-war Q into burst combo (AP path): Land Q from outside Vladimir's vision through brush or terrain; follow with W silence into full rotation before he can react with Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them..
  • Force of NatureForce of NatureMove Speed, Magic Resist, and max Health Regeneration versus Vladimir kill pressure: Tank path: Force of Nature's magic damage reduction and movement speed remove Vladimir's ability to threaten a kill in the side lane; the matchup becomes a permanent stalemate.
  • FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. versus Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them. timing: Vladimir pools on reaction to the FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. animation; bait Pool with Q > W first, then hold R for the 14-second Pool cooldown window. Never lead with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health..

Cho'Gath

Strengths

  • W silence cancels Tides of BloodE – Tides of BloodVladimir pays his own health to charge up a reservoir of blood which, when released, deals damage in the area around him but can be blocked by enemy units. channel, wasting Vladimir's HP cost and denying his strongest trade
  • Passive sustain from CarnivoreP – CarnivoreWhenever Cho'Gath kills a unit, he recovers Health and Mana. The values restored increase with Cho'Gath's level. matches Vladimir's lane healing through the farm phase
  • FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. grants permanent HP scaling that armor and MR itemization amplifies against Vladimir's burst
  • Superior objective control; R plus SmiteSmiteDeals true damage to a monster or minion. secures neutral objectives through any contest
  • AoE knock-up and silence outvalue Vladimir in front-to-back teamfights where he cannot freely access the backline

Weaknesses

  • No mobility; Phase RushPhase RushDealing 25% of a champion's maximum health grants a burst of MS and Slow Resist. Vladimir with GhostGhostGain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration. late game becomes impossible to escape
  • Q wind-up is telegraphed without fog-of-war setup; Vladimir sidesteps or pools on reaction
  • Cannot force kills on Tank path; the lane becomes a permanent stalemate that favors Vladimir's scaling
  • Mana-gated early if using Q and W to trade rather than farm; Vladimir has no resource bar
  • FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. stacks lost on death remove the scaling advantage and set back the entire game plan

Vladimir

Strengths

  • Resourceless; sustains through any poke pattern that Cho'Gath can produce from range
  • Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them. dodges FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health., RuptureQ – RuptureRuptures the ground at target location, popping enemy units into the air, dealing damage and slowing them., and Feral ScreamW – Feral ScreamCho'Gath unleashes a terrible scream at enemies in a cone, dealing magic damage and Silencing enemies for a few seconds. on reaction when held for the right moment
  • HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. amplifies team damage by 10% in grouped fights; Cho'Gath's size makes him easy to tag
  • Phase RushPhase RushDealing 25% of a champion's maximum health grants a burst of MS and Slow Resist. plus GhostGhostGain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration. late game makes Vladimir impossible for Cho'Gath to peel or escape
  • Scales harder than Tank Cho'Gath in side-lane pressure; Crimson Rush Q chunks through MR stacking

Weaknesses

  • Extremely weak before level 6; E costs HP and self-damage exceeds trade value early
  • Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them. costs 20% current HP; using it defensively puts Vladimir in FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. execute range
  • Force of NatureForce of NatureMove Speed, Magic Resist, and max Health Regeneration on Cho'Gath removes solo-kill potential entirely in the side lane
  • Silence from W denies the E channel and empowered Q timing window
  • No crowd control; Cho'Gath's AoE CC provides far more teamfight utility when even

Power Curve Comparison EXPERIMENTAL

Power Curve Visualization

Win Conditions

Cho'Gath's Win Condition

  • Silence Tides of BloodE – Tides of BloodVladimir pays his own health to charge up a reservoir of blood which, when released, deals damage in the area around him but can be blocked by enemy units. channel with W every time; the HP cost with no damage return wins the sustain war
  • AP: set up fog-of-war Q from brush or terrain, then follow with W silence into full burst before Pool reacts
  • Tank: build Warmog's Armor into Force of NatureForce of NatureMove Speed, Magic Resist, and max Health Regeneration to remove Vladimir's kill potential and stalemate the side lane
  • Buy Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage by level 8-9 on AP path to cut sustain before Vladimir's healing outpaces poke damage
  • 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. execute and AoE CC outvalue Vladimir's split-push and sustain game

Vladimir's Win Condition

  • Scale safely to Rocketbelt; the matchup flips from neutral to favored at that spike
  • Hold Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them. specifically for FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health.; do not waste it on Q damage when the execute is the real threat
  • All-in with charged E into FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor., release E, HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration., empowered Q when Cho'Gath overextends past river
  • Late game with GhostGhostGain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration. and Phase RushPhase RushDealing 25% of a champion's maximum health grants a burst of MS and Slow Resist.; Cho'Gath has zero tools to escape or peel the run-down
  • HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. grouped targets in objective fights; Cho'Gath's size guarantees the ult connects

Laning Phase Guide

Level/Phase Cho'Gath Vladimir
Level 1 Start Q – RuptureQ – RuptureRuptures the ground at target location, popping enemy units into the air, dealing damage and slowing them.; last-hit at range. Vladimir is extremely weak at level 1; E costs HP and Q (TransfusionQ – TransfusionVladimir steals life from the target enemy. When Vladimir's resource is full, Transfusion will benefit from massively increased damage and healing for a brief time.) has a long cooldown. Neither side trades meaningfully. Start Q – TransfusionQ – TransfusionVladimir steals life from the target enemy. When Vladimir's resource is full, Transfusion will benefit from massively increased damage and healing for a brief time.; last-hit and healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. off minions. Do not use E at level 1; the HP cost outweighs any trade value. Manage the wave near tower.
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.; Q at range when Vladimir walks up for CS, follow with W if he starts channeling E. The silence denies his strongest trade tool. Take E – Tides of BloodE – Tides of BloodVladimir pays his own health to charge up a reservoir of blood which, when released, deals damage in the area around him but can be blocked by enemy units. or W – Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them.. E gives trade presence but costs HP; W is pure defense. Against a passive Cho'Gath, E is wasted health.
Level 3 Take E – Vorpal SpikesE – Vorpal SpikesCho'Gath's attacks release deadly spikes, dealing damage and slowing all enemy units in front of him.; full kit for short trades. W the E channel on reaction, then Q into the silence window for a guaranteed hit. Disengage before Pool comes back. Full kit online but still weak; E self-damage is significant early and Pool costs 20% current HP. Farm safely and avoid Feral ScreamW – Feral ScreamCho'Gath unleashes a terrible scream at enemies in a cone, dealing magic damage and Silencing enemies for a few seconds. range when E is charging.
Level 4-5 AP: 3 points in Q for consistent poke from range. Tank: continue Q priority for waveclear. Ward flanks; jungler ganks are the only reliable kill window for either side. Build toward Hextech AlternatorHextech AlternatorIncreases Ability Power. Deal bonus magic damage on attack periodically.; the AP spike transforms kill potential at level 6. Stack Dark SealDark SealProvides Ability Power and Mana. Increases in power as you kill enemies. if confident. Avoid fights; sustain through with Q healing.
Level 6 R – FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. unlocks execute and objective control. AP: fog-of-war Q becomes the primary playmaking tool. Hold R until Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them. is on cooldown; Vladimir pools on FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. reaction. Major spike: HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. plus Alternator AP. All-in window opens: charge E, FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. into range, release E, ult, empowered Q. Respect the silence; bait W before committing.
Level 7-8 AP: W max begins; longer silence denies more of Vladimir's combo windows. Buy Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage now to cut sustain. Tank: Q max continues for waveclear and poke. Empowered Q trades chunk effectively with Alternator; sustain becomes overwhelming without Grievous Wounds. Push for Rocketbelt completion.
Level 9 AP: W max complete; 2-second silence shuts down full combo attempts. Tank: Q max complete, start W. Rotate for objectives with R available; FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. secures through contest. Rocketbelt online or near completion; gap close plus magic penetration makes all-ins reliable. Look for flanks and solo kills when Cho'Gath's W is on cooldown.

Power Spikes

Level Spikes

Cho'Gath Vladimir
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 on E channel; wastes Vladimir's HP cost with no return damage 6 Major HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. unlocks; combined with Hextech AlternatorHextech AlternatorIncreases Ability Power. Deal bonus magic damage on attack periodically., the all-in combo becomes lethal
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 and objective control; hold until Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them. is on cooldown 9 Major First item completion (Rocketbelt); gap close plus magic pen makes engages reliable
9 Major AP: W max extends silence to 2 seconds, shutting down full combo windows; Tank: Q max complete 16 Critical Rank 3 HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration.; late-game teamfight burst threat peaks with full-build amplification
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; faster stacking and more frequent objective-secure windows

Item Spikes

Cho'Gath Vladimir
Item Description Item Description
Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage (800g) AP path: buy at level 8-9; Grievous Wounds cuts Vladimir's sustain before it outpaces poke damage Hextech RocketbeltHextech RocketbeltActivate to dash forward and unleash a fiery explosion Core first item; dash closes the gap that Cho'Gath relies on for safety, plus flat magic penetration
Warmog's Armor Tank path: out-of-combat HP regeneration matches Vladimir's sustain model; neutralizes the lane Mejai's SoulstealerMejai's SoulstealerGrants Ability Power for kills and assists Snowball item; 10 stacks grant movement speed that compounds Phase RushPhase RushDealing 25% of a champion's maximum health grants a burst of MS and Slow Resist. for chase-downs
Force of NatureForce of NatureMove Speed, Magic Resist, and max Health Regeneration Tank path: magic damage reduction plus movement speed removes Vladimir's solo-kill angle entirely Void StaffVoid StaffIncreases magic damage Percentage magic pen cuts through Force of NatureForce of NatureMove Speed, Magic Resist, and max Health Regeneration and other MR stacking on Tank Cho'Gath
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 path: stacking HP, AP, and mana provide the scaling this sustain-war matchup demands Rabadon's DeathcapRabadon's DeathcapMassively increases Ability Power Multiplies the entire build; peak burst damage with HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. amplification becomes lethal from 50%+ HP
Kaenic RookernKaenic Rookern400 Health80 Magic Resist100% Base Health RegenMagebaneAfter not taking magic damage for 15 seconds, gain a magic shield. MR shield absorbs burst combos; strong when enemy team has additional AP threats alongside Vladimir

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

AP: Flexible based on enemy team; Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage at level 8-9 | Tank: Warmog's Armor → Force of NatureForce of NatureMove Speed, Magic Resist, and max Health Regeneration

Runes

Primary: AP: 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.; or Arcane CometArcane CometDamaging a champion with an ability hurls a damaging comet at their location. for poke. Tank: Arcane CometArcane CometDamaging a champion with an ability hurls a damaging comet at their location. (Sorcery) with Manaflow BandManaflow BandHitting an enemy champion with an ability permanently increases your maximum mana by 25, up to 250 mana.After reaching 250 bonus mana, restore 1% of your missing mana every 5 seconds., TranscendenceTranscendenceGain bonuses upon reaching the following levels:Level 5: +5 Ability Haste Level 8: +5 Ability Haste Level 11: On Champion takedown, reduce the remaining cooldown of basic abilities by 20%., ScorchScorchYour first damaging ability hit every 10s burns champions.

Secondary: HoB secondary: Nimbus CloakNimbus CloakAfter casting a Summoner Spell, gain a short Move Speed increase that allows you to pass through units., WaterwalkingWaterwalkingGain MS and AP or AD, adaptive in the river.. Comet secondary: Cheap ShotCheap ShotDeal bonus true damage to enemy champions with impaired movement or actions., Relentless HunterRelentless HunterUnique takedowns grant permanent out of combat MS.

Summoner Spells

FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. + GhostGhostGain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration. (Roam'Gath AP) or FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. + TeleportTeleportAfter a brief channel, become untargetable and travel to an allied unit. Upgrades into Unleashed Teleport, which significantly increases travel speed. (Tank)

Priority Build Path

1
Oblivion Orb (AP) or Warmog's Armor (Tank)

AP: Grievous Wounds at level 8-9 cuts sustain before it spirals. Tank: out-of-combat regen matches Vladimir's healing model.

2
Force of Nature (Tank) or Rod of Ages (AP)

Tank: magic damage reduction shuts down kill potential. AP: stacking stats provide the scaling this matchup demands.

3
Kaenic Rookern or Zhonya's Hourglass

MR shield absorbs HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. burst (Tank); Stasis denies kill confirm and extends teamfight rotations (AP).

4
Hollow Radiance or Void Staff

Tank: AoE burn improves fight DPS and waveclear. AP: magic pen cuts through Vladimir's base MR and any itemized resistance.

Situational Adjustments

  • Hextech RocketbeltHextech RocketbeltActivate to dash forward and unleash a fiery explosion: Roam'Gath full AP vs squishy team; the dash closes Q range and adds flat magic penetration
  • MorellonomiconMorellonomiconIncreases magic damage: AP path when team lacks Grievous Wounds and Vladimir is the primary sustain threat
  • Spirit VisageSpirit VisageIncreases Health and healing effects: Tank path with enchanter support; amplifies passive healing and shields from allies
  • ThornmailThornmail150 Health75 ArmorThornsWhen struck by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion.: Only if the enemy AD carry is the primary threat; never for Vladimir himself — he does not auto-attack

Key Patterns

Lethal Combos

Cho'Gath Full Combo (Level 6+):

Q > W > AA > E > R

Bait Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them. with the Q > W opener first; hold R for the 14-second Pool cooldown window. Never lead with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. against a Vladimir who has Pool available.
Vladimir Escape/Counter Combo:

Charge E > Flash > Release E > R > Empowered Q > Ignite

The full all-in; charge E behind terrain or minions, FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. into range, release for immediate damage, HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. amplifies empowered Q and IgniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. ticks.

Trading Combos

Cho'Gath Short Trade:

W > Q > AA > E > disengage

Lead with W to silence the E channel; land Q during the silence window for a guaranteed hit. Exit before Pool comes back up.
Vladimir Quick Trade:

Empowered Q > walk away

Crimson Rush Q heals and deals bonus damage; trade only with the empowered bar, never with normal Q. Extend the empowered window by charging E or using Pool.

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 is reliable below roughly 25-30% HP after Q > W > E rotation; confirm the indicator and verify Pool is on cooldown before pressing R.
  • Vladimir Kill Range: HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. amplifies all damage by 10%; with charged E, empowered Q, and IgniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration., the all-in kills from roughly 50% HP at Rocketbelt completion.
  • Critical Levels: Vladimir level 6 plus Hextech AlternatorHextech AlternatorIncreases Ability Power. Deal bonus magic damage on attack periodically. is the first kill window; Cho'Gath stabilizes at Warmog's plus FoN (Tank) or Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage (AP) around level 8-9.

Level by Level Game Plan

Level Primary Goal Lane Position Trading Opportunities Kill Windows Setup Opportunities
1 safe CS with Q hold outside Vladimir TransfusionQ – TransfusionVladimir steals life from the target enemy. When Vladimir's resource is full, Transfusion will benefit from massively increased damage and healing for a brief time. range Q poke if Vladimir walks up; neither side trades effectively none; both scale ward pixel brush 2:30
2 unlock silence punish on E channel keep wave between tower and river W the E charge on reaction; Q during the silence window only with jungle gank thin wave to 6-8 minions
3 short trades with full kit stay near tower; ward river brush W > Q > AA > E; disengage before Pool recovery possible with jungle on Pool-down Vladimir track Pool cooldown (28s rank 1)
4-5 AP: 3 points Q for poke; Tank: Q max for waveclear freeze near tower if possible Q poke at range; W only on E channel reaction low without jungle build toward first component on cannon crash back
6 R for confirmed kills or objectives only respect HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. all-in range; stay near tower Q > W short trade; hold R until Pool is used medium if Pool is down and Q lands ward deep; Vladimir FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. E > R all-in threatens from fog
7-8 AP: buy Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage; Tank: build toward Warmog's AP: play around vision for fog-of-war Q; Tank: farm safely AP: fog Q into full combo; Tank: Q poke only AP: medium with fog plays; Tank: very low rotate for objectives when R is available
9+ transition to objectives and teamfights avoid extended side-lane vs scaling Vladimir Q picks at choke points; W silence punishes face-checks any Q land into full rotation plus R (Pool down) group with team for objective fights
Mid Game (11-16) objective control with FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health.; deny Vladimir's scaling group or match split with numbers; avoid solo lane vs Rocketbelt Vladimir front-to-back with AoE CC; peel carries from HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. dive R execute on carries or isolated targets vision around objectives; force fights in chokes where Q lands
Late Game (16+) objective control with R; teamfight positioning 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 zone with Q; silence key targets with W; body-block HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. any Q into R confirm on a carry deny vision near objectives; peel for backline against GhostGhostGain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration. Phase RushPhase RushDealing 25% of a champion's maximum health grants a burst of MS and Slow Resist. Vladimir

First Back Goals

Ideal Back (1000g+)

  • Blasting Wand (AP) or Giant's Belt (Tank)
  • Control Ward (75g)

Crash cannon wave; Vladimir has no chase-down tools pre-Phase RushPhase RushDealing 25% of a champion's maximum health grants a burst of MS and Slow Resist., so back timing is forgiving compared to most top matchups

Behind Back (600-900g)

  • Boots (300g)
  • Amplifying Tome (435g) or Ruby Crystal (400g)

Base on bounce; Vladimir cannot reliably solo dive pre-6 and concedes nothing by continuing to farm

Teamfight Tips

Aspect Cho'Gath Vladimir
Primary Role Frontline zone control with AoE CC; silence Vladimir's E channel and peel carries from HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. dives Flanking burst mage; HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. on grouped targets, Pool through frontline, kill backline with empowered Q
Target Priority ADC or fed carry
Vladimir if Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them. is on cooldown and he overextends
Jungler near contested objective		 Backline carries after HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. lands on grouped targets
Cho'Gath if isolated from team in side lane
Squishy targets without MR or Banshee's VeilBanshee's VeilPeriodically blocks enemy abilities
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
Silence Vladimir with W during objective fights to deny HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. and empowered Q timing		 HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. grouped teams in pit for 10% damage amplification on all follow-up
Pool to dodge Cho'Gath Q and W during objective contests; emerge with empowered Q burst
Positioning Fight in choke points where Q and W cover the passage; deny Vladimir's flank angles
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 HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. and shields carries		 Flank angles for multi-target HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration.; avoid fighting front-to-back into AoE CC
Pool through frontline to reach backline; Phase RushPhase RushDealing 25% of a champion's maximum health grants a burst of MS and Slow Resist. plus GhostGhostGain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration. ensures the escape after the burst
Other Tips Hold FeastR – FeastDevours an enemy unit, dealing a high amount of true damage. If the target is killed, Cho'Gath grows, gaining maximum Health. until Sanguine PoolW – Sanguine PoolVladimir sinks into a pool of blood, becoming untargetable for 2 seconds. Additionally, enemies on the pool are slowed and Vladimir siphons life from them. is on cooldown; bait Pool with Q > W first, then R during the 14-second window
Silence Vladimir mid-HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. timing to deny the empowered Q follow-up that converts the ult damage		 Extend Crimson Rush window by charging E or using Zhonya's; emerge with empowered Q for the kill confirm
Time all-ins for when Cho'Gath W is on cooldown; the silence is the only tool that disrupts the full combo