Vladimir vs Aatrox Matchup Guide

Vladimir

Vladimir

Top Lane AP Skirmisher

The Crimson Reaper - sustain mage-fighter that scales and punishes over-commitment

VS
Aatrox

Aatrox

Top Lane

Aatrox, the Darkin Blade - a melee juggernaut who wants a full-combo all-in behind Deathbringer Stance procs and an extended fight once World Ender is live

VerdictAatrox favored EarlyAatrox Favored MidAatrox Favored LateSkill Matchup Updated Jul 10, 2026 · Patch 26.13

Champ Select Cheat Sheet — Vladimir vs Aatrox

Runes
Conqueror, Triumph, Legend: Tenacity, Last Stand
Secondary: Nimbus Cloak, Transcendence
Summoners
Flash + Ghost
Start
Doran's Ring + Health Potion
Core Build
Hextech RocketbeltSorcerer's ShoesVoid StaffRabadon's Deathcap
Trade Pattern
Q > back; once his E or passive auto is down: Q > E tap > walk out
Short trades deny his Grievous Wounds timing window; preserve W for the real all-in, not for trading
Danger Levels
Respect Aatrox at levels 3, 6
First Back
Hextech Alternator (1100g)
Standard Back (1000-1100g)

Matchup Dynamics

How This Matchup Works

Vladimir vs Aatrox is a lane bully versus a scaling mage-fighter, decided by one cooldown: 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.. Hold it for his all-in package instead of poke, farm through his short trades, and the lane stays close until HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. and a finished item start swinging skirmishes back your way. Aatrox is favored on current data (46.25% Vladimir win rate at Emerald+), but it's a real skill matchup, not a lost lane.

Early Game (1-5)

Aatrox Favored - Full combo online by level 3; farm through short trades and save Pool for the real all-in, not chip poke.

Mid Game (6-11)

Aatrox Favored - His bruiser core still wins extended skirmishes before your second item finishes; force fights on your terms only.

Late Game (12+)

Skill Matchup - 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. versus HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. - whoever catches the other already committed closes the fight out.

Key Interactions

  • Pool timing versus Aatrox's all-in package: Sanguine Pool's untargetability voids the Q3 edge knockup, a wall-side 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. stun, and the empowered Deathbringer StanceP – Deathbringer StancePeriodically, Aatrox's next basic attack deals bonus magic damage and heals him, based on the target's max health. auto alike - hold it for that window instead of using it on poke.
  • 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. spacing around Deathbringer StanceP – Deathbringer StancePeriodically, Aatrox's next basic attack deals bonus magic damage and heals him, based on the target's max health.: Watch for his passive charge; trading into a live empowered auto gives up more health than the 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. itself is worth. Tap Q at range once it's already spent.
  • Fighting off walls: 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. only stuns when it drags its target into terrain; away from a wall it's just a slow. Pick trade spots in open ground when you have the choice.
  • HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. on a committed target: R hits hardest once his healing is already spent chasing the fight - Deathbringer StanceP – Deathbringer StancePeriodically, Aatrox's next basic attack deals bonus magic damage and heals him, based on the target's max health. 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. can outrace a HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. opened from full HP.

Vladimir

Strengths

  • 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. sustain wins any trade that goes long once Grievous Wounds isn't in the picture
  • 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 a full answer to his all-in - untargetable through the Q3 edge, the 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. stun, and the empowered auto alike
  • HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. plus a finished AP item turns a close skirmish into a kill the moment he's already extended

Weaknesses

  • No hard peel or CC of his own - Pool dodges damage but never punishes Aatrox for engaging
  • Early Grievous Wounds shuts the sustain plan down entirely
  • A Pool burned early, on poke or the wrong cooldown, leaves him fully exposed to the level 3-6 all-in window

Aatrox

Strengths

  • Full combo online by level 3, well before Vladimir has any answer beyond farming
  • World Ender's damage, healing, and duration-on-takedown make a close, extended fight snowball hard once it's up
  • No resource bar to manage - every cooldown is available the moment it's back, no mana to play around

Weaknesses

  • Nothing punishes a held 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. - a Vladimir who saves it voids the entire engage for free
  • Falls behind as a duelist once Vladimir finishes a second item and has HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. to open fights with
  • Own healing dries up without a completed core item, letting 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. win extended trades

Power Curve Comparison EXPERIMENTAL

Power Curve Visualization

Win Conditions

Vladimir's Win Condition

  • Farm safe and deny short trades pre-6, so he never gets a clean read on your Pool cooldown
  • Hold W specifically for his all-in package - the Q3 edge, a wall-side 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., or the empowered auto - never for chip poke
  • All-in only once HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. can catch him already committed, not as a cold opener from full HP
  • Deny his Umbral DashE – Umbral DashPassively, Aatrox heals when damaging enemy champions. On activation, he dashes in a direction. charges by not offering a stationary target during his pre-6 two-charge window
  • Reach a second completed item before forcing extended skirmishes; before that his bruiser core still wins them

Aatrox's Win Condition

  • Bait Pool with a fake engage or a probing Umbral DashE – Umbral DashPassively, Aatrox heals when damaging enemy champions. On activation, he dashes in a direction. before committing the real combo
  • Build early Grievous Wounds (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 Executioner's CallingExecutioner's CallingOvercomes enemies with high health gain) so your damage sticks through his 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. healing
  • Fight near a wall when you have the choice - 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. threatens the stun there instead of just a slow
  • Close the game out before Vladimir's second full item; the duel gets materially worse once HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. and a finished AP item are both online
  • Commit fully once 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. is up - the healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion.-from-damage and fleeing-minions package wants a drawn-out fight, not a poke exchange

Laning Phase Guide

Level/Phase Vladimir Aatrox
Level 1 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 only and hold just outside his auto range - the empowered Deathbringer StanceP – Deathbringer StancePeriodically, Aatrox's next basic attack deals bonus magic damage and heals him, based on the target's max health. hit already stings at level 1. Start whichever spell reads the lane; shove behind Deathbringer StanceP – Deathbringer StancePeriodically, Aatrox's next basic attack deals bonus magic damage and heals him, based on the target's max health. procs on the first wave, since Vladimir has no answer for it yet.
Level 2 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. for trade damage; thin the wave to 6-7 minions rather than crash it, and avoid a long trade into a fresh 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.. Second combo piece comes online; a short trade off a landed empowered auto is fine, but Vladimir still has W in reserve to punish overextension past level 3.
Level 3 Take 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.. This is the first real trade level - it directly answers his all-in package, so hold it rather than spending it on poke. Full combo (Q/W/E) is live - this is the first genuine all-in window if Vladimir has already wasted Pool, but a saved Pool turns the fight into three burned cooldowns for nothing.
Level 4-5 Track his summoner timers; farm through his short trades, since a full combo that whiffs Umbral DashE – Umbral DashPassively, Aatrox heals when damaging enemy champions. On activation, he dashes in a direction. or the Q3 edge costs him more than it costs you. Keep pressuring the wave and look for a dive with jungler support if Vladimir's Pool is visibly down from a prior trade.
Level 6 All-in once he's already below half HP and Umbral DashE – Umbral DashPassively, Aatrox heals when damaging enemy champions. On activation, he dashes in a direction. is spent: R – HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration., close the gap, Pool through his reply, finish with Q (Crimson Rush) and E. 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. is live - a close, extended fight now goes your way as long as you're not walking into an available Pool. Bait it out first.
Level 7-8 Hold a short lane; take Q trades on cooldown and avoid a long fight until your item or rune spike is further ahead. Push and pressure the wave for Herald priority; pick up early Grievous Wounds if the lane has dragged into repeated extended trades.
Level 9 Q maxed - every trade you take now wins on 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. damage and healing alone. Punish every cooldown he's missing. Respect a maxed 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.; force him to spend Pool defensively before you commit your own combo.

Power Spikes

Level Spikes

Vladimir Aatrox
Level Description Level Description
3 Minor 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. comes online - the first real answer to his all-in package 3 Major Full combo online; the first real all-in threat of the lane
6 Major HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. unlocks; a caught, already-low Aatrox dies to the amp before he can out-healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. it 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. live; an extended fight now snowballs hard if he lands it
9 Critical 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. maxed; every trade wins on damage and healing alone 11 Minor Second ultimate rank and a near-maxed secondary skill keep duel threat high into mid-late
11 Major R2 - the second HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. charge extends teamfight relevance

Item Spikes

Vladimir Aatrox
Item Description Item Description
Hextech RocketbeltHextech RocketbeltActivate to dash forward and unleash a fiery explosion Rush target; the dash and move speed close the gap Vladimir lacks before any item 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 Executioner's CallingExecutioner's CallingOvercomes enemies with high health gain (800g) Early Grievous Wounds; cuts 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. sustain before it snowballs the lane
Void StaffVoid StaffIncreases magic damage Third item; flat penetration layers on top of percentage pen once his magic resist climbs Black CleaverBlack CleaverDealing physical damage to enemy champions reduces their Armor or EclipseEclipse60 Attack Damage15 Ability HasteEver Rising MoonHitting a champion with 2 separate Attacks or Abilities within 2 seconds grants you a Shield for 2 seconds. Core bruiser item; keeps him dangerous as a duelist through mid-game skirmishes
Mejai's SoulstealerMejai's SoulstealerGrants Ability Power for kills and assists Situational snowball pick once ahead - stacked kills convert into a real mid-game spike 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... or Sundered SkySundered Sky45 Attack Damage400 Health10 Ability HasteLightshield StrikeYour first Attack against a champion Critically Strikes and restores Health. Extended-fight healing to offset Vladimir's own sustain race
Rabadon's DeathcapRabadon's DeathcapMassively increases Ability Power (3600g) Caps the build; Crimson PactP – Crimson PactEvery 30 points of bonus Health gives Vladimir 1 Ability Power and every 1 point of Ability Power gives Vladimir 1.6 bonus Health (does not stack with itself). converts the extra AP into effective HP as well as damage

Best Build for Vladimir

Starting Items

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

Core Items

Hextech RocketbeltHextech RocketbeltActivate to dash forward and unleash a fiery explosion → Sorcerer's ShoesSorcerer's ShoesEnhances Move Speed and magic damage → Void StaffVoid StaffIncreases magic damage → Rabadon's DeathcapRabadon's DeathcapMassively increases Ability Power

Runes

Primary: ConquerorConquerorGain stacks of adaptive force when attacking enemy champions. After reaching 12 stacks, heal for a portion of damage you deal to champions., TriumphTriumphTakedowns restore 5% of your missing health and grant an additional 20 gold., Legend: Tenacity, Last StandLast StandDeal more damage to champions while you are low on health.

Secondary: Nimbus CloakNimbus CloakAfter casting a Summoner Spell, gain a short Move Speed increase that allows you to pass through units., 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%.

Summoner Spells

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

Priority Build Path

1
Hextech Rocketbelt

Rushed first - the dash and move speed close the gap Vladimir lacks before any item is up

2
Sorcerer's Shoes

Standard boots spike; swap to Ionian Boots of LucidityIonian Boots of LucidityIncreases Move Speed and Cooldown Reduction if you're leaning on Cosmic InsightCosmic Insight+18 Summoner Spell Haste+10 Item Haste for extra haste

3
Void Staff

Third item; flat penetration layers on top of percentage pen once his magic resist climbs

4
Rabadon's Deathcap

Rounds out the build; Crimson PactP – Crimson PactEvery 30 points of bonus Health gives Vladimir 1 Ability Power and every 1 point of Ability Power gives Vladimir 1.6 bonus Health (does not stack with itself). turns the extra AP into effective HP as well as damage

Situational Adjustments

  • Mejai's SoulstealerMejai's SoulstealerGrants Ability Power for kills and assists: Only once you're ahead or actively stacking kills - a snowball pick that can single-handedly close the game out, or dead weight if it dies unstacked
  • Zhonya's HourglassZhonya's HourglassActivate to become invincible but unable to take actions: Versus a committed all-in, or to bait his engage before answering it
  • Cosmic DriveCosmic DriveMassive amounts of Cooldown Reduction: Extra move speed and haste to kite his melee range and keep landing 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. in extended fights
  • Banshee's VeilBanshee's VeilPeriodically blocks enemy abilities: Versus burst-heavy spellcasters elsewhere on their team, not Aatrox specifically

Key Patterns

Lethal Combos

Vladimir Full Combo (Level 6+):

Q (pre-stack Crimson Rush) > Ghost > E (full charge) > R – Hemoplague > Q (Crimson Rush) > W to dodge the reply > E tap > Q

Land a 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. before committing so Crimson Rush is armed; Pool mid-fight only if he lands his own CC, then finish as HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. ticks.
Aatrox Escape/Counter Combo:

W – Infernal Chains > E – Umbral Dash (empowered AA) > Q – The Darkin Blade > R – World Ender

Only worth committing once Pool is already spent - without it, Vladimir ghosts through the whole combo for free.

Trading Combos

Vladimir Short Trade:

Q > back; once his E or passive auto is down: Q > E tap > walk out

Short trades deny his Grievous Wounds timing window; preserve W for the real all-in, not for trading
Aatrox Quick Trade:

AA (Deathbringer Stance) > Q > disengage

A short trade off the passive proc alone, without spending Umbral DashE – Umbral DashPassively, Aatrox heals when damaging enemy champions. On activation, he dashes in a direction. or committing to the full combo

Lethal Thresholds

  • Vladimir Kill Range: All-in once he's already below roughly 50% HP and Umbral DashE – Umbral DashPassively, Aatrox heals when damaging enemy champions. On activation, he dashes in a direction. is down; a fresh, full-HP Aatrox with E up out-trades a cold HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration..
  • Aatrox Kill Range: If Vladimir's Pool is down and he has no GhostGhostGain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration. available, this all-in kills from within roughly 55-60% HP.
  • Critical Levels: Vladimir 3/6/9 (Pool online, HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration., 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. maxed); Aatrox 3/6 (full combo online, 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.).

Level by Level Game Plan

Level Primary Goal Lane Position Trading Opportunities Kill Windows Setup Opportunities
1 Secure safe CS Hold the wave just outside his auto/empowered-passive range Q only after he's used his main spell None unless he overextends Stack the wave for level 2
2 Stabilize the wave Last-hit; avoid a thin wave near river with his dash up Q, then E tap once he's used a gapclose Low Ward river/tri around 2:20
3 Unlock the answer Only fight with Pool available Q, then back; punish a missed Q3 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. Medium if jungle is present Crash the third wave only if safe
4-5 Deny the dive Farm under tower; thin 1-2 melee minions Only after his key cooldown is spent Low Track his jungler's path
6 Find the R window Keep the lane short, not extended HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. plus GhostGhostGain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration. once he's under half High with jungler support Freeze, then all-in
7-8 Hold the short lane Slow-push cannon waves Q every cooldown Medium Rotate for Herald with priority
9+ Press the Q spike Perma-harass with 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. maxed Long trades favor Vladimir now High if his FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. is down Track his flashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. timer
Mid Game (11-16) Skirmish control Side lane with a completed item Bait his engage with Pool, then re-engage Pick him on cooldown windows Set vision ahead of the next objective
Late Game (16+) Teamfight execution Flank rather than walk in from the front Hold R for a target that's already committed HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. detonation window Track whether his R is up before engaging

First Back Goals

Standard Back (1000-1100g)

  • Hextech AlternatorHextech AlternatorIncreases Ability Power. Deal bonus magic damage on attack periodically. (1100g)
  • Control Ward (75g)

Push the cannon wave in before recalling - it eats extra tower shots, buying the walk back without missing a wave

Behind Back (700-900g)

  • Ruby Crystal (400g)
  • Boots (300g)

After a defensive farming stretch under tower; avoid backing into a slow push you'd have to walk back through

Ahead Back (1500-1700g)

  • Sorcerer's ShoesSorcerer's ShoesEnhances Move Speed and magic damage (1100g)
  • Amplifying Tome (400g)

Post-kill or after a double wave crash; walk back instead of recalling if you can still hold priority

Teamfight Tips

Aspect Vladimir Aatrox
Primary Role AP duelist who wants to flank and land HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. on an already-committed target Melee duelist who wants an isolated fight or a clean flank onto the backline, extended by 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.
Target Priority Aatrox once he's isolated or has already spent Umbral DashE – Umbral DashPassively, Aatrox heals when damaging enemy champions. On activation, he dashes in a direction.
Enemy ADC
Whichever backline threat is exposed		 Vladimir before Pool is up, or immediately after he's used it
Enemy ADC
Whoever's out of position
Objective Control HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. the choke before contesting a drake or Baron
Force a fight once your HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. and item spike are ahead of his build		 Start Herald or Drake the moment Vladimir shows on the wave or recalls
Force a 5v5 the instant 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. comes off cooldown
Positioning Hold a flank angle rather than walking HemoplagueR – HemoplagueVladimir infects an area with a virulent plague. Affected enemies take increased damage for the duration. in from the front
Pool through the first CC thrown at you
Re-enter as Hemoplague's amp is ticking		 Look for the isolated pick rather than the clumped fight
Save Umbral Dash's mobility to punish a spent Pool, not to open the fight
Other Tips Hemoplague's amp applies to allies' damage too - call it before a teammate's own burst window, not just your own
Pool also absorbs an execute or skillshot meant for a teammate, not just you		 World Ender's healing comes from champion damage specifically, not minions - stay on Vladimir or another champion once it pops, not the wave