League of Legends S12: Kassadin Mid Build Guide

From runes to items, gameplay tips amd more, we've put together a guide to help you master playing Kassadin in the midlane in League of Legends.

Be mindful that there are several ways to build and play a champion, and you'll need to be adaptable as the game and the enemy team progress.

That said, this guide is a good starting point to helping you get to grips with the champion and making an impact in your games.

Runes

Core Items

Crown of the Shattered Queen

2800 Gold

Archangel's Staff

2600 Gold

Build

Crown of the Shattered Queen is a key item in Kassadin surviving in lane, serving as a great counter-attacking tool.

Archangel's Staff will help counter mana drain, eventually becoming the powerful Seraph's Embrace.

Other good choices include Frozen Heart and Zhonya's Hourglass.

Starting Item & Boots

Refillable Potion

150 Gold

Dark Seal

350 Gold

Sorceror's Shoes

1100 Gold

Skill Order

While your choices may differ according to how the game progresses, the typical Kassadin skill priority is:

R > Q > E > W

Summoner Spells

These are the summoner spells most typically taken by Kassadin in this role. Naturally, this may change depending on match-ups.

Unlike most midlaners, Teleport is a good choice on Kassadin for the gank potential. 

Gameplay

Kassadin is slow to get going in the midlane, but late on can prove to be a devastating burst mage with a solid gap closer. Aim to play safe early, then go all-in when you hit your two-item spike.

• Level 1 - Take Q - Null Sphere, for the poke and interrupt potential.
• Level 2 - Take W - Nether Blade, for the extra damage passive and mana restore. 
• First Back - Aim for a Lost Chapter, so that you have mana restore on level up. 

Tips & Tricks

• Void Stone gives a shield against magic damage. For this reason Kassadin is good against midlane mages.
• Null Sphere interrupts abilities that are channeled, such as Katarina's ultimate. 
• Nether Blade acts as an auto-attack reset, so remember to alternate casts with autos for optimal damage. 
• Riftwalk doubles its mana cost when used consecutively, but deals more damage. Know when to use it for maximum impact.
• You can gain more distance by using Flash with Riftwalk, with the damage being dealt where you end up.