League of Legends S12: Galio Mid Build Guide

From runes to items, gameplay tips amd more, we've put together a guide to help you master playing Galio 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

Everfrost

2800 Gold

Zhonya's Hourglass

2600 Gold

Build

Everfrost synergises well with Galio's Shield of Durand, and offers good defensive stats for the midlane.

Zhonya's Hourglass is core for mages and AP tanks to survive, such as when Galio dives in with his ult. It allows him to serve on the frontlines. 

Other good items include Morellonomicon, Shadowflame, and Demonic Embrace.

Starting Item & Boots

Health Potion

50 Gold

Doran's Ring

400 Gold

Sorcerer's Shoes

1100 Gold

Skill Order

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

R > Q > W > E

Summoner Spells

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

Gameplay

Galio is an anti-mage tank, and can be played either fully defensive or damage-oriented. His ultimate has a long cooldown, however, so be mindful to use it only when most effective. He has excellent damage output, and is good at zoning opponents. A full rotation can punish any enemy who dares get close.

• Level 1 - Take Q - Winds of War, so you can zone and deal area damage to minions for quicker farm.
• Level 2 - Take W - Shield of Durand for the sustain in lane.
• First Back - Start building towards your Everfrost, or pick up boots if you want more damage.

Tips & Tricks

• You cannot pass through walls with Justice Punch.
• Shield of Durand cannot be interrupted by enemy CC.
• The more you channel Shield of Durand, the longer the taunt.
• You'll land on ally's position selected for Hero's Entrance, not where they may move to as you're mid-air.
• Keep one of your CC tools up in order to block your targers with Winds of War.
• Wait for the passive of Shield of Durand to come up before entering a trade, for more sustainability.
• Be careful not to use Flash during the channelling of Shield of Durand, or you'll cancel the spell and lose the effect.