League of Legends S12: Vel'Koz Mid Build Guide

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

Luden's Tempest

3200 Gold

Horizon Focus

3000 Gold

Build

Luden's Tempest is a core midlane item for most mages, Vel'Koz included. It offers tons of damage, mobility, and on-hit burst. 

Horizon Focus is ideal for control mages, increasing damage when over 700 units. This includes all of Vel'Koz's abilities. 

Other good items include Zhonya's Hourglass, Banshee's Veil, Shadowflame, and Cosmic Drive.

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 Vel'Koz skill priority is:

R > Q > W > E

Summoner Spells

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

Gameplay

Vel'Koz has a lot of control in lane from the very start of the game, but it's important to pay attention to your positioning - you'll be fragile and immobile. He's not a good pick against hyper-mobile burst midlaners such as assassins, but can dominate against other mages. 

• Level 1 - Take Q - Plasma Fission, for the poke and slow.
• Level 2 - Take W - Void Rift, for the area damage.
• First Back - Start building towards Luden's Tempest with a Lost Chapter, which should help with mana management.

Tips & Tricks

• Slow an enemy with Plasma Fission before using Tectonic Disruption, to land it more easily. 
• Take advantage of Void Rift's great push potential. poking under the enemy turret and zoning the enemy away.
• Combine the slow of Plasma Fission with your ult for maximum damage. 
• Half the mana cost of Plasma Fission is returned with each enemy killed, so try to use it to finish off minions for more sustain in lane.