League of Legends S12: Tahm Kench Top Build Guide

From runes to items, gameplay tips amd more, we've put together a guide to help you master playing Tahm Kench in the toplane 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

Frostfire Gauntlet

2800 Gold

Thornmail

2700 Gold

Build

Frostfire Gauntlet and Thornmail will provide a decent amount of damage and a lot of survivability in the toplane. 

Other good items include Spirit Visage, Randuin's Omen, and Dead Man's Plate.

Starting Item & Boots

Health Potion

50 Gold

Doran's Shield

450 Gold

Defensive Boots

1100 Gold

Skill Order

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

R > Q > W > E

Summoner Spells

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

Gameplay

While he may not look it, Tahm Kench is great at trading blows in the toplane. Play safely and pick your moments, poking with Tongue Lash where you can. He's also great at roaming, and of course tanking in teamfights. 

• Level 1 - Take Q - Tongue Lash, for poke and zoning. 
• Level 2 - Take W - Abyssal Dive, for lane trade potential.
• First Back - Bramble Vest is the best option for first back, while defensive boots are a good option, for more sustain in lane.

Tips & Tricks

• Items or champions that can increase your size will mean Tongue Lash has increased range and speed. Lulu comes to mind here.
• Remember that you can Devour when Tongue Lash applies a third stack of An Acquired Taste. 
• Abyssal Dive gives you a lot of map presence, and can be used to defend lanes, challenge enemy champions, and set up surprise ganks. Use it wisely. 
• Learning to use Devour well can be key to winning teamfights, whether immobilizing and enemy or protecting your carries. 
• As you increase your health pool, your passive will deal more and more damage on auto-attacks. Play aggressively! 
• When you spit out a champion, you can send them over the thinner walls of the map. 
• Use Abyssal Dive after Devour to transport a champion across the map.
• When you Devour an allied champion, you don't necessarily interrupt an ultimate in progress. This applies to Lucian's Culling, for example.