Talk:Archangel's Staff/@comment-201.22.210.188-20120523200200/@comment-89.67.130.111-20120731234623

Archangel's Staff is pretty much like how it used to be: useless on nearly every champion. Right now, the only champion you should build it on is Ryze, as the last item, and maybe Blitzcrank if you decide that you prefer burst over Manamune's constant damage.

Its main problem is that it gives you only ability power (and of course mana), and no defensive stats, much like Rabadon's Deathcap. Mages can't afford to be so squishy - and that's why Ryze can build it - he gets pure tanky items, like Frozen Heart and Banshee's Veil, which make him very tanky. Getting it on Karthus is especially stupid, since he needs to get in the middle of enemy team.

If you need mana, you almost definitely should get Rod of Ages or Unholy Grail (or possibly both, but I wouldn't recommend that). If you are mana starved with these items, the problem lies with you, not with the champion, so you should learn to manage your mana.