Talk:Aatrox/@comment-5211662-20150324055005/@comment-26251927-20150328015537

Personally I find that Hydra + a 2nd offensive item after a tank item to be ideal. The Hydra allows him to wave clear and I feel that it gives him more kill threat than a Blade does. As for the attack speed issue, you could either choose Blade or a Zephyr for a second damage item, or spec for it in your runes/masteries. Personally I feel the attack speed from your masteries to be sufficient, but I can sympathize for anyone feeling otherwise. Another thing you can do is go grieves, but that's not ideal.

Something I've been playing around with recently is running CDR blues on Aatrox. The 10% CDR from runes and then adding a spirit visage feels very nice. It makes E a more reliable source of damage, making it easier to lane vs. armor stackers.

What I've found to be optimal is Hydra into a tank item into a Maw and then full tank. It gives you a nice mix of AD and survivability. Of course, the maw can be substituted for something else, like a BT, if the enemy team lacks magic damage. Your runes/masteries are left to your personal preference.