Talk:Skarner/@comment-20434720-20140127232010/@comment-24484662-20140130074940

When I play AP Skarner top, this is how my build usually turns out, with exceptions ofc:

One or two Doran's rings for mana early, then go straight for Lich Bane. Since you have W you won't need boots very early.

Then, I actually go for the Deathcap. Since every one of Skarners abilities scale off of AP, you will be tankier with it. Silly skillset.

One Nashor's usually does the trick. A small steroid for your AA's, as well as a lot of CDR as you mention yourself.

Zhonya's Hourglass is a good pickup too. Who doesn't like the golden statue?

I usually end up with CDR boots, but if you have problems with CC or other stuff, it's obviously worth taking something else.

Now the last item of choice is always the trickiest imo. Some items I think are viable are:

Liandry's if they are hp heavy, Abyssal if you need the resistance, Warmogs if you want to at least look tanky, or whatever you see fit. I have been thinking of getting a mana

item, but actually never needed it. The straight AP and other stats are just too important to him.

With this build, you'll always find yourself being pretty squishy lategame, even if you have heals and sheilds. The enemy team will see you as a squishy target and burst you. That is why you, not unlike the old AP Yi, need to rush into the fight as it has already started and clean the tables. If you haven't already found someone in the jungle and killed them off before the fight. AP Skarner is a very good duelist, and is also quite good at baiting your opponents. Plus, with his ult, you can get a lot of free AA's and one or two Q's.

In lane, max E first, then Q, for obvious reasons. E gives very good waveclear and sustain, whilst your Q is mostly good for chasing down your lane opponent when they're overextending.

Go out there and scare some toplaners.

PS. This is obviously something I'm just screwing around with in normals, as I'm sure soloQ would hate me for life picking it there. ;)