User blog comment:ClariS/Why Xerath's Passive is Bad/@comment-4091261-20130324221608

The only reason I see that {ci|Xerath} has this passive is to have the ability to duel ad carries especially those with massive range like {ci|Caitlyn}. It's the only way it makes sense.

1) Xerath needs to be at a far range to be effective.

2) Most champions passives depend on the situation. For example {ci|Graves} passive is good for tanking small duels. However you don't just jump face first in a 5v5.

Due to the range of {ci|Xerath} and the carry's focus to destroy mages and carries, it makes {ci|Xerath} a difficult target in teamfights. Which is why the fighter or tank has to charge in and slam his face. Is his passive appropriate? Of course it is. It might not effect your gameplay, but it effects the enemy's. Most mages have to be able to annihilate carries and due to the simplicity of juking {ai|Arcanopulse} at a far range, he needs that added defense against carries so he can annihilate them when he actually manages a combo.