Talk:Xerath/@comment-24474109-20140420105703/@comment-24919400-20140509005039

I always max W, but I grab q at lvl 1 and e at lvl 2 (for when my jungler ganks and also for a guaranteed hit with w), although his q does do a better job at poking, you are usually csing and will be in range to use your w or your combo (qewq or ewq) which does alot more damage than just spamming q and your harrassment is even stronger because you deal more damage and apply more cc using your combo (allowing any teamates more time to help like when your jungler is about to gank) if you max w and can keep them at their turret, or kill them if you have a competent jungle, while getting very far ahead in farm allowing you to get better items to get further ahead.

The high cd on w allows you to regen all mana used with your runes(I use flat ap with magic pen marks along with 1 scaling ap quintessence)/masteries(i use 21/0/9)/items(I start dorans ring) or passive to stay in lane alot longer than any opponent (except mana-less champs with spell vamp or lifesteal) and depending on your runes/masteries/items you can even stay ahead in damage without going back until you get a needless rod putting you alot further ahead in damage.Maxing w also helps your jungler gank because it slows and (unless you get rylai's) you will not slow with q.

In some situations its good to max q like when you are being pushed hard so you can help your jungle if he/she ganks or to try to poke them while staying safe under tower.

Also W doesn't slow you down but slows the enemy allowing some escape potential even though Xerath doesn't have any dashes or movespeed buffs.