Talk:Swain/@comment-24823977-20140923170834/@comment-25280175-20141005094818

Swain has a case of 'Swain syndrome' meaning he you can pretty much buy just about any AP or tank item in the game. That said my swain build (mid) consists of building damage early and mid game (as swain can solo just about anyone mid game), and then generally go tanky late game. Remember as mid you are your teams main magic damage dealer, so as a swain I make it my mission to blow my combo on their carry which means certain death for any squishy, even if you arent building glass cannon.

Your core and rush is always gonna be Roa and boots (sorcs unless they only have one damage type and are getting fed.

If you are doing well early (which you really should) go for a liandries into zhonyas. If you still want damage go rabadons, but your last two items should be at least in part tanky. Consider abyssal, spirit visage or frozen heart if you cant manage your mana. Dont buy athenes, its very lackluster on him. Void staff is always a late game option.

If your team needs tanky (you are playing top or you have an AP damage top or jungler) rush zhonyas right after roa and get spirit visage. Frozen heart is still an option against heavy AS teams, sunfire cape synergises with your ult, randuins is also good.

Consider rylais if your adc needs peel, you become a walking slow zone, wota is great if you have SV as you will heal like crazy, if you are very fed go for DFG and blow anyone hp with it and your e.