Matchup of the Day

KSante vs. Darius (top Lane)

A detailed breakdown of the lane, from early game to late.

Winrate: 44.3%Patch 15.19210 Matches

Matchup Win Rate

44.3%

Gold Diff @ 15

-442g

Gold Diff @ End

-1399g

Average KDA

4/5/6

KSante Win Condition

Survive the early lane by securing Level 3. Out-scale him and maintain constant map pressure. Cut out Darius's ultimate (R) and then use KSante'sKSante RR to kill him. Get key items like Tobies (Steelcaps) early and Jak'Sho (Jack show).

Darius Win Condition

Secure an early kill by playing for a Level 1, 2, or 3 all-in to land passive, chunk K'Sante, and use Ignite with the bleed to secure the kill. Darius will also look to freeze the wave if KSante recalls at a bad time.

General Strategy

KSante should take Ghost as it is the most important component for dealing with Darius. If Darius takes Ignite, play extremely safely, sit under your turret, and place an early ward outside of the bushes. Rush Tobies (Steelcaps) as a first item, as they are "so so so good" in this situation.

Focus on juking Darius'sDarius QQ rather than relying on KSante WW to block his true damage. Once Darius falls far behind, KSante can "just run him down".

Trading Patterns

Focus on the repositioning and kiting capabilities of yourKSante EE. Avoid fighting if Darius gets the E (pull) Level 2; play safe until Level 3. If Darius engages deep, use Ghost and E to secure your escape or win the fight.

When Darius uses KSante RR, time your own R to counter him and kill him. K'Sante is a diving champion and can look to dive Darius if the circumstances are favorable. Avoid missing your combo.

Wave Management

Secure experience (exp), even if you lose some minions early. If the wave state is "really trash," recall to base. Be aware that Darius will try to freeze the wave if K'Sante recalls at an inopportune time.

Push the wave if safe to help time jungle objectives (KSante EE. g. , Grubs).

Build & Rune Breakdown

KSante Build

Starting Items (37.6% WR)

ItemItem

Core Items (33.3% WR)

ItemItemItem

Optimal Runes (46.1% WR)

Grasp of the UndyingAftershockGuardian
DemolishFont of LifeShield Bash
ConditioningSecond WindBone Plating
OvergrowthRevitalizeUnflinching
Hextech FlashtraptionMagical FootwearCash Back
Triple TonicTime Warp TonicBiscuit Delivery
Cosmic InsightApproach VelocityJack Of All Trades

Skill Priority

"q"Q
>
wW
>
e"E"

Skill Order

Q
1
4
5
7
9
W
3
8
10
12
13
E
2
14
15
17
18
R
6
11
16

Darius Build

Starting Items (56.9% WR)

ItemItem

Core Items (33.3% WR)

ItemItemItem

Optimal Runes (59.4% WR)

Press the AttackLethal TempoFleet FootworkConqueror
Absorb LifeTriumphPresence of Mind
Legend: AlacrityLegend: HasteLegend: Bloodline
Coup de GraceCut DownLast Stand
Axiom ArcanistManaflow BandNimbus Cloak
TranscendenceCelerityAbsolute Focus
ScorchWaterwalkingGathering Storm

Skill Priority

"q"Q
>
eE
>
w"W"

Skill Order

Q
1
4
5
7
9
W
2
14
E
3
8
10
12
13
R
6
11

Who wins this matchup?

KSante
Darius

Educational Resources

Learn from the pros and improve your gameplay with these community-curated guides.

Match Flow Visualization

KSante

Combat Stats

Darius
4/5/6KDA6/5/4
36%Kill Participation35%
44%Win Rate56%

Damage Dealt @ 15 min

KSante
5,950
Darius
7,456

Damage Dealt @ End

KSante
17,217
Darius
21,508

Damage Taken @ End

KSante
21,508
Darius
17,217