Hwei, a far-sighted mage, is a new high-level champion in LoL, providing exceptional area control and combo potential in the mid-lane. Thanks to three diverse spellbooks offering area damage, utility, and crowd control, Hwei changes team fights with complex ability combinations.

Basic mechanics

Hwei's passive skill, "Prophet's Signature", marks enemies who have taken damage from his abilities. Striking marked targets with a second spell causes Hwei to detonate the signature, dealing additional area damage. Tracking passive marks and their explosion on multiple champions maximizes damage.

His primary abilities are divided into three spellbooks:

  • Calamities;
  • Serenity;
  • Torments.

Each offers three abilities, accessed by double-tapping keys: QQ, QW, and QE. Q (Calamities) deals long-range strikes and area damage. W (Serenity) increases utility by boosting allies' speed and defense. E (Torments) unleashes formidable crowd control.

Laning phase optimization

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Hwei's high mana costs require early mana maintenance with items like Doran's Ring and Tear of the Goddess. Use WE mana regeneration to reduce costs. Harass enemies using QW, QQ, and enhanced auto-attacks. Secure cannon minions using QQ and QW queues.

Prioritize ability power and mana sustain in your builds. Key items include:

  • Luden's Tempest;
  • Seraph's Embrace;
  • Zhonya's Hourglass.

They provide damage, mana, and survival tools that complement Hwei's kit. Rabadon's Deathcap and Void Staff complete the full build, maximizing damage from explosive spells. Situational choices like Banshee’s Veil and Cosmic Drive also synergize well with his kite-oriented playstyle.

Core Runes:

  • Arcane Comet
  • Manaflow Band
  • Absolute Focus
  • Scorch.

Team Fights

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Area damage and battlefield control define Hwei's team fights. Chain overlapping passive explosions using EQ and EE to draw clustered enemies. Apply the ultimate on grouped targets for division and guaranteed kills within the impact zone.

Maintain distance using QE zones, EW chokepoint control, and QW poking. Reduce allies' damage with WW protection. Look for pick opportunities on isolated carries with QW and quick spell rotation. Respond to allies' movements with WQ acceleration.

Character Downsides

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When one spellbook is locked, the other remains on cooldown, creating opportunities for aggression. Low base stats and lack of innate survivability make him vulnerable to targeted fire or crowd control. Mana limitations require conservative use of abilities, else risk being unsupported at crucial moments.

Ability order and optimal spell rotation

When leveling up Hwei's abilities, prioritize enhancing Q (Calamities). This maximizes poke and unveils line potential. Typically level up Q>E>W, with R at 6, 11, 16.

Laning

  • WQ > QQ – quick extended trade;
  • WQ > EW – disengage near setup ganks;
  • EQ > QQ/QW – fear setup for devastating combos.

Team fights

  • EE > R – engage in layered ult;
  • WE > QE > EE – maximize area damage;
  • EW > WQ – pick potential.

With creative vision and mastery of nine possible abilities, Hwei redefines the expectations of a mage-controller.

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