Overview
Learning how to play Aphelios means mastering his five-weapon rotation, managing ammo for key objectives, and using advanced mechanics like Calibrum combos and Infernum AoE for maximum impact. With strategic positioning and timing, this complex marksman becomes a deadly force in teamfights.
Table of Contents
- Tip 1: Master the Weapon Rotation System
- Tip 2: Understand Your Power Spikes
- Tip 3: Positioning and Teamfight Strategy
- Tip 4: Weapon Management for Specific Situations
- Tip 5: Advanced Mechanics and Combos
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
When Riot Games introduced Aphelios to League of Legends, they unleashed what many consider the most mechanically complex champion in the game’s history. With his unique five-weapon rotation system, lack of a traditional ultimate ability, and novel dual-weapon mechanics, Aphelios offers a steep learning curve that can intimidate even veteran ADC players. However, those who invest the time to master the Weapon of the Faithful are rewarded with one of the most versatile and deadly marksmen on the Rift.
In this guide, we’ll break down five essential tips that will help you navigate Aphelios’s complexity and transform from a confused newcomer into a deadly moonlight vigilante. Whether you’re picking him up for the first time or looking to refine your skills, these actionable strategies will elevate your Aphelios gameplay.
Tip 1: Master the Weapon Rotation System
At the heart of playing Aphelios effectively is understanding his five-weapon arsenal and how they cycle. Unlike other champions, Aphelios doesn’t have standard Q, W, E, and R abilities. Instead, he rotates through five unique weapons, each with its own Q ability and passive effect.
The five weapons are:
- Calibrum (Sniper Rifle): Offers extended range and marks targets for follow-up attacks
- Severum (Scythe Pistol): Provides lifesteal and fast attacks
- Gravitum (Gravity Cannon): Slows enemies and can root them with its Q ability
- Infernum (Flamethrower): Deals AoE damage with cleave attacks
- Crescendum (Chakram): Grants bonus damage at close range and deployable turrets
The key to mastery is understanding that you’ll always have two weapons active—a main-hand weapon for basic attacks and an off-hand weapon that complements your Q ability. Your weapons deplete ammunition with use, and once depleted, they cycle out in a fixed order.
The most effective Aphelios players track their ammunition carefully and plan ahead for upcoming weapon combinations. For example, the Infernum-Crescendum combination offers devastating AoE damage potential for teamfights, while Gravitum-Calibrum provides exceptional utility for catching and eliminating priority targets.
Use the visual indicators below your health bar to monitor which weapons are coming next and plan your engagements accordingly. In downtime, consider deliberately depleting ammunition to prepare optimal weapon combinations for upcoming objectives. This level of kit management is also seen in other complex champions like Azir, whose soldier positioning offers a similar mechanical challenge.
Tip 2: Understand Your Power Spikes
Like all ADCs, Aphelios has clear power spikes that should dictate your aggression level. However, his spikes are uniquely tied to both items and weapon availability.
From an item perspective, prioritize building toward Immortal Shieldbow or Kraken Slayer as your mythic item, followed by Phantom Dancer or Runaan’s Hurricane. Your third item should typically be Infinity Edge, marking a substantial damage increase. Each completed item represents a moment when you should look to fight more aggressively.
Level-wise, Aphelios gains significant power at levels 2, 6, and 11. Level 2 gives you access to your second weapon, level 6 unlocks your ultimate (The Moonlight Vigil), and level 11 provides a substantial buff to your off-hand weapon effects.
What makes Aphelios unique is that your power can fluctuate minute-to-minute based on weapon availability. For instance, having Infernum with high ammunition during a dragon fight could be the difference between winning and losing. Always communicate with your support about your weapon status—a simple “I have red/white weapons, let’s fight” can set up successful engagements. Support synergy is especially important with champions like Alistar, whose engage timing can make or break an Aphelios play.
Tip 3: Positioning and Teamfight Strategy
As one of the most immobile ADCs in the game, positioning is absolutely critical when playing Aphelios. Without dashes or blinks in his kit, your survival depends entirely on awareness and proper spacing.
Your teamfight approach should adapt based on your current weapons:
- With Calibrum, maintain maximum distance and poke before engagements
- With Severum, position more aggressively to maximize lifesteal in sustained fights
- With Gravitum, stay at mid-range to apply slows to approaching threats
- With Infernum, look for grouped enemies to maximize AoE damage
- With Crescendum, be prepared to kite between attacks as chakrams perform best at shorter ranges
Generally, you’ll want to adopt a front-to-back teamfighting approach, focusing on the closest targets first. However, weapon combinations like Calibrum-Gravitum allow for picks on backline targets that can turn fights before they begin.
When facing assassins or divers, saving Gravitum for self-peel can be game-changing. Its ability to slow and potentially root multiple enemies creates precious space for repositioning. Similar strategic awareness is needed when playing control mages like Anivia, who also lack mobility and rely on zone control.
Tip 4: Weapon Management for Specific Situations
One of the most advanced aspects of Aphelios mastery is deliberately managing your weapon rotation to have optimal tools for upcoming objectives.
For dragon and Baron fights, the ideal setup is often Infernum and Crescendum. This combination offers massive AoE damage with Infernum’s ultimate and basic attacks, while Crescendum provides sustained DPS against the objective itself.
In the early lane phase, Severum-Calibrum offers the best mix of sustain and range, allowing you to trade effectively while recovering health. As you transition to late game, Gravitum becomes increasingly valuable for its utility against divers.
When stuck with suboptimal weapons for a specific situation, consider:
- Using abilities on minions or monsters to deplete ammunition faster
- Holding your ultimate until you cycle to a more impactful weapon
- Communicating with your team to delay engagements if possible
In moments of downtime, deliberately cycle through weapons to ensure you’ll have optimal combinations for the next major objective. Champions like Amumu also reward pre-fight preparation, as proper ult timing can completely change the tide of battle.
Tip 5: Advanced Mechanics and Combos
Once you’ve mastered the basics of weapon management and positioning, it’s time to focus on Aphelios’s advanced mechanics:
Calibrum Combos: After marking a target with Calibrum’s Q, switch to your off-hand weapon to follow up with a long-range basic attack. This is particularly powerful with Gravitum as your off-hand, allowing you to apply slows from a safe distance.
Severum Survivability: When in danger, Severum’s Q (Onslaught) grants movement speed and rapid attacks for lifesteal. Combine this with Flash for unexpected sustain in dire situations.
Gravitum Chains: After rooting enemies with Gravitum’s Q, immediately follow up with your ultimate if you have Gravitum equipped for a devastating chain CC combo.
Infernum AoE Maximization: Position yourself so that enemies are aligned for Infernum’s attacks to hit multiple targets. In tight corridors or choke points, Infernum’s ultimate can deal devastating damage to entire teams.
Crescendum Turrets: Place Crescendum turrets strategically to zone enemies during objectives or to provide coverage while you position with your other weapon.
If you enjoy playing mechanically rich champions like Aphelios, you might also like learning how to play Akshan, who offers similarly high carry potential when mastered.
Conclusion
Mastering Aphelios is not an overnight achievement. His unique weapon system and complex mechanics require dedicated practice and game knowledge. However, the versatility and carry potential he offers make him one of the most rewarding ADCs to master in League of Legends.
Begin by practicing these five essential tips in the Practice Tool and normal games before taking him into ranked. Focus first on understanding weapon rotations, then gradually incorporate more advanced techniques as your comfort level increases.
Remember that even professional players took time to perfect their Aphelios gameplay. Be patient with yourself, study high-elo Aphelios players, and soon you’ll be carrying games with the Weapon of the Faithful.
Have you tried mastering Aphelios? What weapon combinations do you find most effective? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below, and check out our coaching services at League Coach Merch if you want personalized guidance on improving your Aphelios gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weapon combination for Aphelios?
While all weapon combinations have situational value, Infernum-Crescendum is often considered the strongest for teamfights due to its massive AoE damage potential and DPS. For laning phase, Severum-Calibrum offers the best mix of sustain and safe poke. For utility and pick potential, Gravitum-Calibrum allows you to slow, root, and follow up on targets from long range.
How do I control which weapons I have in a teamfight?
You can’t directly choose your weapons mid-fight, but you can plan ahead by managing your ammunition. During downtime, use abilities and auto-attacks to deplete weapons you don’t want for the upcoming fight. Watch the weapon queue below your health bar to see what’s coming next, and try to time weapon depletion so you’ll have optimal combinations for objectives and teamfights.
Is Aphelios good for beginners?
Aphelios is generally not recommended for beginners due to his high complexity and steep learning curve. However, if you’re a dedicated player willing to invest significant time into mastering a champion, the rewards can be substantial. New players should first understand basic marksman fundamentals (positioning, kiting, itemization) before attempting Aphelios.
What runes work best on Aphelios?
The standard rune setup for Aphelios is Lethal Tempo in the Precision tree, providing the attack speed he needs to maximize DPS. Secondary runes typically come from the Sorcery tree (Gathering Storm and Absolute Focus) for scaling, or Inspiration (Biscuit Delivery and Magical Footwear) for early sustain. Against heavy burst compositions, Fleet Footwork can be a viable alternative in the primary slot.
How do I deal with Aphelios’s lack of mobility?
Compensate for Aphelios’s immobility by maintaining excellent positioning, taking Cleanse or Heal as summoner spells, and building defensive items like Immortal Shieldbow or Guardian Angel when needed. Use Gravitum’s slow and root capabilities for self-peel, and coordinate with your support to provide protection. In the late game, consider selling boots for Phantom Dancer, which provides both mobility and damage.
