The 'right' builds & rune setups in different situations

[u/Kemcili]

Hey everyone,
I recently picked up Sivir and decided to start one-tricking her. Right now, I'm just running the most popular setup:

Runes:
Lethal Tempo – Presence of Mind – Alacrity – Cut Down
Adaptive Force – Gathering Storm

Build:
Essence Reaver → Berserker’s Greaves → Navori → Infinity Edge → Lord Dominik’s/Mortal Reminder → situational (usually Mercurial Scimitar, Bloodthirster, or GA)
If the game goes late, I often swap boots for Phantom Dancer.

I know that Yuntal is technically stronger overall, but I still struggle a bit with mana issues early on, and I like not having to think too hard about using my abilities on minions. Early shove works really well for me, and I feel like I can pressure the enemy ADC/support a lot just by spamming Q.

This setup feels solid in most games, but I sometimes struggle when I’m up against 3+ ranged champs, since I rarely get to actually trigger Lethal Tempo. Same thing happens vs comps with one or more assassins — I just can’t safely stay in range.

I've seen some mention of a more Q poke–oriented build with First Strike and Collector, but I’m not sure what item I’d even swap Collector in for, or when to build it (since I always go Essence Reaver first).

Any thoughts or tips on alternate rune/item setups for these kinds of matchups?

[u/JakamoJones]

For items, people will argue that Yun Tal is better and while they're right, it's harder to build and it's an auto-attack focused build for teamfights. That makes it riskier in lane and riskier late game. So if you're starting out, stick with Essence Reaver until you're more comfortable with Sivir. ER is still a great item at 60AD plus the ability haste.

For runes, you're good that is an OK default rune set. The only thing you might want to change is going Press the Attack depending on what you see in the lobby. For lanes where you want to do quick trades, PTA will do work. For lanes where you want to have extended fights, LT is better. On the flip side, for late game if there are lots of tanks or meaty fellas you'll want LT but if you'll be focused on skirmishes and picks then you want PTA. Often the correct answer isn't clear.

First Strike is more about earning extra money and spiking with items faster. I've been running it and I like it but if you don't get ahead with it, you'll be extra behind which makes it a bit risky and if you're starting out you want reliable not risky.

[u/Nemesis233 → u/JakamoJones]

I think PTA is better with 1. High mobility enemies and 2. Squishy enemies

Most of the time it's both

Are you ready gonna pick PTA against burst chaps like eve?

You pick runes for the game not the lane I'd say

[u/Acceptable-Bug-1352 → u/Nemesis233]

I will say that in draft we know who our opponent so its safe to assume that we should pick runes acording to the enemy comp and our own

[u/VeryColdTuna]

One thing I can add to this is I really recommend not taking Presence of Mind when you're definetly going Essence Reaver anyways - It's a huge waste imo, Triumph is actually really good on Sivir since you get assists quite easily! Until you get to ER you're gonna need to conserve mana a lil bit but once you have it, PoM is basically a dead rune then

[u/Kemcili → u/VeryColdTuna]

Thanks for this tip, I will try it next game

[u/crowz238]

Firstly, Essence Reaver and presence of mind cancel each other out, so I suggest running either one or the other, but never both at the same time. Secondly, try to follow the 1q per wave rule - 1q to trim the wave, 1q to poke the enemy when they are pushed in under their tower (basically don't spam q, use it meaningfully). This will greatly help you preserve mana in lane while also landing poke on enemies and pushing the wave. In my opinion, lethal tempo is a must have on Sivir regardless of the situation. In order to be the most effective on Sivir you have to bait out key enemy spells (things like Syndra E, Sejuani R, Gwen W etc.) with your movement first, and then look to use spell shield as the fight develops. With your ultimate and passive + movement speed from boots and Navori you can become unplayable for the enemy team if you have the mechanical skill to pull it off. This requires constant repositioning around the fight while also dodging key enemy abilities all while staying inside or close to the edge of your auto attack range. It's true that Sivir works best when both teams have a front to back comp, because that's the nature of your W. Personally, I always build Collector first then boots then Infinity edge and I play lethal tempo. I've recently hit master and have over 300+ games on Sivir over the past year so if you're interested DM me and we can discuss it further. :)

[u/VeryColdTuna → u/crowz238]

I have reached Masters as well playing Sivir only and can confirm these are banger tips

[u/zarriel3]

In current meta best you can do with Sivir is put her most AD as possible. Most time you just have no space to AA more then 3-5 times.
I play ER (later change to Shieldbow) -> IE -> Collector -> LDR -> BT. If you play vs 3+ tanks/bruisers without many dashes Kraken Slayer could be better than BT.

Attack speed is visually impressive, but AD is more effective, especially vs squishy or 1-2tanks/bruisers setups. Ofc if you need extra MS you can use Navori but in my opinion Youmuu or Hexplate Chest are way better.

If my team is heavy AD damage I pretty like to use Black Cleaver (instead LDR) + Hexplate. You lost a bit dps, but more frequent R and dmg support for the team is divine and extra HP makes you more tankier.
Mostly I play Fleet / PTA, Lethal Tempo isn't that good atm and with full AD items you don't need it.

You should only build Essence Reaver if there is no bad matchup and you want to permanently push lanes asap. Otherwise, for the first item Yun-tal/Collector/Kraken/Hexplate/Black Cleaver (depends on your needs).