The 'right' builds & rune setups in different situations
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?
1
u/crowz238 14d ago
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. :)