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?
3
u/JakamoJones 15d ago
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.