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Tristana

AP Tristana

Standard

Tristana Mid by asdfgarmin — updated Jul 20, 2026

Draw a BeadRapid FireRocket JumpExplosive ShotBuster Shot
8

Item Build

Starting Items

you start with 475g
Amplifying TomeHealth Potion

Core Build

Lich BaneDeathfire GraspRabadon's DeathcapVoid Staff

I know you want to rush DFG, but basing early on 1600g isn't realistic. Lichbane gives you 75% AP scaling every 2 seconds.

Flex Items

Zhonya's HourglassAbyssal Scepter

Technically Zhonyas is optional, but if your number keys aren't broken, then there's not really a reason not to buy it.

Summoner Spells

FlashIgniteFlashTeleport

Skill Order

Explosive Shot(E)Rocket Jump(W)Rapid Fire(Q)
123456789101112131415161718
Rapid Fire
Rocket Jump
Explosive Shot
Buster Shot

Runes

  • 9× Mark of Magic Penetrationmark
  • 9× Seal of Armorseal
  • 9× Glyph of Scaling Magic Resistglyph
  • 3× Quintessence of Ability Powerquint
+15 Ability Power+9 Armor+9 Magic Penetration+32.4 Magic Resist @18

Masteries

21 / 0 / 930/30 points
Summoner's WrathFurySorcery4/4Butcher2/2DeadlinessBlast4/4Destruction1/1HavocWeapon ExpertiseArcane Knowledge1/1LethalityBrute ForceMental Force3/3Spellsword1/1FrenzySunderArchmage4/4Executioner1/1
OFFENSE: 21
Summoner's ResolvePerseveranceDurabilityTough SkinHardinessResistanceBladed ArmorUnyieldingRelentlessVeteran's ScarsSafeguardBlockTenaciousJuggernautDefenderLegendary ArmorGood HandsReinforced ArmorHonor Guard
DEFENSE: 0
Summoner's Insight1/1WandererMeditation3/3Improved Recall1/1ScoutMastermindExpanded Mind3/3ArtifacerGreedRunic Affinity1/1VampirismBiscuiteerWealthAwarenessStrength of SpiritExplorerPickpocketIntelligenceNimble
UTILITY: 9

Introduction

Degenerate trading pattern and terrible waveclear, but oneshot potential: a true classic champion.

Early Game

You trade with E when it's up, preferably without taking damage in return.

A wave under tower is a wave lost, so make sure to push as much as you can, your only real tool is E passive splash and W if your opposing laners is out of lane.

The most important thing about your laning phase is your (300 base damage) ult CD of 60s. That's a really low CD for really high damage, so use it on cooldown to chunk your opponent. If they base you'll have it back when they are back and if they stay you're probably able to dive them in two waves.

Teamfights

AP Tristana is an assassin with resets.

Great at 1v1ing squishies, but in a teamfight you need to pick your moment to jump in carefully.

Look for the moment you can finish someone off, preferably with just W+ult, as your E takes longer to kill someone than it takes their team to kill you without a reset.

Look for the target of your second jump BEFORE jumping in with your first one. You can either get out or jump on your next target and use E on them followed by your Zhonyas.

Never think of your W as high AOE damage. It's a Lux E. You wouldn't flash into the middle of a team as Lux to throw an E in there, so don't do it as Tristana either.

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