Overview
How to play Graves effectively requires mastering his unique shotgun mechanics, efficient jungle clearing, and strategic ability combos to maximize his potential as a formidable A-tier jungler in Season 13. His versatility allows for flexible build paths transitioning from early counter-jungling to powerful late-game scaling, making him an excellent choice for players looking to impose map control and carry games through both damage output and surprising durability.
Table of Contents
Are you looking to add a powerful jungler to your League of Legends champion pool? Look no further than Graves, the Outlaw. With his unique shotgun mechanics and versatile playstyle, Graves remains a formidable force in the current meta, offering both impressive damage output and surprising durability.
In Season 13, Graves continues to be a strong pick for solo queue climbers, sitting comfortably in the A-tier of jungle champions. His ability to efficiently clear camps, duel effectively, and scale well into late game makes him a reliable choice for players seeking to impose their will on the map and carry games.
Understanding Graves’ Unique Mechanics
Before diving into strategic tips, it’s crucial to understand what makes Graves distinct from other champions. His shotgun auto-attacks fire in a cone, dealing more damage up close but requiring reloading after two shots. This reload mechanic can be partially reset through his E ability (Quickdraw), making animation canceling a vital skill to master.
His passive, True Grit, provides armor stacks when dashing toward enemy champions or large monsters, giving him surprising tankiness for a marksman. Maximizing these armor stacks during skirmishes can be the difference between walking away victorious or becoming another casualty.
Tip #1: Master the Jungle Clear
Graves excels at clearing the jungle quickly and healthily. For your first clear, start at Red Buff, using your E to reset your auto-attack and maintain True Grit stacks. A standard path would be Red → Krugs → Raptors → Wolves → Blue → Gromp, which should be completed around 3:15 with proper execution.
When clearing camps, position yourself against terrain to ensure both hits of your Q (End of the Line) connect with the monster. This significantly increases your clear speed. Additionally, kite camps between auto-attacks to minimize damage taken while reloading, especially against hard-hitting monsters like the Blue Sentinel.
Tip #2: Ability Combos for Maximum Burst
Graves shines in burst damage scenarios through well-executed ability combos. The standard E-AA-Q-AA combo forms the backbone of his damage output. Dash in with E to gain armor stacks and reset your auto-attack timer, fire your first shotgun blast, immediately follow with Q against a wall for double damage, then finish with your second auto-attack.
Your W (Smoke Screen) should primarily be used for utility—cutting off escape routes or blinding enemies during ganks. However, don’t underestimate its damage in early skirmishes.
For ultimate usage, position yourself to hit multiple targets when possible, but don’t hesitate to use it for executing low-health enemies or providing that extra burst in a duel. Remember that R can also be used as a dash over thin walls in escape situations.
Tip #3: Counter-Jungling Strategies
Graves thrives as an aggressive counter-jungler due to his fast clear, strong dueling potential, and mobility. Invade the enemy jungle when you spot their jungler on the opposite side of the map or after they’ve shown for a gank.
Against scaling junglers like Amumu or other tank junglers, repeatedly invading their jungle can severely hamper their progression. Against more aggressive junglers like Lee Sin or Elise, be more cautious and track their movements before invading.
Deep vision control is essential for safe invasions. Always carry a control ward and use your trinket strategically to track the enemy jungler’s movements. According to Pro Guides’ Graves statistics, successful counter-jungling can create a gold advantage of over 1,000 by the 15-minute mark.
Tip #4: Item Build Paths and Flexibility
Graves’ build path offers flexibility based on game state and team compositions. Your core items typically include Eclipse or Immortal Shieldbow as your mythic, followed by The Collector and Infinity Edge for a crit-focused build, or Black Cleaver and Death’s Dance for a more bruiser-oriented approach.
Eclipse provides burst damage and shield protection, making it ideal against squishier compositions. Shieldbow offers survivability against burst-heavy teams. For boots, Plated Steelcaps work well against AD-heavy teams, while Mercury Treads help against CC-heavy compositions.
Situational items like Mortal Reminder against healing, Lord Dominik’s Regards against tanks, or Guardian Angel for late-game insurance should be considered based on the enemy team’s composition. Unlike Dr. Mundo’s more linear build path, Graves requires adaptive itemization to maximize effectiveness.
Tip #5: Mid-Game Map Presence
Once the laning phase concludes, focus on controlling objectives like Dragon and Herald. Graves excels at taking these objectives quickly thanks to his sustained damage output.
Despite having limited crowd control, your ganks can be effective with proper execution. Approach from behind the enemy when possible, using W to cut off their escape route before following up with your damage combo.
In mid-game, balance between teamfighting and split-pushing based on your team’s needs. Graves can effectively take side lanes with his quick wave clear and dueling potential, forcing enemies to respond or lose towers. Similar to how Darius controls top lane, Graves can exert significant side lane pressure when needed.
Tip #6: Teamfight Positioning
In teamfights, Graves functions best as a second-line fighter rather than a frontline or backline champion. Position yourself to follow up on your team’s engage, using terrain to maximize your Q damage and W utility.
Look for flanking opportunities when facing teams with strong frontlines, as your shotgun’s scatter damage is less effective against tanks. Against dive compositions, stay closer to your backline to peel with your burst damage and smoke screen.
Target priority should focus on accessible high-threat enemies. While eliminating the enemy ADC or mid laner is ideal, don’t overextend—Graves excels at punishing out-of-position enemies rather than diving deep into enemy formations. The latest LoLalytics data shows that Graves players who maintain proper positioning have significantly higher win rates in extended teamfights.
Tip #7: Late-Game Scaling and Win Conditions
Graves scales exceptionally well into late-game thanks to his ability to output consistent damage while remaining relatively durable. In late-game scenarios, focus on maximizing your crit damage through proper positioning and target selection.
Secure vision control around major objectives like Baron and Elder Dragon, where Graves’ damage output can quickly secure or steal these game-changing buffs. When pushing for the win, group with your team rather than split-pushing, as your teamfight impact becomes increasingly valuable.
Close out games by translating objective control into map pressure, using your wave clear to push multiple lanes before forcing advantageous fights or taking objectives. Unlike Diana’s all-in approach, Graves maintains flexibility in his late-game decision making.
Conclusion
Mastering how to play Graves requires understanding his unique mechanics and adapting your playstyle to maximize his strengths. Practice his clear path in custom games, experiment with different build paths based on team compositions, and focus on improving your positioning in skirmishes and teamfights.
Watch out for champions with point-and-click crowd control like Malzahar or Lissandra, who can shut down your mobility. Tanky champions with gap closers like Garen and other juggernaut champions can also be problematic if they catch you without your E available.
With these seven tips in your arsenal, you’re well on your way to dominating the Rift with the Outlaw. Remember that consistency is key—even the best Graves players regularly refine their skills through practice and adaptation.
At League Coach Merch, we’re dedicated to helping players like you master champions and climb the ranked ladder. For personalized coaching on Graves or other marksman champions like Ezreal or Draven, visit our website or reach out to our team of high-ELO coaches ready to take your gameplay to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Graves better in jungle or lane in the current meta?
Graves performs best in the jungle in the current meta, where he can take full advantage of his rapid clear speed and counter-jungling potential. While he can be played in top or mid lane against certain matchups, his shotgun mechanics make farming more challenging in lane, and he lacks the reliable engage tools that many solo laners need. In the jungle, he can leverage his mobility, burst damage, and objective control most effectively.
What runes work best on Graves?
Fleet Footwork is the most versatile keystone for Graves, providing sustain, mobility, and helping with kiting. For secondary runes, Inspiration (Magical Footwear and Future’s Market) works well for early powerspikes. Alternative keystones include Dark Harvest for scaling damage in longer games, or Phase Rush against teams with heavy slows. Adapt your minor runes based on matchups, but prioritize Attack Speed, Adaptive Force, and Armor in most games.
How do I deal with Graves’ reload mechanic?
Managing Graves’ reload mechanic is crucial for maximizing DPS. Use your E (Quickdraw) to partially reset the reload animation after firing both shots. Practice animation canceling by moving between auto-attacks. Position yourself close to enemies when possible, as his shotgun deals more damage at point-blank range. In teamfights, weave abilities between reloads to maintain consistent damage output rather than waiting for reload animations to complete.
Which junglers counter Graves effectively?
Strong early-game duelists like Olaf, Udyr, and Warwick can challenge Graves before he gets his items. Champions with point-and-click CC like Rammus or Fiddlesticks can neutralize his mobility advantage. Additionally, scaling junglers who can outfarm and avoid early confrontations, like Karthus or Evelynn, can potentially outscale him in the late game if they survive his early pressure.
When should I pick Graves over other junglers?
Graves is an excellent pick when your team needs a physical damage jungler with good objective control. He excels against teams with multiple melee champions that he can kite. Pick Graves when you want strong early invade potential and the ability to counter-jungle effectively. He’s also a good choice when your team composition lacks scaling damage, as his late-game carry potential is substantial with proper itemization.
