VRC.LOL

Support · Normal DraftMatchup guidePatch 16.20.1

Alistar vs Rakan

Build, runes, abilities and practical pre-game checks in one queue-aware reference.

AlistarVSRakan

Matchup guide

Choose the matchup

Search every champion, choose the assigned role, then open the exact queue page.

VS
Role
Selected laneSupport

Choose two champions from the list.

Role fit

SupportAlistar

Alistar has an established low-income Support plan with useful lane pressure, protection, engage or team utility.

Primary role
Historical referenceRecommendation review pending

These patches track recommendation review, build validation and item lookup separately. Updating item data does not complete a build review.

Recommendation patch
16.16 Data Dragon
Build validation patch
16.19.1 Data Dragon
Item lookup patch
16.20.1 Data Dragon

Normal Draft · Support

Evidence-supported Alistar Support

Follow the completed-item order as a pre-game reference. Components and owned items do not create extra inventory slots.

Primary role
S
Draft / Ranked opening · separate from item 1

World Atlas

400 gold

Keeps a reviewed late option after the prior-patch cross-check; move or replace it only when its stated match problem is present.

1
First item

Solstice Sleigh

400 gold

Keeps a reviewed late option after the prior-patch cross-check; move or replace it only when its stated match problem is present.

2
Boots

Locket of the Iron Solari

2,200 gold

This item is part of the most-supported coherent core in the frozen prior-patch public role snapshot. Treat the sample as context, then adjust only for a clearly identified matchup problem.

3
Core

Boots of Swiftness

1,000 gold

This is the most-supported Boots choice in the frozen prior-patch public role snapshot; change it when the opposing damage or crowd control calls for a different defence.

4
Late

Zeke's Convergence

2,200 gold

This item is part of the most-supported coherent core in the frozen prior-patch public role snapshot. Treat the sample as context, then adjust only for a clearly identified matchup problem.

5
Flexible

Knight's Vow

2,300 gold

This item is part of the most-supported coherent core in the frozen prior-patch public role snapshot. Treat the sample as context, then adjust only for a clearly identified matchup problem.

6
Against repeated attacks

Frozen Heart

2,500 gold

Keeps a reviewed late option after the prior-patch cross-check; move or replace it only when its stated match problem is present.

Complete build choices

Choose the route before play

Recommendation review pending

AlternativeToo much healingApply anti-heal only when repeated healing is materially changing fights.View full route

Best when: Apply anti-heal only when repeated healing is materially changing fights.

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsLocket of the Iron Solari
  3. CoreBoots of Swiftness
  4. Morellonomicon
  5. FlexibleKnight's Vow
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart
AlternativeCrowd controlMikael's removes eligible crowd control from an ally; check that the effect can actually be cleansed.View full route

Best when: Mikael's removes eligible crowd control from an ally; check that the effect can actually be cleansed.

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsLocket of the Iron Solari
  3. CoreBoots of Swiftness
  4. Mikael's Blessing
  5. FlexibleKnight's Vow
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart
AlternativeCannot start fightsShurelya's movement speed helps the team engage or disengage when positioning is the problem.View full route

Best when: Shurelya's movement speed helps the team engage or disengage when positioning is the problem.

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsLocket of the Iron Solari
  3. CoreBoots of Swiftness
  4. Shurelya's Battlesong
  5. FlexibleKnight's Vow
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart

Complete build comparison

Complete build comparison

Recommendation review pending

Build review neededEvidence-supported Alistar SupportRecommendation review pendingView full route

Recommendation review pending

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsLocket of the Iron Solari
  3. CoreBoots of Swiftness
  4. LateZeke's Convergence
  5. FlexibleKnight's Vow
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart
AlternativeToo much healingApply anti-heal only when repeated healing is materially changing fights.View full route

Best when: Apply anti-heal only when repeated healing is materially changing fights.

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsLocket of the Iron Solari
  3. CoreBoots of Swiftness
  4. Morellonomicon
  5. FlexibleKnight's Vow
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart
AlternativeCrowd controlMikael's removes eligible crowd control from an ally; check that the effect can actually be cleansed.View full route

Best when: Mikael's removes eligible crowd control from an ally; check that the effect can actually be cleansed.

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsLocket of the Iron Solari
  3. CoreBoots of Swiftness
  4. Mikael's Blessing
  5. FlexibleKnight's Vow
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart
AlternativeCannot start fightsShurelya's movement speed helps the team engage or disengage when positioning is the problem.View full route

Best when: Shurelya's movement speed helps the team engage or disengage when positioning is the problem.

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsLocket of the Iron Solari
  3. CoreBoots of Swiftness
  4. Shurelya's Battlesong
  5. FlexibleKnight's Vow
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart

Runes and summoner spells

Runes and summoner spellsAlistarSupport

Catch, survive the return damage, then create another opening.

Normal Draft
Primary tree

Resolve

AftershockFont of LifeBone PlatingUnflinching
Secondary tree

Inspiration

Hextech FlashtraptionCosmic Insight
Summoner spells
FlashIgnite
Coordinate the Bot pair

Check which defensive spell the Bot partner selected before duplicating Heal, Barrier or Exhaust.

Match the lane threat

Exhaust answers a committed damage dealer; Ignite adds pressure and anti-heal; Heal protects both nearby partners.

Matchup notes

What changes when Rakan is opposite you?

Pre-game kit comparison
Strategic interaction

Answer the engage

A durable front line can interrupt an approach and create space for the carry.

Mid to late

Control and protection become clearer once teams group around objectives and carries need a front line.

Your plan

Use the route you prepared

Keep Vex visible before committing. The second Bot-lane champion and nearby Jungler can change whether the same engage is safe.

Ability reminders

Alistar reminders

  • Using Pulverize can allow you to establish better positioning for Headbutt.
  • Move Speed is very important on Alistar. Consider which boots to buy carefully.
  • Using Flash can allow you catch your target off guard to knock them back into your allies with Pulverize and Headbutt.
Ability reminders

Against Rakan

  • Rakan's movement abilities forecast their destination. Try to use this to your advantage.
  • Champions with crowd control that can be applied quickly excel against Rakan.
  • Catching Rakan with no allies around severely inhibits his mobility. Try to find him alone.

Static alternatives

Compare the problem before changing the plan

These choices are not selected from live scores. Use one only after you identify the stated match problem yourself.

Only when enemy healing is deciding fights

Oblivion Orb

Oblivion Orb supplies healing reduction without committing to a completed Morellonomicon. Skip both when healing is not the problem or an ally already covers your target reliably. Healing reduction does not reduce shields.

Conditional component, not a core item. Complete Morellonomicon only when its stats and slot efficiency justify delaying another purchase.
Crowd control

Mikael's Blessing

Mikael's removes eligible crowd control from an ally; check that the effect can actually be cleansed.

Cannot start fights

Shurelya's Battlesong

Shurelya's movement speed helps the team engage or disengage when positioning is the problem.

Ability reference

Compare both kits

Ability reference Data Dragon 16.20.1

Cooldown / Cost / Range Data Dragon 16.20.1

Alistar

  1. P
    Triumphant Roar

    Triumphant Roar is the always-on rule shaping Alistar's normal trading and fight pattern. Watch its in-game state before committing.

  2. Q
    Pulverize

    Pulverize contributes damage. Its value changes with cooldown, range and target access; recognise the setup before moving into its effective area.

    Cooldown 14/13/12/11/10 · Cost 50/55/60/65/70 · Listed range 365
  3. W
    Headbutt

    Headbutt contributes damage. Its value changes with cooldown, range and target access; recognise the setup before moving into its effective area.

    Cooldown 14/13/12/11/10 · Cost 50/55/60/65/70 · Listed range 650
  4. E
    Trample

    Trample contributes basic-attack interaction and damage. Its value changes with cooldown, range and target access; recognise the setup before moving into its effective area.

    Cooldown 12/11.5/11/10.5/10 · Cost 50/55/60/65/70 · Listed range 350
  5. R
    Unbreakable Will

    Unbreakable Will contributes damage. Its value changes with cooldown, range and target access; recognise the setup before moving into its effective area.

    Cooldown 120/100/80 · Cost 100 · Listed range 1

Rakan

  1. P
    Fey Feathers

    Fey Feathers is an automatic part of the kit involving protection or sustain. Track when its condition is active instead of treating every fight the same way.

  2. Q
    Gleaming Quill

    Gleaming Quill contributes protection or sustain and damage. Its value changes with cooldown, range and target access; recognise the setup before moving into its effective area.

    Cooldown 11/10/9/8/7 · Cost 45 · Listed range 850
  3. W
    Grand Entrance

    Grand Entrance is part of Rakan's W pattern. Read its listed effect first, then track the cooldown and condition that make the next use valuable.

    Cooldown 14/13/12/11/10 · Cost 50/60/70/80/90 · Listed range 600
  4. E
    Battle Dance

    Battle Dance contributes protection or sustain. Its value changes with cooldown, range and target access; recognise the setup before moving into its effective area.

    Cost 40/45/50/55/60 · Listed range 650
  5. R
    The Quickness

    The Quickness contributes damage. Its value changes with cooldown, range and target access; recognise the setup before moving into its effective area.

    Cooldown 130/110/90 · Cost 100 · Listed range 150

Adapt the plan

What to do when the game changes

Judge the whole lane or map state, not only personal kills. Choose the situation closest to the current game.

Even plan

Balance lane pressure with protection for the carry

1
Lane

Hold the ability that makes opponents respect your lane and trade when both Bot-lane partners are ready.

2
Map play

Recall and move on safe wave timings; an unsupported roam can cost the carry an entire wave or a dive.

3
Fights

Control one approach and keep enough protection for the enemy's most likely engage.

Pings, movement and objectives

Alistar Support map plan

Show the engage before casting it. Your best start is one your Bot carry and Jungler can reach.

Ahead

Make the lead open the map

Ping
Use On My Way before changing angle, then Assist Me on Dragon after Bot is safe to move. Use Danger if the carry starts following through an unsafe route.
Map movement
Roam after a pushed wave, shared recall or when the carry can collect safely. Deep wards still require the Jungler or another nearby ally.
Objective
Arrive early, clear the enemy entrance and hold the key engage or peel spell. Do not chase away from Dragon and hand the opponent a free route back in.
Even

Create one clear numbers advantage

Ping
Use On My Way before an engage or roam, Enemy Missing as soon as a lane opponent disappears, and Danger when your carry cannot follow.
Map movement
Leave only on a safe wave or recall timing. If the carry would lose a full wave or face a dive, stay Bot and communicate that you are not moving.
Objective
Help Bot finish the wave, then enter river with the Jungler. Set vision before starting and avoid turning an even objective into an unseen gamble.
Behind

Stop the next loss before seeking a play

Ping
Use Retreat or Danger before an ally enters darkness, Enemy Missing immediately, and Assist Me when you need company to restore defensive vision.
Map movement
Do not abandon a crashing wave or vulnerable carry. Move after the wave is stable and use the nearest safe ward line rather than forcing deep vision.
Objective
If your team cannot enter river safely, ping Retreat and trade for farm, vision or another map resource. Contest only after creating a safe route together.
Objective setup

Four calls, in order

Pings create a shared plan; they do not replace checking waves, vision and who can move.

  1. 1
    Before the move

    Around a minute before Dragon, ping the plan, spend gold if needed and make sure Bot and Mid know whether they can move.

  2. 2
    Enter together

    Walk with the Jungler or another ally. Sweep one route, place useful entrance vision and never face-check alone.

  3. 3
    Before starting

    Check nearby waves and enemy positions. Hold the spell that either starts a reachable fight or protects your main damage dealer.

  4. 4
    During the contest

    Keep enemies away from the safe entrance, mark the reachable threat and avoid chasing so far that Dragon is left unprotected.

Later objectives: Use the same pattern for Rift Herald or Baron: communicate first, move through controlled vision with an ally, then choose engage or peel before the fight begins.

Keep preparing

Use the champion page or choose another opponent

The matchup page is a pre-game reference. It does not predict the result or alter its recommendation from changing live match data.

Open full buildCompare counter options