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Support · Ranked FlexMatchup guidePatch 16.20.1

Tahm Kench vs Vex

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

Tahm KenchVSVex

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

SupportTahm Kench

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

Established 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

Ranked Flex · Support

Evidence-supported Tahm Kench Support

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

Established 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

Heartsteel

3,000 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

Plated Steelcaps

1,200 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

Thornmail

2,450 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

Spirit Visage

2,700 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. BootsHeartsteel
  3. CorePlated Steelcaps
  4. Morellonomicon
  5. FlexibleSpirit Visage
  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. BootsHeartsteel
  3. CorePlated Steelcaps
  4. Mikael's Blessing
  5. FlexibleSpirit Visage
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart
AlternativeTeam gets burstLocket gives nearby allies an immediate shield when enemy burst lands together.View full route

Best when: Locket gives nearby allies an immediate shield when enemy burst lands together.

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsHeartsteel
  3. Locket of the Iron Solari
  4. LateThornmail
  5. FlexibleSpirit Visage
  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. BootsHeartsteel
  3. CorePlated Steelcaps
  4. Shurelya's Battlesong
  5. FlexibleSpirit Visage
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart

Complete build comparison

Complete build comparison

Recommendation review pending

Build review neededEvidence-supported Tahm Kench SupportRecommendation review pendingView full route

Recommendation review pending

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsHeartsteel
  3. CorePlated Steelcaps
  4. LateThornmail
  5. FlexibleSpirit Visage
  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. BootsHeartsteel
  3. CorePlated Steelcaps
  4. Morellonomicon
  5. FlexibleSpirit Visage
  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. BootsHeartsteel
  3. CorePlated Steelcaps
  4. Mikael's Blessing
  5. FlexibleSpirit Visage
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart
AlternativeTeam gets burstLocket gives nearby allies an immediate shield when enemy burst lands together.View full route

Best when: Locket gives nearby allies an immediate shield when enemy burst lands together.

  1. First itemSolstice Sleigh
  2. BootsHeartsteel
  3. Locket of the Iron Solari
  4. LateThornmail
  5. FlexibleSpirit Visage
  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. BootsHeartsteel
  3. CorePlated Steelcaps
  4. Shurelya's Battlesong
  5. FlexibleSpirit Visage
  6. Against repeated attacksFrozen Heart

Runes and summoner spells

Runes and summoner spellsTahm KenchSupport

Stay close enough to protect the Bot partner, then use Exhaust when a committed enemy can reach the pair.

Ranked Flex
Primary tree

Resolve

GuardianFont of LifeBone PlatingRevitalize
Secondary tree

Inspiration

Biscuit DeliveryCosmic Insight
Summoner spells
FlashExhaust
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 Vex is opposite you?

Pre-game kit comparison
Kit comparison

Respect the opponent's reliable threat

Track the cooldown and range of the ability that starts their safest trade. Do not treat this page as a statistical counter claim.

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

Tahm Kench reminders

  • Your most important function as a support is to keep fragile allies safe. Keep Devour's range and cooldown in mind and position accordingly!
  • Consider carefully when to use Thick Skin's active. Sometimes shielding early to avoid further damage is good, but sometimes the healing is more beneficial.

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.

Team gets burst

Locket of the Iron Solari

Locket gives nearby allies an immediate shield when enemy burst lands together.

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 (s) / Cost / Listed range (units) Data Dragon 16.20.1

Tahm Kench

  1. P
    An Acquired Taste

    Tahm Kench puts the heft of his immense body behind his attacks, gaining extra damage based on his total health. Damaging enemy champions builds stacks of An Acquired Taste. At three stacks, he can use Devour on an enemy champion.

  2. Q
    Tongue Lash

    Tahm Kench lashes out with his tongue, damaging and slowing the first unit hit and healing himself if he strikes an enemy champion. Applies a stack of An Acquired Taste to enemy champions. If the champion already has 3 stacks of An Acquired Taste, they are stunned and the stacks are consumed.

    Cooldown (s) 7/6.5/6/5.5/5 · Cost 50/46/42/38/34 · Listed range (units) 900
  3. W
    Abyssal Dive

    Dive down and then re-appear at target location, damaging and knocking up all enemies in an area.

    Cooldown (s) 21/20/19/18/17 · Cost 60/75/90/105/120 · Listed range (units) 1000/1050/1100/1150/1200
  4. E
    Thick Skin

    Passive: Tahm Kench stores a percent of the damage he takes and heals based on it while out of combat. Active: Convert all stored damage into a temporary shield.

    Cooldown (s) 3 · Listed range (units) 2400
  5. R
    Devour

    Tahm Kench devours a champion for a few seconds, dealing magic damage if they are an enemy, or shielding them if they are an ally.

    The exported range is not a verified gameplay distance. Check the current ability tooltip.

    Cost 100

Vex

  1. P
    Doom 'n Gloom

    Vex periodically becomes empowered, causing her next basic Ability to fear enemies and interrupt dashes. Whenever a nearby enemy dashes, Vex applies a mark that can be consumed for bonus damage that also reduces the cooldown of her empowered state.

  2. Q
    Mistral Bolt

    Launch a damaging missile that accelerates mid-flight.

    Cooldown (s) 8/7/6/5/4 · Cost 45/50/55/60/65 · Listed range (units) 1200
  3. W
    Personal Space

    Gain a shield and damage nearby enemies.

    Cooldown (s) 16/15/14/13/12 · Cost 75 · Listed range (units) 475
  4. E
    Looming Darkness

    Summon a damaging and slowing zone that applies Gloom to enemies.

    Cooldown (s) 12 · Cost 70/80/90/100/110 · Listed range (units) 800
  5. R
    Shadow Surge

    Fire a missile that marks an enemy champion. Recast to dash to them and deal damage.

    Cooldown (s) 140/120/100 · Cost 100 · Listed range (units) 2000/2500/3000

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

Tahm Kench Support map plan

Turn information into a shared decision. Move with an ally and preserve the tool that makes the next fight safe.

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.

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