Build the Q economy without donating the lane

0:00–about 14:00, or until the first tower and plate-pressure transition

During the first waves, preserve health and mana while collecting Q targets that are genuinely safe. Let the wave come toward your side when the opponent can punish you in the open, and use Spirit Fire selectively when it secures the wave or creates a real trade window. Wither is a commitment tool, so use it when the enemy has stepped into your range and you can leave safely. If ahead, hold a favorable wave and threaten extended trades; if behind, prioritize XP and uncontested minions. Transition when you can crash a wave for a recall or when the first objective setup begins; do not keep farming a dangerous lane after the map has moved.

Lane

Farm Q without turning the lane into a duel

If the first waves are even and you can last-hit without exposing yourself, prioritize Q on valuable minions while keeping the wave on your side of the lane. If the enemy is building a large push or you need to recall, use Spirit Fire and basic attacks to crash the wave first; Q stacks matter only when they do not cost your health, XP, or recall timing.

With Nasus

• If Nasus is side-laning with a safe wave and Teleport available, play the four-man group near the next objective without forcing a fight. Show enough pressure to punish the enemy when they send multiple players, but disengage if Nasus is not yet able to join; his side lane is valuable because it creates a choice, not because the team must dive immediately.
• If Nasus enters a teamfight with Wither available, let him choose the enemy carry or the most important attack-speed threat instead of using your own engage on a target he cannot reach. If he places Spirit Fire under the expected fight path, keep enemies inside that zone when doing so does not expose your carry; the armor reduction makes focused physical damage more meaningful.
• If Nasus is behind, do not demand that he front-line a full enemy team just because he is a top laner. Help him secure a safe side wave or defend a crash, then fight around the space he can actually reach. When he uses Fury of the Sands defensively, treat the storm as time to disengage and reset unless your team has a clear nearby target.
• If Nasus has pushed a side wave before an objective, prepare your mid wave and vision while watching the enemy response. If two enemies show to answer him, start the objective or pressure the remaining defenders; if the enemy ignores him, let the wave and turret pressure matter instead of pulling him away for an aimless mid grouping.