Build a wave state before you build a fight

0:00–~14:00, especially the first crash, first recall, and 60–90 seconds before each early objective

From spawn through the first objective cycle, decide whether your lane can safely contest the push. If you can reach the wave without losing health to the enemy’s main threat, use Chain Lash for controlled shove and Petricite Burst attacks for last hits and short trades; if the matchup outranges or out-trades you, prioritize experience, preserve mana, and let the wave come toward you. Crash before a recall or roam. Your first transition is the first successful crash plus a purchase, not a forced kill. When ahead, hold the enemy near a vulnerable wave and invite a gank; when behind, stop contesting center lane and farm the safer bounce.

Lane

Trade Petricite Burst for a real wave state

If the first waves can be pushed without taking a losing trade, use Chain Lash and measured attacks to crash before recalling or moving; if the enemy has stronger early wave control, take safe experience and wait for the bounce instead of forcing priority. Your window is the first clean crash, not a random river walk.

With Sylas

• If Sylas has a target he can reach and allies are within one screen, follow his E entry immediately with damage or control; his first dash is a commitment, so delayed follow-up can leave him fighting alone.
• When Sylas is holding Hijack for an objective, play around the ultimate he stole rather than forcing a separate engage. If the stolen spell starts the fight, keep the enemy target in range long enough for his Kingslayer and Petricite Burst attacks to matter.
• If Sylas is behind, give him the safest nearby wave and help him approach through vision instead of asking him to face-check. His comeback pattern is a caught wave followed by a pick or objective, not a blind first engage.