Collect power without losing tempo

0:00–14:00, especially each crash, recall, and first objective setup window

Build permanent Ability Power through safe Baleful Strike last hits, spell hits on champions, and takedowns when they are genuinely available. Keep the wave state usable: crash before a recall or roam, and avoid extended trades inside a larger enemy wave. If ahead, threaten a cage after the enemy walks up for farm; if behind, take safe units and experience while preserving mana and Event Horizon for the enemy’s engage. Transition when your first meaningful purchase, level spikes, or a crashed wave lets you contest river without abandoning income.

Lane

Farm power without donating the lane

If the first waves can be cleared without exposing you to an all-in, use Baleful Strike to last-hit units and tag a champion when the line is safe; if the enemy has priority or the wave is pushing away from you, take the guaranteed farm and preserve mana rather than spending spells for a low-value trade. Your early window is the first recalls and pre-six lane, when permanent Ability Power matters more than a forced kill.

With Veigar

• If Veigar has Event Horizon ready and your team is near the next objective, play around the cage’s zone rather than starting a separate chase. Stand close enough to punish anyone stunned by the boundary, but do not enter first if Veigar is still setting the angle.
• If Veigar has damaged a target and Primordial Burst is available, help him preserve that target’s missing-health state instead of splitting damage across the enemy team. A small amount of coordinated focus can turn his finisher into a numbers advantage.
• If Veigar is clearing a side wave before a timer, use the time to establish safe information on the route he will take back. Do not demand a blind roam from him while his wave is still collecting permanent Ability Power.
• If Veigar is behind, protect his access to safe waves and play fights at your own tower or prepared vision line. His comeback depends on reaching a full rotation, so peeling the first diver can matter more than chasing the enemy backline.
• If your team is ahead, use his cage to make sieges and objective entrances uncomfortable rather than forcing a dive. When the enemy must step forward to clear a wave or enter a pit, Veigar’s control creates the action window.
• If Veigar misses Event Horizon or spends it before the fight, delay the engage when possible and help him reset. His teamfight threat is more reliable when the cage is available to shape the first contact.