Build a mana and priority base

0:00–about 8:00, or until the first objective setup and first meaningful recall cycle

Use the first waves to secure CS and establish whether you can safely push. If your spells can clear without exposing you, crash before a recall or river move; if the enemy has stronger early pressure, collect experience and last hits from safer distance rather than forcing a trade inside their wave. Mana Surge rewards disciplined basic attacks on units, so preserve mana for the next wave or a visible gank window. Transition when your wave is consistently reaching the enemy tower or the first objective setup begins.

Lane

Lane: spend mana only for a lane purpose

If the first waves let you last-hit safely and Mana Surge is available or close to ready, use basic attacks on minions to support your mana economy while keeping Q for a meaningful line through the wave or the enemy. If the enemy can punish your approach, prioritize the last hit over a low-value poke attempt; your early window is controlled spell expenditure, not constant casting.

With Xerath

• If Xerath is your mid laner, help him arrive early to the objective side and let him work from behind the first line of vision. A tank or diver should reveal the enemy's entry route without forcing Xerath to face-check; his range is more useful when he can see the approach.
• If Xerath lands Shocking Orb or slows a target with Eye of Destruction, treat that hit as a short conversion window: add damage, secure the pick, or take the space it created. Do not wait for a perfect five-person engage when a caught target already gives the team a numbers advantage.
• If the enemy can dive Xerath, keep one peel tool for the actual entry and fight near terrain or a cleared objective entrance. When Xerath begins Rite of the Arcane, protect the area around his firing position and pressure enemies who try to walk directly at him.