League of Legends: Varus, the Arrow of Retribution released

After a PAX East unveiling, Varus, the Arrow of Retribution, is now available in League of Legends.  You can grab Varus today in the League of Legends in-game store for 975 RP or 6,300 IP.  You can also purchase his bundle which comes with his normal skin and Blight Crystal skin for 1462 RP.

Described as a "dangerous combination between caster and ranged carry", Varus is equipped with a number of abilities designed to "whittle enemies down from range, and allow him to close in for the kill."

Below are Varus's abilities, but be sure to check out the champion spotlight before getting into the action with him.

  • Living Vengeance (Passive): On kill or assist, Varus temporarily gains Attack Speed. This bonus is larger if the enemy is a champion.
  • Piercing Arrow: Varus readies and then fires a powerful shot that gains extra range and damage the longer he spends preparing to fire.
  • Blighted Quiver: Varus' basic attacks deal bonus magic damage and apply Blight. Varus' other abilities detonate Blight, dealing magic damage based on the target's maximum health.
  • Hail of Arrows: Varus fires a hail of arrows that deal physical damage and desecrate the ground. Desecrated ground slows enemies' Movement Speed and reduces their healing and regeneration.
  • Chain of Corruption (Ultimate): Varus flings out a tendril of corruption that immobilizes the first enemy champion hit and then spreads towards nearby uninfected champions, immobilizing them too on contact.

As a physical damage dealer Riot focuses on amplifying as much damage as possible, recommending flat attack damage Marks, flat armor Seals, Magic resist per level Glyphs, and flat attack damage Quintessences.

Summoner's Rift recommended items include: Infinity Edge, Berserker's Greaves, Last Whisper, Banshee's Veil, Bloodthirster, Phantom Dancer, or Guardian Angel armor.  A similar build works well in Dominion also.

Be sure to check back in a short bit as we will be livestreaming gameplay footage of Varus, the Arrow of Retribution.