Tahm Kench has long been considered a weak champion in Solo/Duo Ranked. Although he still appears frequently in tournaments alongside Senna, his effectiveness remains limited. After the 11.13 update, Riot significantly reworked this champion’s abilities, unintentionally creating a true “catfish” monster. After the rework, Tahm Kench’s laning and lane sustaining abilities have improved significantly, transitioning from a protective support champion to a Top laner with robust durability items and a more annoying crowd control kit. Let’s explore the playstyle and viability of bringing this Tahm Kench into the ranked arena.
Tahm Kench – The River King becomes the ruler of the top lane with the new item, the Chain of Vengeance, which significantly boosts his durability.
1. Changes in Skill Set
2. Runes
There are two common rune setups when using Tahm Kench in the higher ranks of Korea.
Rune Setup 1:
Rune Setup 2:
Characteristics:
Always choose the Resolve tree with the Keystone Rune being Grasp of the Undying. Inflicting damage and healing permanently with basic attacks. This is a must-have as it helps Tahm Kench increase his lane sustaining ability and recover when trading skills. Combined with his Q – Tongue Lash, it allows Tahm Kench to regain a significant amount of health, making this walking fish unafraid to trade.
Next is the secondary tree, which can be selected based on individual playstyle. Setup 1 uses the Precision secondary tree for players who prefer enhanced attack speed, suitable for facing off against melee champions in lane. It helps stack the Unique Passive, Epicurean, as quickly as possible. Setup 2 with the Inspiration secondary tree gives Tahm Kench extra movement speed to engage targets after using Tongue Lash. Setup 2 is a suitable choice when facing off against top lane champions or ranged opponents. Accompanied by Biscuit Delivery to enhance recovery during the laning phase.
3. Summoner Spells
Replace Flash with Ignite when you are certain to solo kill the enemy Top laner, thus winning the lane and the game. Additionally, you can use your W as an escape tool instead of Flash.
If you are facing champions with hard crowd control or junglers with a lot of CC, then it is advisable to use Flash to avoid early ganks before you have your W.
4. Skill Order
Upgrade R at the appropriate levels.
5. Item Build
Start with Doran’s Shield to increase armor and health regeneration while laning.
Tahm Kench should focus on building health and armor items, as his basic attacks deal magic damage based on 2% of maximum health due to his Passive. This means the more tanky this catfish is, the more health it has, the more damage it can inflict on opponents, making it terrifying.
After the adjustments, Tahm Kench can diversify his team-fighting approach by combining W and R, making his survivability and ability to endure fights extremely important.
6. Playing Tahm Kench
a) Early Game
At the start of the game, Tahm Kench is quite powerful with his passive and Q. Be proactive in pressuring the enemy lane in the early levels; don’t hesitate to trade spells with Q to heal and slow the enemy.
If you find yourself at a disadvantage, focus on farming safely and placing wards to control vision, avoiding pushing too far and getting ganked, which could cost you your advantage.
When reaching level 3 or having your ultimate, actively call your teammates to execute surprise ganks. Focus on farming when you are in a solo lane; when you have your ultimate, that’s when you should all-in against your opponent.
b) Mid to Late Game
Move to assist teammates during objective control situations like dragons, towers, or Rift Heralds. Tahm Kench is strongest when with teammates, so keep this in mind.
In team fights, always pay attention to the carries and protect your teammates from incoming damage. Moreover, if you initiate a fight, use R to immobilize the enemy carries or combine it with W to catch them.
With your skill set, it’s challenging for enemies to access the marksman without getting through you first. Try to stay in the fight as long as possible to cover your marksman or mid laner to deal damage.
c) Tips for Playing Tahm Kench
With Q, Tahm Kench can poke from a distance very effectively; keep this in mind.
His R provides excellent protection for carries. Additionally, using Q combined with R to swallow enemies from afar when you have stacked your passive three times can isolate enemies from their team.
Utilize Flash and W to extend your reach to engage enemies or stun.
7. Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
After adjustments, Tahm Kench’s ability to create bursts of power with his W is quite scary. Moreover, his ultimate not only helps him protect teammates but also creates a very beneficial shield.
The tankiness provided by Thick Skin makes it extremely difficult to kill Tahm Kench. Additionally, his damage should not be underestimated in the early game, especially when played Top.
His versatile skill set with crowd control effects, slows, and excellent protection makes Tahm Kench a flexible and well-rounded champion, helping you climb the ranks effectively.
Weaknesses:
The lack of mobility skills is the most significant weakness of Tahm Kench; if all five enemy members catch him off guard and pile on damage, he will surely fall.
As a melee champion, Tahm Kench can easily be kited and poked by champions with long ranges, especially when facing off against Quinn, Vayne, Kalista, etc., in the Top lane.