Akshan
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Excellent (9/10)
Low Investment
Rare Relics OK
Akshan is widely considered one of the strongest champions in the game, capable of clearing the most difficult content with relative ease. While his gameplay loop of spamming burst-speed strikes and generating infinite value is incredibly effective, some players find the lack of variance repetitive. He performs exceptionally well at 3 and 4 stars, making him a high-value champion for players at various progression stages.
Infinite Solitaire
Crucial for consistency. The cost reduction on Champion Spells stacks if you have multiple Akshans on board (e.g., via Frozen Tomb or other mechanics), and the extra copies ensure you can loop 'Grappling Hook' repeatedly.
Synergizes perfectly with Akshan's self-targeting mechanics. Since you are constantly targeting Akshan with 'Grappling Hook' and 'Hex Core Upgrades', he gains Fated stacks, Augment stats, and eventually Overwhelm and Regeneration.
Generates a fleeting spell every round to trigger Fated/Augment and advance landmarks. The created card helps cycle your deck and maintain momentum.
Strategy
This build focuses on drawing Akshan, playing him early, and using his 'Grappling Hook' (ideally at Burst speed via Constellations) to clear the enemy board while simultaneously buffing Akshan to massive proportions. Echoing Spirit ensures you never run out of gas.
The Tomb of Warlords
Due to Akshan's Star Power doubling landmark completion effects, Frozen Tomb summons two copies of Akshan instead of one. This instantly creates a wide board of champions.
At 6 mana, this doubles all spells. Combined with Akshan's mana-stealing capabilities (at 6-stars) or natural ramp, this leads to an infinite value engine.- Provides the necessary fuel (created spells) to trigger Chemtech Duplicator and advance the Frozen Tomb countdown rapidly.
Strategy
This setup leverages Akshan's unique interaction with landmark completion. By summoning multiple Akshans, you multiply the effectiveness of your Champion Spells and relics. This build is particularly potent at 6-stars where mana generation allows Chemtech Duplicator to activate as early as Turn 2 or 3.
Relic-Independent Control
Ensures you have a 'Grappling Hook' every turn to interact with the board and trigger Akshan's landmark advancement.
Provides the mana necessary to cast the generated Champion Spell and any other tricks every round.
Provides immediate board control upon summoning Akshan and advancing his level-up condition.
Strategy
A reliable setup for players without Epic relics. It mimics the optimal playstyle by guaranteeing access to Akshan's champion spell and the mana to cast it, allowing for consistent control and scaling.
Other Relic Options
Akshan's signature relic. While flavorful, it is generally considered a sidegrade or inferior to generic powerhouses like Chosen by the Stars. It is useful for leveling but not optimal for end-game content.
An excellent alternative for mana generation, especially if aiming for Turn 1 explosive plays. It helps offset the cost of his 4-star power's created card.
Akshan is a strong user of the 'Oath' strategy when paired with 'Star Gem', filling the deck with powerful, doubled-stat champions.
Constellation
Akshan is a complete package even at 3 stars. His Constellation upgrades are largely focused on acceleration and consistency. The most critical upgrade is often cited as the 'Burst Node' for his Champion Spell, which fundamentally changes his reactive capabilities.
Going Rogue
When an allied landmark counts down, gives allies +1|+0 this round.
Sentinel Business
+1 Starting Mana. Game Start: Summon a Warlord's Palace.
Going Rogue II
Your Countdown completion effects activate twice. When an allied landmark counts down, give allies +1|+0 this round.
The Craftsman's Favor
Round Start: Create a Fleeting Time and Dedication in hand.Review
The 1-cost 'Time and Dedication' spell is a point of contention; many experts argue it should be 0-cost like similar powers on other champions. However, the true value at this tier is often the accompanying 'Burst Speed' upgrade for Grappling Hook found in the Constellation tree.
Manaflow
Game Start: Get a mana gem.Review
Manaflow is always a strong upgrade, allowing Akshan to be played on Turn 1 consistently. This smooths out his curve significantly.
Absolution
When an allied Warlord's Palace is destroyed, steal a mana gem. When an allied Warlord's Hoard is destroyed, revive the strongest dead non-Ephemeral ally.Review
Stealing a Mana Gem from the enemy is a unique and powerful form of ramp that also disrupts the opponent. While not strictly necessary for winning (as Akshan already wins quickly), it enables 'infinite' combos and Chemtech Duplicator strategies much faster.
Gameplay Tips
Mastering the Burst Strike
Prioritize unlocking the Constellation node that grants Burst speed to 'Grappling Hook'. This allows you to remove threats and advance your game plan without passing priority, preventing the AI from reacting with removal or buffs.
Landmark Interaction
Akshan's Star Power doubles the effect of a landmark's completion, not the countdown speed. This has a unique interaction with Frozen Tomb, causing it to summon two copies of Akshan. Use this to flood the board with champions instantly.
Managing Board Space
When using builds that generate multiple landmarks or units (like Frozen Tomb or Warlord's Hoard), be mindful of your board space. You can accidentally obliterate key units or prevent your Warlord's Palace from spawning if the board is full.
The Vulnerable Counter
Akshan's ability to grant Vulnerable is an excellent counter to Spellshield. Granting an enemy Vulnerable pops their Spellshield, allowing you to follow up with 'Grappling Hook' or other removal spells immediately.