Rek'Sai

Rek'Sai is a 1-cost Primordian and Brawler champion that usually plays as a frontline sustain unit. Its sustain or shielding makes it valuable when it survives long enough to buy time for the rest of the board. Rek'Sai appears in Swarm-Storm and N.O.V.A. Primordian lines, so keep copies when those boards are open.

Consider playing around Rek'Sai when you hit early pairs or a fast two-star copy in Stage 2. For items, Bramble Vest and Spirit Visage are strong signals that Rek'Sai can stay on the board. For team direction, it fits naturally when you are already moving toward Swarm-Storm and N.O.V.A. Primordian. If it stays one-star, the traits do not activate, or the items point elsewhere, treat it as a transition unit instead of forcing the line.

Bramble Vest, Spirit Visage and Warmog's Armor are recommended. Bramble Vest covers physical and critical-hit pressure, Spirit Visage matches the unit's combat pattern and Warmog's Armor raises raw health for units expected to take early aggro. The point of the setup is to keep it alive long enough to cast and hold the frontline.

When the perfect setup is not available, use Dragon's Claw, Steadfast Heart and Gargoyle Stoneplate as substitutes. For frontline substitutes, prioritize durability, sustain, and opening damage reduction without stealing every carry item. If Rek'Sai is only a trait slot, one useful item is enough and the premium items should go to your real carry or main tank.

Early: use Rek'Sai as a cheap stabilizer and Primordian and Brawler opener when you hit pairs or usable items. Mid game: chase three-star only if the copies come naturally; otherwise prepare to move premium items. Late game: keep it mainly as a trait piece unless it is upgraded and itemized.

Place Rek'Sai in the first row near the center so the control reaches key targets. Against heavy burst, move it one hex off-center and pair it with another frontliner. It starts with some mana, making the first cast timing important.