{"id":15789,"date":"2026-02-18T15:12:33","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T15:12:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magicstark.cz\/wiki\/black-cleaver\/"},"modified":"2026-03-07T12:07:51","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T12:07:51","slug":"black-cleaver","status":"publish","type":"wiki","link":"https:\/\/magicstark.cz\/en\/wiki\/black-cleaver\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Cleaver"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is Black Cleaver? \u2694\ufe0f<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Black Cleaver is the definitive armor-stripping fighter item<\/strong> \u2014 a 3,000 gold legendary that converts physical damage output into escalating armor reduction on the target, compounding the damage of every subsequent physical hit in the same fight window. At 5 CARVE stacks (30% armor reduction)<\/strong>, Black Cleaver fundamentally changes the math of physical damage: a target with 100 armor normally reduces physical damage by 50%. With 30% CARVE reduction applied, that 100 armor becomes 70 effective armor \u2014 physical damage resistance drops from 50% mitigation to 41.2% mitigation. That’s a shift from 50 damage out of 100 physical to 59 damage out of 100 physical on every hit after full stacks are applied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The FATALITY limitation<\/strong> is the critical constraint \u2014 Black Cleaver occupies the FATALITY item slot, shared with other items in the same class. Only one FATALITY item can be held at a time, making the choice of which FATALITY item to build a fundamental strategic decision in fight-heavy AD builds. For fighters who want AD + HP + AH + armor reduction on one item, Black Cleaver is the most efficient single-item armor debuffer in the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FERVOR’s +20 movement speed for 2 seconds on physical damage<\/strong> is a persistent combat movement tool \u2014 in melee exchanges where physical damage is continuous, FERVOR keeps the fighter’s movement speed elevated throughout the fight. For engage fighters who need to stick to kiting targets, FERVOR provides a reliable anti-kite mechanism that doesn’t require an active cooldown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CARVE \u2014 Armor Reduction Math at Each Stack LevelArmor reduction formula: <\/strong>6% reduction per stack, applied multiplicatively to the target’s current armor value.Stack duration: <\/strong>6 seconds, refreshed on each new physical damage application.Maximum stacks: <\/strong>5 stacks = 30% total armor reduction.Effective armor remaining after CARVE by target armor value:50 armor target:1 stack (\u22126%): <\/strong>50 \u00d7 0.94 = 47 armor \u2192 32.0% dmg reduction (vs 33.3% baseline).3 stacks (\u221218%): <\/strong>50 \u00d7 0.82 = 41 armor \u2192 29.1% dmg reduction.5 stacks (\u221230%): <\/strong>50 \u00d7 0.70 = 35 armor \u2192 25.9% dmg reduction. Physical damage taken +10.8% vs baseline.100 armor target (standard tank baseline):1 stack (\u22126%): <\/strong>100 \u00d7 0.94 = 94 armor \u2192 48.5% dmg reduction (vs 50% baseline).3 stacks (\u221218%): <\/strong>100 \u00d7 0.82 = 82 armor \u2192 45.1% dmg reduction.5 stacks (\u221230%): <\/strong>100 \u00d7 0.70 = 70 armor \u2192 41.2% dmg reduction. Physical damage taken +17.6% vs baseline.200 armor target (armored frontline):1 stack (\u22126%): <\/strong>200 \u00d7 0.94 = 188 armor \u2192 65.3% dmg reduction (vs 66.7% baseline).3 stacks (\u221218%): <\/strong>200 \u00d7 0.82 = 164 armor \u2192 62.1% dmg reduction.5 stacks (\u221230%): <\/strong>200 \u00d7 0.70 = 140 armor \u2192 58.3% dmg reduction. Physical damage taken +25.0% vs baseline.Team benefit \u2014 CARVE is SHARED:<\/strong>CARVE’s armor reduction applies to the target’s total armor for ALL physical damage sources, not just the Black Cleaver holder’s damage. Every ADC auto-attack, assassin ability, and physical ability from ANY ally deals against the reduced armor value once stacks are on the target. In a team with multiple physical damage dealers, CARVE’s 30% armor reduction amplifies total physical damage output across the entire team.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcca Base Statistics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Statistic<\/strong><\/td>Value<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Total Cost<\/td>3,000 gold<\/td><\/tr>
Combine Cost<\/td>225 gold<\/td><\/tr>
Sell Price<\/td>2,100 gold<\/td><\/tr>
Attack Damage<\/td>+40 AD<\/td><\/tr>
Ability Haste<\/td>+20 AH<\/td><\/tr>
Health<\/td>+400 HP<\/td><\/tr>
Item ID<\/td>3071<\/td><\/tr>
Item Class<\/td>FATALITY \u2014 Limited to 1 FATALITY item<\/td><\/tr>
Availability<\/td>SR 5v5, ARAM, Nexus Blitz, Arena<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: Trigger<\/td>Dealing physical damage to an enemy champion<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: Stack duration<\/td>6 seconds (refreshes on each physical damage application)<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: Max stacks<\/td>5 stacks<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: Armor reduction per stack<\/td>6% armor reduction<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: Armor reduction at max stacks<\/td>30% armor reduction<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: Spell shield interaction<\/td>NOT blocked by spell shield<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: First hit rule<\/td>First physical damage instance does NOT benefit from CARVE (debuff applied after hit, not before)<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: Multi-hit stacking limit<\/td>Does NOT stack multiple times per frame from the same effect<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: 0 damage trigger<\/td>Triggers on 0 physical damage dealt by basic attacks<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: Pet\/effect triggers<\/td>Triggers on most physical damage including pets and effects that apply multiple damage instances<\/td><\/tr>
CARVE: Clone interaction<\/td>Stacks transfer to clones; CARVE by clone also applies stacks<\/td><\/tr>
FERVOR: Trigger<\/td>Dealing physical damage<\/td><\/tr>
FERVOR: Effect<\/td>+20 bonus movement speed for 2 seconds<\/td><\/tr>
FERVOR: Clone interaction<\/td>Can grant bonus movement speed from clones<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd2c CARVE \u2014 Complete Mechanics Deep-Dive<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The First-Hit Rule \u2014 Critical for Burst Damage Calculation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most commonly misunderstood element of Black Cleaver: the first physical damage instance against a target does NOT benefit from CARVE’s armor reduction<\/strong>. The sequence is: ability\/attack hits \u2192 CARVE stack applied \u2192 armor reduction activates. The first hit experiences the target’s full unmodified armor<\/strong>. Every subsequent physical damage instance against the same target benefits from the stacks applied by previous hits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In practice, this means the Black Cleaver holder’s opening hit is always against unreduced armor<\/strong> \u2014 the first Q, the first auto-attack, the first ability in the combo. The design intention is clear: CARVE rewards sustained physical damage rather than one-shot burst. Against a full CARVE stack target (built by earlier hits or a teammate’s damage), every ability in the combo benefits from the existing 30% reduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u26a0\ufe0f CARVE Stack Priority \u2014 Maximising Armor Reduction Uptime:Scenario A \u2014 Solo Black Cleaver holder opening a fight:<\/strong>Hit 1: Ability fires at full armor (100 armor, 50% mitigation). CARVE stack 1 applied.Hit 2: Ability hits at 94 armor (6% reduction from stack 1, 48.5% mitigation). Stack 2 applied.Hit 3: Ability hits at 88 armor (12% reduction). Stack 3 applied.Hit 4: Ability hits at 82 armor (18% reduction). Stack 4 applied.Hit 5+: Ability hits at 76 \u2192 70 armor (24% \u2192 30% reduction). Maximum CARVE from hit 5+.Scenario B \u2014 Pre-stacked CARVE from a teammate:<\/strong>If a jungle tank or support fighter has applied 5 CARVE stacks on the target before the ADC’s burst window, every ADC ability and auto-attack in the burst fires against 70 effective armor (30% reduction at 100 baseline). The ADC’s first hit benefits from full CARVE \u2014 the limitation of CARVE’s first-hit rule is circumvented by having another physical damage dealer pre-stack.Stack refresh \u2014 6-second window:<\/strong>CARVE stacks last 6 seconds and refresh on each new physical damage application. In continuous melee combat, stacks do not expire as long as physical damage continues every 6 seconds or less. However, during gaps in combat (repositioning, CC duration, ranged retreat), stacks can expire if more than 6 seconds pass without physical damage to the target.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

CARVE Stack Triggers \u2014 What Counts as Physical Damage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CARVE’s breadth of triggers is wider than standard ‘on-hit’ effects. It applies to most physical damage instances<\/strong>, including: basic attacks (even 0 damage auto-attacks on shields), ability physical damage, pet physical damage (Tibbers auto-attacks, Heimer turrets \u2014 physical damage component), and effects that apply multiple instances of physical damage type. The 0 physical damage trigger on basic attacks<\/strong> means CARVE stacks even when a basic attack deals 0 effective damage (hitting an unbreakable shield), which can be tactically relevant for pre-stacking CARVE on shielded targets before the shield breaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The once-per-frame stacking limit<\/strong> prevents specific multi-hit effects from applying multiple stacks simultaneously. Certain ability cast instances \u2014 Aphelios Infernum, Blitzcrank’s Power Fist, Camille’s Precision Protocol, Darius’s Crippling Strike, Jhin’s Whisper, Jinx’s Switcheroo!, Nasus’s Siphoning Strike, Nautilus’s Staggering Blow, Nocturne’s Umbra Blades, Quinn’s Harrier, and others \u2014 are limited to one CARVE stack per frame from their damage on a single target, preventing rapid double or triple stacking from single cast instances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CARVE \u2014 Complete Trigger Reference:Confirmed CARVE triggers:\u2713 <\/strong>Basic attacks (including 0 physical damage hits against shields)\u2713 <\/strong>Ability physical damage (Q\/W\/E\/R dealing physical damage)\u2713 <\/strong>Pet physical damage (Tibbers melee, Heimer turret physical component)\u2713 <\/strong>Effects that apply multiple instances of physical damage type\u2713 <\/strong>Physical damage from most on-hit effects triggered by ability hitsPer-frame limit (one CARVE stack maximum per frame from single damage instances):\u2022 <\/strong>Aphelios Infernum (R); Blitzcrank Power Fist; Camille Precision Protocol; Caitlyn Headshot; Darius Crippling Strike; Dr. Mundo Blunt Force Trauma; Draven Spinning Axe; Garen Decisive Strike; Hecarim Devastating Charge; Jhin Whisper; Jinx Switcheroo!; Nasus Siphoning Strike; Nautilus Staggering Blow; Nocturne Umbra Blades; Quinn Harrier; Rek’Sai Relentless Pursuit; Riven’s kit elements; Sett Pit Grit; Shaco Backstab; Trundle Chomp; Vi abilities; Wukong abilities(This list is representative \u2014 check current patch wiki for complete per-frame limits)Non-basic damage applying only one CARVE stack per frame:\u2022 <\/strong>Ambessa Drakehound’s Step; Briar Snack Attack; Aphelios Chakram; Illaoi Harsh Lesson; Jarvan IV Martial Cadence; K’Sante Dauntless Instinct; Riven Runic Blade; Vayne Tumble; Viego Blade of the Ruined King on-hit; Xin Zhao Determination; Blade of the Ruined King on-hit; Hullbreaker; Muramana; Recurve Bow; Titanic Hydra Passive\/Active; Dark Harvest; Shield BashSpell shield interaction:\u2713 <\/strong>CARVE is NOT blocked by spell shield (Sivir E, Nocturne W, Banshee’s Veil). When an ability is blocked by spell shield, CARVE still applies the stack despite the ability’s damage being prevented. Physical damage dealt as 0 still triggers CARVE.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

FERVOR \u2014 Movement Speed in Combat<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

FERVOR activates on every physical damage event \u2014 basic attacks, ability hits, and pet attacks \u2014 granting +20 bonus movement speed for 2 seconds<\/strong>. Because the 2-second duration resets on every physical damage hit, in continuous melee combat FERVOR maintains near-permanent +20 bonus movement speed. This makes FERVOR most valuable for melee fighters who are actively auto-attacking or dealing ability hits continuously<\/strong> during chase or sustained fight scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FERVOR’s clone interaction<\/strong> \u2014 granting movement speed from clone damage \u2014 is a niche mechanic relevant to clone champions (LeBlanc, Shaco, Wukong, Neeko). When the holder’s clone deals physical damage, FERVOR activates on the holder. This can create unexpected FERVOR uptime when clones are dealing physical damage off-screen while the real champion is elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd28 Recipe & Components<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Component<\/strong><\/td>Cost<\/strong><\/td>Notes<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Black Cleaver (Total)<\/td>3,000 gold<\/td>40 AD + 20 AH + 400 HP + CARVE + FERVOR<\/td><\/tr>
Phage<\/a><\/td>1,100 gold (350 combine)<\/td>Ruby Crystal (400g) + Long Sword (350g) + 350 combine; +200 HP + 15 AD at component \u2014 the HP + AD input; strong first-back purchase providing immediate tankiness; Phage’s own RAGE passive (movement speed on hit) may not apply at component stage but HP foundation is immediate<\/td><\/tr>
  \u2514 Ruby Crystal<\/td>400 gold<\/td>HP input<\/td><\/tr>
  \u2514 Long Sword<\/td>350 gold<\/td>AD input<\/td><\/tr>
Kindlegem<\/a><\/td>800 gold (150 combine)<\/td>Ruby Crystal (400g) + Glowing Mote (250g) + 150 combine; +200 HP + 10 AH at component \u2014 the AH + HP input; Kindlegem also builds into Spirit Visage, Warmog’s, Locket, and many support items, making it a safe first-back in ambiguous build situations<\/td><\/tr>
  \u2514 Ruby Crystal<\/td>400 gold<\/td>HP input<\/td><\/tr>
  \u2514 Glowing Mote<\/td>250 gold<\/td>AH input<\/td><\/tr>
Pickaxe<\/a><\/td>875 gold<\/td>25 AD at component \u2014 the primary AD input; no combat passive at component but meaningful AD spike<\/td><\/tr>
Combine Cost<\/td>225 gold<\/td>Low combine \u2014 most value is in the components; both Phage and Kindlegem are strong standalone components<\/td><\/tr>
Sell Value<\/td>2,100 gold<\/td>70% return on investment<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udd11 Black Cleaver Component Strategy:Low 225g combine \u2014 component-heavy value:<\/strong>Black Cleaver’s 225g combine is among the lowest of any legendary item. The vast majority of its gold value is in the three components: Phage (1,100g), Kindlegem (800g), and Pickaxe (875g). This means both Phage<\/a> and Kindlegem<\/a> function as strong mid-build stopping points \u2014 completing either on the first back provides substantial stats before full item completion.Phage first \u2014 HP + AD for lane durability:<\/strong>Phage (1,100g) provides +200 HP + 15 AD immediately, giving the fighter lane durability (HP) and offensive presence (AD) without requiring the full 3,000g investment. For fighters who need to survive early laning before full item power, Phage first is the standard opening.Kindlegem first \u2014 AH for ability cycling:<\/strong>Kindlegem (800g) provides +10 AH + 200 HP. For fighters whose win condition is rapid ability cycling (Renekton, Camille with short Q\/E cooldowns), Kindlegem first prioritises AH reduction on crucial ability cooldowns. Also a safer first back at 800g if the first clear was shorter than ideal.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfaf When to Build Black Cleaver<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Build Black Cleaver When:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n