Rubick Support Playbook
Rubick Guide by Rivals

Rubick
Summary
This playbook explains how to execute Rubick support effectively in Patch 7.40c within structured Rivals matches. Rubick wins through positioning, spell priority awareness and disciplined Spell Steal usage. Your impact depends on decision-making, not raw stats.
Step 1: Win the Lane Through Spell Pressure
Objective: Secure lane control without overcommitting.
Starting Setup
Starting Items





Lane Rules
- •Max Fade Bolt early to reduce enemy attack damage.
- •Use Fade Bolt to secure ranged creeps when necessary.
- •Take an early value point in Telekinesis for kill setup.
- •Maintain mana with Arcane Boots timing.
Fade Bolt is both harassment and defensive damage mitigation.
If the enemy carry relies heavily on right-click damage, prioritise Fade Bolt trades.
Step 2: Skill Progression
Skill priority
- 1.Max Fade Bolt first.
- 2.Max Arcane Supremacy second.
- 3.Take early Telekinesis value.
- 4.Spell Steal at 6 / 12 / 18.
Why Arcane Supremacy second: It amplifies damage and increases the impact of stolen spells.
Level 6 is your first major power spike.
Step 3: Telekinesis Discipline
Telekinesis is your reliable disable.
Offensive Use
- •Lift priority targets into your team.
- •Interrupt channeling abilities.
- •Set up team combos.
Defensive Use
- •Peel for your carry.
- •Disrupt enemy initiation.
- •Reset enemy positioning.
Do
- ✓Communicate before lifting.
- ✓Drop targets into your team’s control.
Don't
- ✗Lift tanks without follow-up.
- ✗Initiate alone without vision.
Step 4: Spell Steal Prioritisation
Spell Steal defines your ceiling.
Core principle: Position at the edge of fights and wait for high-impact spells.
High-value steals include
- •Large teamfight ultimates.
- •Reliable AoE control.
- •Strong defensive spells.
Checklist
- 1.Identify key enemy spells before fights.
- 2.Track cooldowns.
- 3.Blink into range only after the spell is cast.
- 4.Immediately reposition after stealing.
If you cannot steal a fight-changing spell, default to utility and control.
Step 5: Core Item Timing
Early Core
Early Game


Core Progression
Core Setup


Blink is your most important timing. It allows:
- •Instant Telekinesis initiation.
- •Safer Spell Steal positioning.
- •Counter-initiation plays.
Situational
Extensions





- •Aghanim’s Scepter (enhanced stolen spells).
- •Eul’s Scepter (setup or defensive).
- •Glimmer Cape (save tool).
- •Force Staff (reposition).
- •Refresher Orb (double steal potential).
Prioritise positioning over greed.
Step 6: Mid-Game Fight Execution
Between 15 and 35 minutes, fights are frequent and chaotic. This is where Rubick thrives.
Checklist
- •Stay out of initial stun range.
- •Do not reveal yourself early.
- •Steal after key spells are committed.
- •Recast stolen spells decisively.
If you die before stealing, your impact drops sharply.
Matchup Awareness
Strong Versus
- •Heroes with powerful ultimates.
- •Lineups dependent on big teamfight spells.
- •Channel-based initiators.
Struggles Versus
- •Heroes with limited steal value.
- •Mana burn threats.
- •Silence-heavy drafts.
If facing global silences or heavy mana pressure, prioritise defensive items early.
Power Spike Timeline
Spell Steal unlocks your core identity.
Blink Dagger enables consistent steals and initiations.
Aghanim’s Scepter significantly increases stolen spell impact.
Your scaling is tied directly to enemy spell quality.
If You're Losing, Do This
- 1.Stop forcing aggressive steals.
- 2.Play behind defensive wards.
- 3.Focus on Telekinesis peel.
- 4.Build survivability before luxury items.
- 5.Steal defensive spells instead of risky ultimates.
Rubick can stall games by turning one enemy mistake into a teamfight swing.
Do / Don't Summary
Do
- ✓Maximise Fade Bolt damage reduction in lane.
- ✓Track enemy ultimate cooldowns.
- ✓Position at the edge of fights.
- ✓Blink only after spells are committed.
- ✓Prioritise high-impact steals.
Don't
- ✗Reveal early in fights.
- ✗Lift targets without backup.
- ✗Steal low-impact spells in critical fights.
- ✗Ignore silence and mana threats.
- ✗Overcommit without vision.