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Rubick Support Playbook

Rubick Guide by Rivals

Rubick

Rubick

heroPatch 7.40c

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

Observer Ward
Observer Ward
Tango
Tango
Magic Stick
Magic Stick
Clarity
Clarity
Iron Branches
Iron Branches

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.

Decision Rule

If the enemy carry relies heavily on right-click damage, prioritise Fade Bolt trades.

Step 2: Skill Progression

Skill priority

  1. 1.Max Fade Bolt first.
  2. 2.Max Arcane Supremacy second.
  3. 3.Take early Telekinesis value.
  4. 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. 1.Identify key enemy spells before fights.
  2. 2.Track cooldowns.
  3. 3.Blink into range only after the spell is cast.
  4. 4.Immediately reposition after stealing.
Decision Rule

If you cannot steal a fight-changing spell, default to utility and control.

Step 5: Core Item Timing

Early Core

Early Game

Magic Wand
Magic Wand
Arcane Boots
Arcane Boots

Core Progression

Core Setup

Aether Lens
Aether Lens
Blink Dagger
Blink Dagger

Blink is your most important timing. It allows:

  • Instant Telekinesis initiation.
  • Safer Spell Steal positioning.
  • Counter-initiation plays.

Situational

Extensions

Aghanims Scepter
Aghanims Scepter
Euls Scepter Of Divinity
Euls Scepter Of Divinity
Glimmer Cape
Glimmer Cape
Force Staff
Force Staff
Refresher Orb
Refresher Orb
  • 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

Level 6

Spell Steal unlocks your core identity.

~24 Minutes

Blink Dagger enables consistent steals and initiations.

~34 Minutes

Aghanim’s Scepter significantly increases stolen spell impact.

Your scaling is tied directly to enemy spell quality.

If You're Losing, Do This

  1. 1.Stop forcing aggressive steals.
  2. 2.Play behind defensive wards.
  3. 3.Focus on Telekinesis peel.
  4. 4.Build survivability before luxury items.
  5. 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.

Glossary

Fade Bolt
Nuke that damages enemies and reduces their attack damage.
Telekinesis
Single-target lift that repositions enemies.
Spell Steal
Ability that copies the last enemy spell cast.
Arcane Supremacy
Passive that increases spell amplification and stolen spell effectiveness.
Blink Dagger
Item enabling instant repositioning.
Counter-Initiation
Responding to enemy initiation with defensive or disruptive abilities.
RivalsWritten by Rivals