Even when Kindred kites with Dance of Arrows (Q) and Wolf's Frenzy (W), Skarner closes with Ixtal's Impact (E) to slow and root, then locks them down with Impale (R); Kindred's weak early duel can't hold up.

Before gaining Demon Shade (P) stealth, Evelynn's low damage and survivability can't bring down a tanky Skarner, who closes with Ixtal's Impact (E) to dominate early invades and skirmishes.

Skarner tanks Nidalee's Javelin Toss (Q) poke with Seismic Bastion (W) shield and health, closes with Ixtal's Impact (E), and pins her with Impale (R); once caught, Nidalee's weak melee damage loses out.

Before completing his Darkin Scythe (P) form, Kayn's weak duel loses early fights and invades to a tanky Skarner armed with Ixtal's Impact (E) slow/root and Impale (R) suppression.

Skarner slows and roots kiting-reliant Lillia with Ixtal's Impact (E) and pins her with Impale (R); Lillia's weak early melee dueling falls behind.

Ragnarok (R) ignores all CC, cleansing Shattered Earth (Q) slow, Ixtal's Impact (E) root, and Impale (R) suppression alike; Olaf then wins the duel with Reckless Swing (E) true damage and lifesteal.

Master Yi melts tanky Skarner with Wuju Style (E) on-hit true damage and dodges Impale (R) suppression with the untargetable frames of Alpha Strike (Q).

Fizz's untargetable Playful / Trickster (E) shrugs off Impale (R) and Shattered Earth (Q), then bursts Skarner down in return.

Warwick outlasts long fights with Jaws of the Beast (Q) max-health-scaling damage and lifesteal, grinding Skarner down, and answers Impale with his own Infinite Duress (R) suppression.

One of the strongest early duelists, Xin Zhao knocks up with the third hit of Three Talon Strike (Q) and shoves Skarner away with Crescent Guard (R) knockback and true damage, seizing the early-fight advantage.