Updated on July 26, 4 p.m. (GMT+8): Adjusted best build and emblem based on MLBB patch 1.8.92.

Julian is one of the most unique and rewarding mage heroes in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

The fourth hero in the Forsaken Light series, the Scarlet Raven is the hardest hero to master due to his unique skill set.

He has no ultimate ability, and you can level up his third skill right from the very start.

Full list of Mobile Legends hero guides, counters, best build, and advanced combos ONE Esports featured image
Credit: ONE Esports, Moonton Games
GET AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION WITH OUR COLLECTION OF MLBB GUIDES
Full list of MLBB hero guides, counters, best build, and advanced combos
Full list of MLBB guides: Role guides, best ways to rank up, terms

Each skill also has an enhanced version that can be used after activating any two skills. In addition, he has a lot of skill combos, each with its advantage during a team fight.

To master Julian, you’ll need quick thinking and a lot of practice.

The good news is that we’re here to make the learning process a little easier, with recommended emblems, battle spells, and best builds for the hero in this beginner’s guide.



Julian’s skills in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Passive – Smith’s Legacy

After casting two different skills, Julian enhances his third skill. He can also upgrade each of his skills to level five.

  • Casting an enhanced skill will put all his skills on cooldown.
  • All his Basic Attacks will be enhanced for a duration after casting an enhanced skill. Every Basic Attack during this time will also pull the enemy closer to him.
  • Julian also gains extra magic Lifesteal for a duration each time he hits an enemy hero with his skills. It stacks up, so activating your skills frequently in the laning phase is adviseable.


Skill 1 – Scythe

Julian hurls a flying scythe in a target direction, dealing damage to enemies along the way and slowing them.

Enhanced effect: It works similarly, but inflicts a more punishing slow effect. Upon hitting a non-minion enemy, the scythes do not disappear and will continue to fly at a slower speed, dealing continuous damage to nearby enemies.

  • This is Julian’s bread-and-butter damage skill. Max this first as it has the largest damage output compared to Chain and Sword.
  • Finishing combos with Enhanced Scythe should be your goal every time you’re going for the kill.
  • This is also a better skill for pursuing enemy heroes than Sword and Scythe, as it travels fast and will give the enemy less time to react. The slow on Enhanced Scythe is all you need to set up your other skills.
  • It’s crucial that you hit enemies with the Chain stun before going for Enhanced Scythe, as it’s easy to avoid the latter once it stops in the targeted destination.


Skill 2 – Sword

Julian summons a flying sword and dashes in a target direction, dealing damage to enemies along the way.

Enhanced effect: Summons a large number of flying swords and dashes in the target direction, dealing damage to enemies along the way. Julian will also briefly disappear and become invincible. After a short delay, he’ll reappear at the farthest end of his dash.

  • Julian can dash through walls with both Sword and Enhanced Sword.
  • Enhanced Sword can be a lifesaver in sticky situations where multiple enemies are ganking you. It acts as a simpler, and much shorter, version of Benedetta‘s Alecto: Final Blow where you’re invincible for a short time during the dash.
  • Enemies caught in the middle of Enhanced Sword will also take damage.


Skill 3 – Chain

Julian casts a chain at a target location, dealing damage to enemies hit after a short delay and immobilizing them.

Enhanced effect: The chain deals continuous damage to enemies in the area and slows them. Enemies that are still in the area at the end of the skill duration will take more damage and be knocked airborne.

  • Chain immobilizes the enemy, so they won’t be able to move or use blink spells. Enhanced Chain knocks enemies airborne, which means they are also unable to move, attack, and use any skills.
  • Both skills are great for initiating team fights and opening up enemy targets to attack by your allies.
  • Chain is also a great escape tool if you time it wisely. If you’re planning to use it with Sword, you can cast Chain to prevent enemies from catching up to you after you dash.

A comprehensive guide on how to play Julian in Mobile Legends

Recommended battle spell

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang hero Julian recommended battle spell
Credit: ONE Esports

Julian’s skills work great in the jungle, and Retribution helps him farm faster and secure important objectives like the Turtle and Lord.

With Retribution, you can clear jungle camps quickly, level up faster, and be more active on the map.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang battle spell retribution guide
Credit: ONE Esports
How to know the best type of Retribution for you in Mobile Legends

The advanced version of Retribution, particularly the Ice Retribution, allows you to steal movement speed from your target depending on your level for several seconds, making you agile while slowing them down.

Recommended emblem

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang hero Julian recommended emblem setup
Credit: ONE Esports


Opt for the mage emblem to boost Julian’s Magic Power, Cooldown Reduction, and Magic Penetration, as all his abilities rely on magic power for scaling.

In terms of talents, prioritize Rupture a boost in Adaptive Penetration, Seasoned Hunter for increased jungling speed, and Lethal Ignition for bonus damage on multi-hits.

Mobile Legends Emblem system guide: All talents, best setup
Credit: Moonton Games, ONE Esports
Mobile Legends Emblem system guide: All talents and best emblem setup

This talent combination enhances his early-game capabilities, with Lethal Ignition synergizing effectively with his skill set.

Julian best build

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang hero Julian best build
Credit: ONE Esports

As a mage hero, focus on magic items for Julian.

Start with purchasing Genius Wand as it works well with the hero’s continuous magic damage. Then, add Feather of Heaven for Magic Power, Attack Speed, and Lifesteal.

As you transition into the mid-game, buy Divine Glaive to boost your Magic Penetration and kill potential.

Divine Glaive or Genius Wand? When to buy these magic penetration items in Mobile Legends, a ONE Esports guide
Credit: ONE Esports, Moonton Games
Divine Glaive or Genius Wand? When to buy these magic penetration items in Mobile Legends

After securing these core items, adapt your item build based on the game dynamics.

If you did not snowball early, consider purchasing defensive items like the Winter Crown to increase your survivability.

Mobile Legends magic item Winter Crown guide by ONE Esports
Credit: ONE Esports
New item Winter Crown dramatically reshapes teamfights in Mobile Legends — these heroes become OP!

However, if you find yourself ahead, build more magic damage items such as Holy Crystal or Blood Wings to improve your kill threat.

The best build for Julian in Mobile Legends

  • Arcane Boots (with Ice Retribution if you are a jungler)
  • Genius Wand
  • Feather of Heaven
  • Divine Glaive
  • Holy Crystal
  • Winter Crown

Tips and easy combos to learn

Once you reach level three, you can repeatedly use Sword, Chain, and Enhanced Scythe to deal a lot of damage during the laning phase. This combo is also great for getting kills in the mid to late game.

If you are outnumbered, using Chain, Scythe, and Enhanced Sword will help you dodge skills and move closer to or away from enemies without getting hit.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Fredrinn jungler guide
Credit: Moonton Games, ONE Esports
CONQUER THE JUNGLE USING OUR COLLECTION OF GUIDES
What is a jungler in Mobile Legends? Here’s how to impact the game in this role
5 Mobile Legends: Bang Bang assassins who are surprisingly good in team fights

During team fights, use Scythe, then Sword, and finally Enhanced Chain to knock up several enemies. After each enhanced skill, follow up with Basic Attacks to do the most damage. Use your skills again as soon as they are ready.

Karrie, Fanny, and Pharsa in ONE Esports featured image for article "The different types of damage in Mobile Legends and how to counter each one"
Credit: ONE Esports, Moonton Games
The different types of damage in Mobile Legends and how to counter each one

It’s also important to mention that Julian’s passive gives him a big boost in lifesteal. This means fighting with low health might be better than trying to run away, unless you’re heavily outnumbered or very far behind in the game.

READ MORE: The second phase of the MLBB x Transformers event features three badass new skins