Aatrox wins fights through sustained advantage rather than burst. His build must allow him to stay active in combat as long as possible while dealing consistent damage. Each item extends his fighting window and reduces the impact of enemy burst.
Long Sword
Burst + shield in short trades, with perfect synergy for Q sweetspots
Proc Sheen between each Q for damage massifs
Slow on the Q for guarantee the sweetspots next
Gluttonous Greaves
Goredrinker
Stacks quickly with Q successifs, finance the sustain in extended fights.
Protects against magic bursts targeting his Darkin phase (R unavailable).
Compensates for the lack of sustain in early game before his passive activates.
Takes advantage of fast farming in jungle/top to scale HP.
the E (Infernal Chains) and his dashes Q trigger penetration at the right moment.