Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHigh sustainSplit push

You are stronger late game — farm safe and avoid early trades.

Build vs Illaoi

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Dark Seal
1
Malignance
2Mage
Shadowflame
3vs Tank

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Zhonya's Hourglass
5vs AD

Summoner spells

41488%
41213%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Zhonya's Hourglass
5vs AD

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Stormsurge
5vs Tank
Void Staff
vs Tank

DPS

Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage
100.0% WR1 games
DominationDomination
ElectrocuteElectrocute
Cheap ShotCheap Shot
Grisly MementosGrisly Mementos
Relentless HunterRelentless Hunter
SorcerySorcery
Axiom ArcanistAxiom Arcanist
Absolute FocusAbsolute Focus
Adaptive ForceAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
AnnieAnnie
IllaoiIllaoi
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral

Illaoi's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Prophet of an Elder God (P)

Illaoi and the Vessels she creates spawn Tentacles on nearby impassible terrain. Tentacles swing at spirits, Vessels, and victims of Illaoi's Harsh lesson. Tentacles deal physical damage to enemies hit, and will heal Illaoi if they damage a champion.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
310s4s16s
68s4s16s2m
96s4s16s2m
116s4s16s1m35
166s4s14s1m10
186s4s12s1m10

Playing against Illaoi

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Dodge her E (Test of Spirit) at all costs — if she pulls your spirit, you must flee the area or fight at a massive disadvantage.

2

NEVER fight Illaoi in her tentacles: lure her elsewhere. Destroy tentacles when you can.

3

Her R is dangerous with multiple champions nearby — don't group on her. Fight her in a 1v1 outside her zone.

4

Illaoi has no mobility or hard CC: ganks and kiting are very effective.

Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026