Aphelios vs Nilah
Hard matchup
You are stronger late game. Farm safe and avoid early trades.
Build vs Nilah
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Aphelios: The Collector, Infinity Edge, Lord Dominik's Regards, Berserker's Greaves, Stormrazor, Hexoptics C44, Runaan's Hurricane, Mortal Reminder.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Nilah's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Nilah gains increased experience from last-hitting minions along with the ability to enhance and share nearby healing and shielding from her allies.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4s | 26s | 0.5s | – |
| 6 | 4s | 26s | 0.5s | 1m50 |
| 9 | 4s | 25s | 0.5s | 1m50 |
| 11 | 4s | 24s | 0.5s | 1m35 |
| 16 | 4s | 22s | 0.5s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 4s | 22s | 0.5s | 1m20 |
Playing as Aphelios
Tips to maximize your impact
- Slow, then root with Gravitum
With Gravitum as your main weapon, hit your target to slow them, then cast Weapon Abilities (Q): the cannon roots every enemy it has slowed.
- Pick your weapon before your R
Switch to the right weapon with Phase (W) before Moonlight Vigil (R): you then attack each champion hit with your main weapon, and its effect applies.
- Plan your next weapon
Before an objective, check Weapon Queue System (E): it shows the weapon Alune will give you next, and an empty weapon goes to the back of the queue.
Playing against Nilah
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- No autos during her Veil
During Jubilant Veil (W), don't attack: she dodges all autos, and so do the allies she touches. Wait for the mist to fade.
- Poke her from outside her range
If you're ranged, poke her outside Formless Blade (Q) range: she fights in melee and only gains range after hitting with this spell.
- Watch her level
Watch her level in lane: Joy Unending (passive) gives her more XP from minions, so she can have Apotheosis (R) before you hit level 6.
- Leave the circle of her Apotheosis
Move away as soon as she casts Apotheosis (R): she strikes around her for 1 second, then the final strike pulls nearby enemies toward her.
Other Aphelios matchups
Patch 16.21.1