Matchup
You are stronger late game — farm safe and avoid early trades.
Build vs Illaoi
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
60%
40%Anti AD
Other options
Resolve
Guardian
Font of Life
Bone Plating
Unflinching
Precision
Legend: Haste
Triumph
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Braum
IllaoiIllaoi's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
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
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10s | 4s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 4s | 16s | 2m |
| 9 | 6s | 4s | 16s | 2m |
| 11 | 6s | 4s | 16s | 1m35 |
| 16 | 6s | 4s | 14s | 1m10 |
| 18 | 6s | 4s | 12s | 1m10 |
Playing against Illaoi
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
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.
NEVER fight Illaoi in her tentacles: lure her elsewhere. Destroy tentacles when you can.
Her R is dangerous with multiple champions nearby — don't group on her. Fight her in a 1v1 outside her zone.
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