Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHigh sustain

Build vs Nilah

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Gustwalker Hatchling

Core build

Profane Hydra
1vs Tank
The Collector
2vs Tank
Edge of Night
3vs Tank

Standard

Ionian Boots of Lucidity
4CDR
Black Cleaver
5vs Tank

Summoner spells

411100%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Death's Dance
5vs AD
Guardian Angel
vs AD

Anti AP

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC
Spirit Visage
5vs AP

Anti Tank

Black Cleaver
5vs Tank

DPS

Titanic Hydra
Bruiser
Infinity Edge
DPS
0.0% WR1 games
PrecisionPrecision
Press the AttackPress the Attack
TriumphTriumph
Legend: AlacrityLegend: Alacrity
Coup de GraceCoup de Grace
DominationDomination
Treasure HunterTreasure Hunter
Sudden ImpactSudden Impact
Adaptive ForceAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
BriarBriar
NilahNilah
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral

Nilah's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Joy Unending (P)

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

LevelQWER
34s26s0.5s
64s26s0.5s1m50
94s25s0.5s1m50
114s24s0.5s1m35
164s22s0.5s1m20
184s22s0.5s1m20

Playing against Nilah

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Nilah's W blocks autos — switch to abilities or wait for the zone to expire.

2

Poke her at range: as a melee ADC, she's weak against ranged harassment.

3

Watch out for her XP advantage: she can hit level 6 before you and all-in with R.

4

Mage supports (Brand, Zyra) counter her because they don't rely on the autos that her W blocks.

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