Matchup

Heavy AP damageHeavy pokeHigh burstSustained DPS

Build vs Mel

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Scorchclaw Pup
Health Potion

Core build

Dusk and Dawn
1Mage tank
Riftmaker
2Mage tank
Zhonya's Hourglass
3vs AD

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Rabadon's Deathcap
5Mage

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Shadowflame
5vs Tank
Void Staff
vs Tank

DPS

Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
DianaDiana
MelMel
Aggressive
Careful
Careful

Mel's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Searing Brilliance (P)

Whenever Mel uses an ability, she gains three bonus projectiles (up to nine maximum) on her next attack.When Mel deals damage through an ability or attack, she applies Overwhelm, which can stack infinitely. If the enemy is hit by Mel with enough Overwhelm damage, the stacks are consumed to execute the target.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
310s38s11s
68s38s11s2m
96s35s11s2m
116s33s11s1m40
166s26s10s1m20
186s26s9s1m20

Playing against Mel

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Mel is relatively immobile and depends on positioning — flank her to force her out of her comfort zone.

2

Her R is global but has a delay — reposition if you see the indicator.

3

Focus her in teamfights to prevent her from buffing her allies with her zones.

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