Matchup
Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHigh sustain
Build vs Nilah
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
100%Anti AD
Anti CC
Anti Tank
DPS
100.0% WR1 games
Inspiration
First Strike
Cash Back
Triple Tonic
Cosmic Insight
Precision
Cut Down
Legend: Haste
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
Gangplank
NilahPassive
Neutral
Aggressive
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
| 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 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