Matchup
Build vs Akali
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Anti AD
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Hecarim
AkaliAkali's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Dealing spell damage to a champion creates a ring of energy around them. Exiting that ring empowers Akali's next Attack with bonus range and damage.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1.5s | 20s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 1.5s | 20s | 16s | 2m |
| 9 | 1.5s | 19s | 16s | 2m |
| 11 | 1.5s | 18s | 16s | 1m30 |
| 16 | 1.5s | 16s | 13s | 1m |
| 18 | 1.5s | 16s | 10s | 1m |
Playing against Akali
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Her W (Shroud) has a long cooldown (20s) — once she uses it, engage because she has no protection left.
AoE abilities and untargeted CC (skillshots) are effective in her shroud since they don't require vision.
Akali is very weak before level 6 and before her first item — punish her in lane with poke.
She's vulnerable between her two R charges — if she uses R1 to engage, she has to wait before R2.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026