Matchup
You are stronger early — look to snowball before your opponent scales.
Build vs Caitlyn
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
75%
13%Anti AD
Anti Heal
Anti AP
Anti Tank
Other options
Resolve
Grasp of the Undying
Demolish
Bone Plating
Overgrowth
Precision
Presence of Mind
Last Stand
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Illaoi
CaitlynCaitlyn's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Every few basic attacks, or against a target she has trapped or netted, Caitlyn will fire a headshot dealing bonus damage that scales with her critical strike chance. On trapped or netted targets, Caitlyn's Headshot attack range is doubled.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10s | 0.5s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 0.5s | 16s | 1m30 |
| 9 | 6s | 0.5s | 16s | 1m30 |
| 11 | 6s | 0.5s | 16s | 1m30 |
| 16 | 6s | 0.5s | 12s | 1m30 |
| 18 | 6s | 0.5s | 8s | 1m30 |
Playing against Caitlyn
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Caitlyn is the queen of early game thanks to her range (650) — she's weaker in mid game before her 3rd item.
Traps (W) are visible: don't walk over them, go around. They're often placed under turrets.
An ally can block her R (Ace in the Hole) by stepping in front — protect your wounded carry.
Engage in melee: Caitlyn is weak up close and her E has a long cooldown.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026