Karma vs Neeko
Skill matchup
Build vs Neeko
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Karma: Echoes of Helia, Moonstone Renewer, Redemption, Ionian Boots of Lucidity, Dream Maker, Mikael's Blessing, Zaz'Zak's Realmspike, Malignance.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Neeko's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Neeko can look like an ally champion or as other units on the map. Receiving immobilizing crowd control, casting damaging spells, damaging enemy towers as a non-champion, or your disguise taking damage equal to its healthbar breaks the disguise.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9s | 16s | 12s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 16s | 12s | 2m |
| 9 | 7s | 15s | 12s | 2m |
| 11 | 7s | 14s | 12s | 1m45 |
| 16 | 7s | 12s | 11s | 1m30 |
| 18 | 7s | 12s | 10s | 1m30 |
Playing as Karma
Tips to maximize your impact
- Deal damage to refresh Mantra
Hit the enemy with your spells: Gathering Fire (passive) lowers the cooldown of Mantra (R) with each damaging ability.
- Mantra then Q to poke
To poke, cast Mantra (R) then Inner Flame (Q) at a group: the explosion leaves a ring of fire that slows and deals more damage.
- Mantra then W at low health
At low health, cast Mantra (R) then Focused Resolve (W): you restore part of your missing health at the start and end of the tether, and the root lasts longer.
- Mantra then E for the whole team
In teamfights, cast Mantra (R) then Inspire (E) on an ally surrounded by the others: everyone gets a shield and move speed, to engage or to escape.
Playing against Neeko
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Don't line up with your minions
Don't stand lined up behind your minions: Tangle-Barbs (E) passes through them, empowers itself on contact, and roots every enemy in its path.
- Leave her area at the first sign
Leave her area as soon as she prepares Pop Blossom (R): the leap comes after a short preparation, hidden if she's disguised.
- Engage after her Pop Blossom
If you can engage, do it once Pop Blossom (R) is used: it's her only area stun, on a 120 to 90 second cooldown.
- Spot her disguises
Be wary of an enemy acting strangely: with Inherent Glamour (passive), Neeko can look like one of her allies or another unit.
Other Karma matchups
Patch 16.21.1