Matchup
Skill matchup
Build vs Nidalee
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
49%
47%Anti AD
Anti Heal
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Domination
Dark Harvest
Cheap Shot
Grisly Mementos
Treasure Hunter
Precision
Presence of Mind
Coup de Grace
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Karthus
NidaleeNidalee's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Moving through brush increases Nidalee's Move Speed by 10% for 2 seconds, increased to 30% toward visible enemy champions within 1400 range.Hitting champions or monsters with Javelin Toss or Bushwhack triggers a Hunt, granting True Sight of them for 4 seconds. During this time, Nidalee gains 10% Move Speed (increased to 30% toward the Hunted target) and her Takedown and Pounce are enhanced against them.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6s | 13s | 12s | – |
| 6 | 6s | 13s | 12s | 3s |
| 9 | 6s | 12s | 12s | 3s |
| 11 | 6s | 11s | 12s | 3s |
| 16 | 6s | 9s | 12s | 3s |
| 18 | 6s | 9s | 12s | 3s |
Playing against Nidalee
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Dodge her Q (javelin): without the mark, her cougar burst is significantly reduced.
Nidalee scales poorly into late game — if you survive her early pressure, you'll have the advantage later.
Deep ward: Nidalee excels at jungle invading and fast ganks thanks to her cougar speed.
Tanks and champions with high HP counter her: her burst becomes less and less effective on tanky targets.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 8, 2026