Matchup
Skill matchup
You are stronger early — look to snowball before your opponent scales.
Build vs Mel
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
93%
4%Anti AD
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Other options
Domination
Electrocute
Sudden Impact
Grisly Mementos
Relentless Hunter
Precision
Coup de Grace
Triumph
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Katarina
MelMel's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Whenever Mel uses an ability, she gains three bonus projectiles (up to nine maximum) on her next attack.When Mel deals damage through an ability or attack, she applies Overwhelm, which can stack infinitely. If the enemy is hit by Mel with enough Overwhelm damage, the stacks are consumed to execute the target.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10s | 38s | 11s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 38s | 11s | 2m |
| 9 | 6s | 35s | 11s | 2m |
| 11 | 6s | 33s | 11s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 6s | 26s | 10s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 6s | 26s | 9s | 1m20 |
Playing against Mel
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Mel is relatively immobile and depends on positioning — flank her to force her out of her comfort zone.
Her R is global but has a delay — reposition if you see the indicator.
Focus her in teamfights to prevent her from buffing her allies with her zones.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026