Matchup

Heavy AP damageHeavy pokeHigh burstSustained DPS

Build vs Mel

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Scorchclaw Pup
Health Potion

Core build

Kraken Slayer
1DPS
The Collector
2vs Tank
Lord Dominik's Regards
3vs Tank

Standard

Boots of Swiftness
4vs Slow
Infinity Edge
5DPS

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Guardian Angel
5vs AD

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

DPS

Infinity Edge
DPS
Hexoptics C44
DPS
Rapid Firecannon
DPS
Phantom Dancer
DPS

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
KindredKindred
MelMel
Careful
Careful
Aggressive

Mel's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Searing Brilliance (P)

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

LevelQWER
310s38s11s
68s38s11s2m
96s35s11s2m
116s33s11s1m40
166s26s10s1m20
186s26s9s1m20

Playing against Mel

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Mel is relatively immobile and depends on positioning — flank her to force her out of her comfort zone.

2

Her R is global but has a delay — reposition if you see the indicator.

3

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