Matchup

Heavy AP damageSustained DPSSplit pushHigh sustain

Build vs Gwen

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Malignance
1Mage
Stormsurge
2vs Tank
Shadowflame
3vs Tank

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Zhonya's Hourglass
5vs AD

Summoner spells

41273%
41426%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Zhonya's Hourglass
5vs AD

Anti Heal

Morellonomicon
6vs Heal

Anti AP

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC
Banshee's Veil
5vs AP

Anti Tank

Void Staff
5vs Tank
Cryptbloom
vs Tank

DPS

Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage
Hextech Rocketbelt
Mage tank
Blackfire Torch
Mage
Luden's Echo
Mage
Liandry's Torment
Mage tank
Seraph's Embrace
Mage

Other options

Mejai's Soulstealer
100.0% WR3 games
DominationDomination
ElectrocuteElectrocute
Cheap ShotCheap Shot
Grisly MementosGrisly Mementos
Ultimate HunterUltimate Hunter
SorcerySorcery
TranscendenceTranscendence
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
Adaptive ForceAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
LissandraLissandra
GwenGwen
Favorable
Favorable
Passive

Gwen's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

A Thousand Cuts (P)

Gwen's attacks deal bonus magic damage based on the targets health. She heals for a portion of the damage dealt to champions by this effect.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
36.5s22s13s
65s22s13s2m
93.5s21s13s2m
113.5s20s13s1m40
163.5s18s12s1m20
183.5s18s11s1m20

Playing against Gwen

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Her W doesn't protect her from attacks inside the zone: step into her mist to fight her.

2

Gwen is weak in early game (levels 1-4) — punish her before she gets her stacks and first item.

3

Grievous Wounds reduces her Q sustain (true damage + heal), which is her main survivability.

4

She's better in 1v1s and split pushing — force teamfights where she's less effective.

Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026