Maokai
Recommended Build
Most popular build path
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Anti AD
Anti Heal
Anti CC
Resolve
Grasp of the Undying
Demolish
Second Wind
Overgrowth
Sorcery
Transcendence
Manaflow Band
Abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Maokai's basic attack also heals him and deals additional damage on a moderate cooldown. Each time Maokai casts a spell or is struck by an enemy's spell, this cooldown is reduced.
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7s | 14s | 18s | – |
| 6 | 6s | 14s | 18s | 2m10 |
| 9 | 5s | 13s | 18s | 2m10 |
| 11 | 5s | 12s | 18s | 1m50 |
| 16 | 5s | 10s | 16s | 1m30 |
| 18 | 5s | 10s | 14s | 1m30 |
Saplings (E) deal more damage in bushes (they become empowered) — place them in bushes for zoning and vision.
W (Twisted Advance) is a targeted dash that makes you untargetable — use it to dodge skillshots while gap-closing.
R (Nature's Grasp) sends roots in a line that root — use it to engage teamfights or zone off a passage.
The passive heals on your next auto every X seconds — auto minions or champions regularly for sustain.
Playing as Maokai
Tips to maximize your impact
Saplings (E) deal more damage in bushes (they become empowered) — place them in bushes for zoning and vision.
W (Twisted Advance) is a targeted dash that makes you untargetable — use it to dodge skillshots while gap-closing.
R (Nature's Grasp) sends roots in a line that root — use it to engage teamfights or zone off a passage.
The passive heals on your next auto every X seconds — auto minions or champions regularly for sustain.
Playing against Maokai
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Avoid bushes: his empowered saplings in bushes deal massive % max HP damage.
Maokai is a CC tank but deals little damage — ignore him in teamfights and focus the carries behind him.
His R is slow: sidestep laterally or Flash to avoid the root.
Grievous Wounds reduces his passive sustain which is his main lane survivability.
Stats with Maokai
Your best and worst matchups
Stats against Maokai
Your stats when facing this champion
Counters
Best and worst matchups
Source: op.gg · Patch 16.9.1 · Apr 29, 2026
Versus
Compare against an opponent
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Pro Players
High-elo players who play this champion.
