Maokai vs Lee Sin
Build vs Lee Sin
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Maokai: Locket of the Iron Solari, Bandlepipes, Thornmail, Plated Steelcaps, Solstice Sleigh, Spirit Visage, Knight's Vow, Unending Despair.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Lee Sin's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
After Lee Sin uses an ability, his next 2 basic attacks gain Attack Speed and return Energy.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10s | 8s | 8s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 8s | 8s | 1m50 |
| 9 | 6s | 8s | 8s | 1m50 |
| 11 | 6s | 8s | 8s | 1m25 |
| 16 | 6s | 8s | 8s | 1m |
| 18 | 6s | 8s | 8s | 1m |
Playing as Maokai
Tips to maximize your impact
- Cast spells to recharge Sap Magic
In lane, use your spells: each spell you cast or get hit by lowers the cooldown of Sap Magic (passive), and your next auto heals you.
- Saplings in the brush
Throw Sapling Toss (E) into brush: there, the sapling lasts longer, explodes wider and slows more.
- Dive in with Twisted Advance
Dash to your target with Twisted Advance (W): you're untargetable during the dash, and they're rooted when you arrive.
- Cast your wall from long range
Cast Nature's Grasp (R) from far away to engage or block a path: the wall moves slowly, and the root lasts longer after a long run.
Playing against Lee Sin
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Step up when he misses Q
Step up when Sonic Wave (Q) misses you: without it, he has no dash to reach you, and it has a 10 to 6 second cooldown.
- Spread out from your allies
In teamfights, spread out from your allies when facing him: the champion he kicks with Dragon's Rage (R) damages every enemy they collide with and knocks them into the air.
- Watch your early jungle
Ward your jungle entrance early on: Lee Sin often looks to invade early to get ahead.
- Drag the game out
If you survive his first minutes, play for time: Lee Sin is strongest early and loses impact once everyone has their items.
Other Maokai matchups
Patch 16.21.1