Maokai vs Shen
Hard matchup
Build vs Shen
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Maokai: Locket of the Iron Solari, Bandlepipes, Thornmail, Boots of Swiftness, Solstice Sleigh, Celestial Opposition, Bramble Vest, Knight's Vow.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Shen's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
After casting a spell, Shen gets a shield. Affecting other champions reduces the cooldown of this effect.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8s | 16s | 18s | – |
| 6 | 6.5s | 16s | 18s | 3m20 |
| 9 | 5s | 14.5s | 18s | 3m20 |
| 11 | 5s | 13s | 18s | 3m |
| 16 | 5s | 10s | 14s | 2m40 |
| 18 | 5s | 10s | 10s | 2m40 |
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 Shen
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Stay on the same side as his blade
Stay on the same side as his spirit blade: if it doesn't pass through you, Twilight Assault (Q) deals much less damage.
- Trade after his E
Take a trade after his Shadow Dash (E): it's both his taunt and his only dash, on an 18 to 10 second cooldown.
- No autos into his Refuge
Don't waste autos on targets inside Spirit's Refuge (W): they're blocked there. Use spells instead, or wait for the zone to end.
- Interrupt his ult
If you have CC, save it for Stand United (R): Shen channels before teleporting, and interrupting him keeps him away from the teamfight.
- Push when he leaves
When he leaves lane with Stand United (R), ping your team and push your wave: each ult costs him minions and tower health.
Other Maokai matchups
Patch 16.21.1