Matchup
Build vs Maokai
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
100%Anti AD
Anti Heal
Anti CC
Anti Tank
DPS
Precision
Press the Attack
Presence of Mind
Legend: Bloodline
Coup de Grace
Inspiration
Cash Back
Biscuit Delivery
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Miss Fortune
MaokaiMaokai's 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.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| 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 |
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.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026