Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHigh sustainSplit push

Build vs Illaoi

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Blackfire Torch
1Mage
Liandry's Torment
2Mage tank
Zhonya's Hourglass
3vs AD

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Rylai's Crystal Scepter
5Mage tank

Summoner spells

412100%

Anti AP

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

Anti Heal

Morellonomicon
6vs Heal

Anti Tank

Shadowflame
5vs Tank
Void Staff
vs Tank

DPS

Rylai's Crystal Scepter
Mage tank
Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage
SorcerySorcery
Deathfire TouchDeathfire Touch
Axiom ArcanistAxiom Arcanist
TranscendenceTranscendence
ScorchScorch
DominationDomination
Ultimate HunterUltimate Hunter
Cheap ShotCheap Shot
Adaptive ForceAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
MorganaMorgana
IllaoiIllaoi
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral

Illaoi's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Prophet of an Elder God (P)

Illaoi and the Vessels she creates spawn Tentacles on nearby impassible terrain. Tentacles swing at spirits, Vessels, and victims of Illaoi's Harsh lesson. Tentacles deal physical damage to enemies hit, and will heal Illaoi if they damage a champion.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
310s4s16s
68s4s16s2m
96s4s16s2m
116s4s16s1m35
166s4s14s1m10
186s4s12s1m10

Playing against Illaoi

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Dodge her E (Test of Spirit) at all costs — if she pulls your spirit, you must flee the area or fight at a massive disadvantage.

2

NEVER fight Illaoi in her tentacles: lure her elsewhere. Destroy tentacles when you can.

3

Her R is dangerous with multiple champions nearby — don't group on her. Fight her in a 1v1 outside her zone.

4

Illaoi has no mobility or hard CC: ganks and kiting are very effective.

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