Nidalee vs Aatrox
Skill matchup
Build vs Aatrox
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Nidalee: Lich Bane, Hextech Rocketbelt, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Shadowflame, Dark Seal, Rabadon's Deathcap, Mejai's Soulstealer.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Aatrox's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Periodically, Aatrox's next basic attack deals bonus magic damage and heals him, based on the target's max health.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14s | 18s | 9s | – |
| 6 | 10s | 18s | 9s | 2m |
| 9 | 6s | 16.5s | 9s | 2m |
| 11 | 6s | 15s | 9s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 6s | 12s | 7s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 6s | 12s | 5s | 1m20 |
Playing as Nidalee
Tips to maximize your impact
- Throw your javelin from range
Cast Javelin Toss (Q) from range: its damage increases with the distance it travels before hitting.
- Javelin, then cougar
After landing Javelin Toss (Q), switch to cougar with Aspect Of The Cougar (R): the target is hunted, which empowers Pounce (W) and Takedown (Q) against them.
- Trap your jungle entrances
Place Bushwhack (W) at your jungle entrances: the trap stays invisible for 2 minutes, reveals the enemy who steps on it and marks them as hunted.
- Get ahead early
Gank and invade a lot early on: Prowl (passive) speeds you up in brush, and even more when you move toward a visible enemy champion.
Playing against Aatrox
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Avoid the edge of his blade
Stick to him or step out of range when he casts The Darkin Blade (Q): only the edge, at the end of each swing, knocks you into the air and deals full damage.
- Get out of his chains fast
Leave the Infernal Chains (W) zone before it closes, with a dash if you have one: otherwise you get pulled back to the impact point and take the damage again.
- Trade after his blade
Take a trade right after the three swings of The Darkin Blade (Q): it's his only knock-up, with a 14 to 6 second cooldown depending on rank.
- Short trades
Take short trades: Umbral Dash (E) heals him for part of all the damage he deals to champions, so a long trade favors him.
- Respect his level 6
Once he hits level 6, back off when he casts World Ender (R): he gains AD and increased healing, and every takedown extends its duration.
Other Nidalee matchups
Patch 16.21.1