Matchup

Heavy AD damageHeavy pokeSplit pushHigh burst

Build vs Gangplank

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Seraph's Embrace
1Mage
Shadowflame
2vs Tank
Rabadon's Deathcap
3Mage

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Luden's Echo
5Mage

Summoner spells

41284%
4145%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Zhonya's Hourglass
5vs AD

Anti Heal

Morellonomicon
6vs Heal

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Void Staff
5vs Tank
Cryptbloom
vs Tank
Stormsurge
vs Tank

DPS

Luden's Echo
Mage
Blackfire Torch
Mage
Hextech Rocketbelt
Mage tank
Liandry's Torment
Mage tank
Cosmic Drive
Mage tank

Other options

Mejai's Soulstealer
Rod of Ages
HP
100.0% WR2 games
SorcerySorcery
Stormraider's SurgeStormraider's Surge
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
TranscendenceTranscendence
ScorchScorch
PrecisionPrecision
Presence of MindPresence of Mind
Legend: HasteLegend: Haste
Attack SpeedAdaptive ForceHealth

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
OriannaOrianna
GangplankGangplank
Favorable
Favorable
Passive

Gangplank's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Trial by Fire (P)

Every few seconds, Gangplank's melee strike will set his opponent on fire.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
34.5s22s0s
64.5s22s0s2m40
94.5s20s0s2m40
114.5s18s0s2m20
164.5s14s0s2m
184.5s14s0s2m

Playing against Gangplank

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Destroy his barrels before he shoots them: one auto is enough when they're at 1 HP. The race for the last-hit on barrels is crucial.

2

His W (cleanse) has a very long cooldown (22-16s): engage with CC, bait the W, then re-engage with a 2nd CC.

3

GP is weak in early game (1-5) and vulnerable to all-ins — aggressive bruisers like Riven or Irelia dominate him.

4

In late game, respect his crit barrel burst — a crit barrel on a carry can one-shot.

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