Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHeavy poke

Build vs Caitlyn

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Gustwalker Hatchling
Health Potion

Core build

Profane Hydra
1vs Tank
Axiom Arc
2vs Tank
Serylda's Grudge
3vs Tank

Standard

Ionian Boots of Lucidity
4CDR
Edge of Night
5vs Tank

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Guardian Angel
5vs AD

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Edge of Night
5vs Tank
Serpent's Fang
vs Tank
Youmuu's Ghostblade
vs Tank

DPS

Opportunity
DPS

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
QiyanaQiyana
CaitlynCaitlyn
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral

Caitlyn's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Headshot (P)

Every few basic attacks, or against a target she has trapped or netted, Caitlyn will fire a headshot dealing bonus damage that scales with her critical strike chance. On trapped or netted targets, Caitlyn's Headshot attack range is doubled.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
310s0.5s16s
68s0.5s16s1m30
96s0.5s16s1m30
116s0.5s16s1m30
166s0.5s12s1m30
186s0.5s8s1m30

Playing against Caitlyn

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Caitlyn is the queen of early game thanks to her range (650) — she's weaker in mid game before her 3rd item.

2

Traps (W) are visible: don't walk over them, go around. They're often placed under turrets.

3

An ally can block her R (Ace in the Hole) by stepping in front — protect your wounded carry.

4

Engage in melee: Caitlyn is weak up close and her E has a long cooldown.

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