Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHigh sustainSplit push

You are stronger early — look to snowball before your opponent scales.

Build vs Illaoi

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Tear of the Goddess
1
Blackfire Torch
2Mage
Echoes of Helia
3HP

Standard

Ionian Boots of Lucidity
4CDR
Seraph's Embrace
5Mage

Anti AD

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

Anti Heal

Morellonomicon
6vs Heal

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

DPS

Seraph's Embrace
Mage
Rylai's Crystal Scepter
Mage tank
Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage

Other options

Moonstone Renewer
HP
Dawncore

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
SeraphineSeraphine
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