Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHigh sustain

Build vs Nilah

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Gustwalker Hatchling
Health Potion

Core build

Youmuu's Ghostblade
1vs Tank
The Collector
2vs Tank
Infinity Edge
3DPS

Standard

Berserker's Greaves
4AS
Blackfire Torch
5Mage

Summoner spells

1114100%

Anti AD

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

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Lord Dominik's Regards
5vs Tank

DPS

Blackfire Torch
Mage
Phantom Dancer
DPS
DominationDomination
Hail of BladesHail of Blades
Sudden ImpactSudden Impact
Grisly MementosGrisly Mementos
Relentless HunterRelentless Hunter
PrecisionPrecision
Coup de GraceCoup de Grace
Legend: AlacrityLegend: Alacrity
Attack SpeedAdaptive ForceHealth

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
ShacoShaco
NilahNilah
Favorable
Neutral
Neutral

Nilah's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Joy Unending (P)

Nilah gains increased experience from last-hitting minions along with the ability to enhance and share nearby healing and shielding from her allies.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
34s26s0.5s
64s26s0.5s1m50
94s25s0.5s1m50
114s24s0.5s1m35
164s22s0.5s1m20
184s22s0.5s1m20

Playing against Nilah

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Nilah's W blocks autos — switch to abilities or wait for the zone to expire.

2

Poke her at range: as a melee ADC, she's weak against ranged harassment.

3

Watch out for her XP advantage: she can hit level 6 before you and all-in with R.

4

Mage supports (Brand, Zyra) counter her because they don't rely on the autos that her W blocks.

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