Matchup

Heavy AP damageHeavy pokeHigh burstSustained DPS

Build vs Mel

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Kaenic Rookern
1vs AP
Rylai's Crystal Scepter
2Mage tank
Liandry's Torment
3Mage tank

Standard

Boots of Swiftness
4vs Slow
Dark Seal
5

Summoner spells

41457%
4629%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Jak'Sho, The Protean
5vs Hybride
Dead Man's Plate
vs AD

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

DPS

Riftmaker
Mage tank
Cosmic Drive
Mage tank

Other options

Dark Seal
Protoplasm Harness
Survival
100.0% WR1 games
PrecisionPrecision
ConquerorConqueror
TriumphTriumph
Legend: AlacrityLegend: Alacrity
Last StandLast Stand
SorcerySorcery
CelerityCelerity
Nimbus CloakNimbus Cloak
Adaptive ForceMove SpeedHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
SingedSinged
MelMel
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral

Mel's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Searing Brilliance (P)

Whenever Mel uses an ability, she gains three bonus projectiles (up to nine maximum) on her next attack.When Mel deals damage through an ability or attack, she applies Overwhelm, which can stack infinitely. If the enemy is hit by Mel with enough Overwhelm damage, the stacks are consumed to execute the target.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
310s38s11s
68s38s11s2m
96s35s11s2m
116s33s11s1m40
166s26s10s1m20
186s26s9s1m20

Playing against Mel

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Mel is relatively immobile and depends on positioning — flank her to force her out of her comfort zone.

2

Her R is global but has a delay — reposition if you see the indicator.

3

Focus her in teamfights to prevent her from buffing her allies with her zones.

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