Matchup
Skill matchup
Build vs Akali
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
53%
27%Anti AD
Anti AP
DPS
Other options
Resolve
Grasp of the Undying
Shield Bash
Second Wind
Unflinching
Precision
Legend: Alacrity
Triumph
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Tahm Kench
AkaliAkali's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Dealing spell damage to a champion creates a ring of energy around them. Exiting that ring empowers Akali's next Attack with bonus range and damage.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1.5s | 20s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 1.5s | 20s | 16s | 2m |
| 9 | 1.5s | 19s | 16s | 2m |
| 11 | 1.5s | 18s | 16s | 1m30 |
| 16 | 1.5s | 16s | 13s | 1m |
| 18 | 1.5s | 16s | 10s | 1m |
Playing against Akali
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Her W (Shroud) has a long cooldown (20s) — once she uses it, engage because she has no protection left.
AoE abilities and untargeted CC (skillshots) are effective in her shroud since they don't require vision.
Akali is very weak before level 6 and before her first item — punish her in lane with poke.
She's vulnerable between her two R charges — if she uses R1 to engage, she has to wait before R2.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026