Matchup
You are stronger early — look to snowball before your opponent scales.
Build vs Illaoi
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Taliyah
IllaoiIllaoi's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
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
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10s | 4s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 4s | 16s | 2m |
| 9 | 6s | 4s | 16s | 2m |
| 11 | 6s | 4s | 16s | 1m35 |
| 16 | 6s | 4s | 14s | 1m10 |
| 18 | 6s | 4s | 12s | 1m10 |
Playing against Illaoi
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
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.
NEVER fight Illaoi in her tentacles: lure her elsewhere. Destroy tentacles when you can.
Her R is dangerous with multiple champions nearby — don't group on her. Fight her in a 1v1 outside her zone.
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