Matchup

Heavy AD damageSustained DPSHigh sustainSplit push

Build vs Illaoi

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Dark Seal
1
Rod of Ages
2HP
Lich Bane
3Mage

Standard

Boots of Swiftness
4vs Slow
Rapid Firecannon
5DPS

Summoner spells

41267%
41420%

Anti AD

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

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Stormsurge
5vs Tank
Shadowflame
vs Tank

DPS

Rapid Firecannon
DPS
Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage
Luden's Echo
Mage
Cosmic Drive
Mage tank

Other options

Mejai's Soulstealer
100.0% WR2 games
SorcerySorcery
Arcane CometArcane Comet
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
CelerityCelerity
ScorchScorch
ResolveResolve
UnflinchingUnflinching
Bone PlatingBone Plating
Attack SpeedMove SpeedHealth

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
TwistedFateTwisted Fate
IllaoiIllaoi
Careful
Careful
Aggressive

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