Vel'Koz vs Kai'Sa
Build vs Kai'Sa
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Vel'Koz: Luden's Echo, Shadowflame, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Dark Seal, Blackfire Torch, Rabadon's Deathcap, Horizon Focus.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Kai'Sa's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Kai'Sa's basic attacks stack Plasma, dealing increasing bonus magic damage. Allies' immobilizing effects help stack Plasma. Additionally, Kai'Sa's item purchases upgrade her basic spells to have more powerful properties.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10s | 20s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 20s | 16s | 2m10 |
| 9 | 6s | 18.5s | 16s | 2m10 |
| 11 | 6s | 17s | 16s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 6s | 14s | 13s | 1m10 |
| 18 | 6s | 14s | 10s | 1m10 |
Playing as Vel'Koz
Tips to maximize your impact
- Three spells for the burst
Hit the same target with three spells: at three stacks, Organic Deconstruction (passive) bursts and deals true damage to them.
- Poke and farm with your rift
Stay back and poke with Void Rift (W): its two charges let you kill minions while stacking your passive on your opponent.
- Split your plasma to hit at an angle
Recast Plasma Fission (Q) to split it: the two bolts fly off at 90 degrees, which lets you hit a target hiding behind their minions.
- Start your ray after a knock-up
Cast Life Form Disintegration Ray (R) after the Tectonic Disruption (E) knock-up: your target can't escape, and the ray deals true damage to targets of Organic Deconstruction (passive).
Playing against Kai'Sa
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Stay near your minions
Stay near your minions: Icathian Rain (Q) splits its missiles between nearby enemies, and on your own, you take them all.
- Harass her before she evolves
If your attack range beats her 525 units, harass her early: Second Skin (passive) only evolves her spells as she buys items.
- Dodge her Void Seeker
Dodge Void Seeker (W): it marks you with Plasma and reveals you, which lets Killer Instinct (R) dash onto you from very far away.
Other Vel'Koz matchups
Patch 16.21.1