Vel'Koz vs Kog'Maw
Favorable matchup
Build vs Kog'Maw
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Vel'Koz: Luden's Echo, Shadowflame, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Rabadon's Deathcap, Blackfire Torch, Horizon Focus, Dark Seal.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Kog'Maw's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
4 seconds after dying, Kogmaw explodes, dealing true damage to surrounding enemies.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7s | 17s | 12s | – |
| 6 | 7s | 17s | 12s | 2s |
| 9 | 7s | 17s | 12s | 2s |
| 11 | 7s | 17s | 12s | 1.5s |
| 16 | 7s | 17s | 12s | 1s |
| 18 | 7s | 17s | 12s | 1s |
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 Kog'Maw
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Engage when his W ends
Engage when Bio-Arcane Barrage (W) ends: his attack range drops back to 500, and the spell has a 17-second cooldown.
- Punish his lack of mobility
If you can engage, go for him: with no dash or leap, Kog'Maw can only back off on foot, and Void Ooze (E) is his only slow.
- Leave his R range at low health
Below 40% health, get out of range of Living Artillery (R): each shot then deals its max damage to you, and it reaches very far.
- Move away when he dies
When he dies, move away from him: Icathian Surprise (passive) makes him explode 4 seconds later, dealing true damage to nearby enemies.
Other Vel'Koz matchups
Patch 16.21.1