Matchup

Heavy AP damageHeavy pokeHigh burstSustained DPS

Build vs Mel

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Gustwalker Hatchling
Health Potion

Core build

Kraken Slayer
1DPS
The Collector
2vs Tank
Immortal Shieldbow
3DPS

Standard

Boots of Swiftness
4vs Slow
Lord Dominik's Regards
5vs Tank

Summoner spells

411100%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Guardian Angel
5vs AD
Death's Dance
vs AD

Anti Tank

Lord Dominik's Regards
5vs Tank

DPS

Infinity Edge
DPS
100.0% WR1 games
PrecisionPrecision
ConquerorConqueror
TriumphTriumph
Legend: AlacrityLegend: Alacrity
Coup de GraceCoup de Grace
InspirationInspiration
Magical FootwearMagical Footwear
Cosmic InsightCosmic Insight
Attack SpeedAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
ViegoViego
MelMel
Aggressive
Careful
Careful

Mel's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Searing Brilliance (P)

Whenever Mel uses an ability, she gains three bonus projectiles (up to nine maximum) on her next attack.When Mel deals damage through an ability or attack, she applies Overwhelm, which can stack infinitely. If the enemy is hit by Mel with enough Overwhelm damage, the stacks are consumed to execute the target.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
310s38s11s
68s38s11s2m
96s35s11s2m
116s33s11s1m40
166s26s10s1m20
186s26s9s1m20

Playing against Mel

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Mel is relatively immobile and depends on positioning — flank her to force her out of her comfort zone.

2

Her R is global but has a delay — reposition if you see the indicator.

3

Focus her in teamfights to prevent her from buffing her allies with her zones.

Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026