Matchup
Heavy CCStrong engageCountered by spell shieldVery tanky
Build vs Nautilus
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
100%Anti AD
Anti CC
Anti Tank
100.0% WR2 games
Inspiration
First Strike
Cash Back
Triple Tonic
Cosmic Insight
Domination
Treasure Hunter
Sudden Impact
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
Zed
NautilusAggressive
Careful
Careful
Nautilus's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Staggering Blow (P)
Nautilus' first Attack against a target deals increased physical damage and roots them briefly.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 14s | 12s | 7s | – |
| 6 | 12s | 12s | 7s | 2m |
| 9 | 10s | 12s | 7s | 2m |
| 11 | 10s | 12s | 7s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 10s | 12s | 6s | 1m20 |
| 18 | 10s | 12s | 5s | 1m20 |
Playing against Nautilus
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
1
His Q hook can hit terrain (he pulls himself to the wall): minions do NOT block it, unlike Blitz/Thresh.
2
Respect his level 2: Q + passive root is one of the best support engages at level 2.
3
His R is point-and-click: you can't dodge it, but you can Zhonya's or position so it doesn't knock up your allies along the way.
4
Nautilus is slow without his Q — kite him after he uses his hook.
Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026