Matchup

Heavy AP damageSustained DPSSplit pushHigh sustain

Build vs Gwen

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Seraph's Embrace
1Mage
Liandry's Torment
2Mage tank
Bloodletter's Curse
3vs Tank

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Luden's Echo
5Mage

Summoner spells

41283%
42117%

Anti AD

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

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Shadowflame
5vs Tank
Stormsurge
vs Tank
Void Staff
vs Tank

DPS

Luden's Echo
Mage
Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage
Blackfire Torch
Mage
Horizon Focus
Mage

Other options

Oblivion Orb
100.0% WR1 games
SorcerySorcery
Arcane CometArcane Comet
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
TranscendenceTranscendence
ScorchScorch
PrecisionPrecision
Presence of MindPresence of Mind
Coup de GraceCoup de Grace
Adaptive ForceAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
ZiggsZiggs
GwenGwen
Favorable
Favorable
Passive

Gwen's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

A Thousand Cuts (P)

Gwen's attacks deal bonus magic damage based on the targets health. She heals for a portion of the damage dealt to champions by this effect.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
36.5s22s13s
65s22s13s2m
93.5s21s13s2m
113.5s20s13s1m40
163.5s18s12s1m20
183.5s18s11s1m20

Playing against Gwen

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Her W doesn't protect her from attacks inside the zone: step into her mist to fight her.

2

Gwen is weak in early game (levels 1-4) — punish her before she gets her stacks and first item.

3

Grievous Wounds reduces her Q sustain (true damage + heal), which is her main survivability.

4

She's better in 1v1s and split pushing — force teamfights where she's less effective.

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