Matchup

Zyra
Zyra
33%
67%

vs

47.6%

over 168 games

Nidalee
Nidalee
42%
58%
Heavy AP damageHeavy pokeHigh burstDive threat

Skill matchup

Build vs Nidalee

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Scorchclaw Pup
Health Potion

Core build

Liandry's Torment
1Mage tank
Zhonya's Hourglass
2vs AD
Shadowflame
3vs Tank

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Rylai's Crystal Scepter
5Mage tank

Summoner spells

411100%

Anti AP

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC
Banshee's Veil
5vs AP

Anti Heal

Morellonomicon
6vs Heal

Anti Tank

Void Staff
5vs Tank
Cryptbloom
vs Tank
Bloodletter's Curse
vs Tank

DPS

Rylai's Crystal Scepter
Mage tank
Blackfire Torch
Mage
Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage
Cosmic Drive
Mage tank

Other options

Mejai's Soulstealer
100.0% WR3 games
DominationDomination
ElectrocuteElectrocute
Cheap ShotCheap Shot
Sixth SenseSixth Sense
Treasure HunterTreasure Hunter
PrecisionPrecision
Cut DownCut Down
Legend: HasteLegend: Haste
Ability HasteAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
ZyraZyra
NidaleeNidalee
Passive
Favorable
Favorable

Nidalee's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Prowl (P)

Moving through brush increases Nidalee's Move Speed by 10% for 2 seconds, increased to 30% toward visible enemy champions within 1400 range.Hitting champions or monsters with Javelin Toss or Bushwhack triggers a Hunt, granting True Sight of them for 4 seconds. During this time, Nidalee gains 10% Move Speed (increased to 30% toward the Hunted target) and her Takedown and Pounce are enhanced against them.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
36s13s12s
66s13s12s3s
96s12s12s3s
116s11s12s3s
166s9s12s3s
186s9s12s3s

Playing against Nidalee

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Dodge her Q (javelin): without the mark, her cougar burst is significantly reduced.

2

Nidalee scales poorly into late game — if you survive her early pressure, you'll have the advantage later.

3

Deep ward: Nidalee excels at jungle invading and fast ganks thanks to her cougar speed.

4

Tanks and champions with high HP counter her: her burst becomes less and less effective on tanky targets.

Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 7, 2026