Illaoi Counters

The best picks globally to counter Illaoi include Kai'Sa, Tristana, and Aphelios. These champs are all good at countering Illaoi with decent win rates over 56%. Even if these Illaoi counter picks are not played in your lane, it's not a good idea to play her into any of these matchups. They will most often destroy Illaoi.

Conversely, if the opposite team picks either Seraphine or Zyra, you should strongly think about selecting her, as she easily dominates these champions with win rates over 52% against both ofthem.

Destroy Illaoi's tentacles when it is safe to do so, this can prevent damage later on when you choose to engage.

Try not to clump up during teamfights because she can spawn multiple tentacles if she lands Leap of Faith on multiple enemy champions. In a way, Illaoi counters teamfights. :p

Recognizing Illaoi's strengths: Illaoi thrives in melee matchups and team fights, especially when able to land her Ultimate R amidst a group of enemy champions. Be cautious of her power spikes at level 3 and 6, where she gains access to all her abilities and has increased potential for short burst trades and all-ins.

Exploiting her weaknesses: Illaoi struggles against ranged carries, particularly those with a dash or range advantage that allows them to dodge her E ability. Utilize champions with these characteristics to exploit her weaknesses.

The impact of displacement: Illaoi's Ultimate R can be significantly hindered if she is displaced or polymorphed on initiation. Use champions with these abilities to disrupt her during critical moments and increase the odds of winning fights.

Implement Grievous Wounds early: Illaoi's passive allows her to sustain off the damage she deals, particularly during her Ultimate. Buying Grievous Wounds early in the game can limit her healing and give you an early game advantage that carries over into late game.

Be mindful of her tentacles: Illaoi's ability to deal damage and survive rests heavily on her ability to place her tentacles during fights. Delay team fights as much as possible to prevent her from setting up her tentacles, and focus on taking them out.

Avoid her in the jungle: Illaoi is particularly potent around objectives and inside the jungle. Avoid engaging with her in these areas if possible, and seek to pressure other parts of the map instead.

Strategic comebacks: Should Illaoi gain a significant advantage, focus on earning as much gold as possible. The more gold you accumulate, the more manageable she will be to deal with in the later stages of the game.