Maokai is a powerful support tank champion who excels at crowd control and team fight initiation. His kit makes him an excellent frontline defender and peeler for carries.

Key Strengths:

• Strong CC abilities with W root and Q knockback
• Ultimate (R) provides long-range engage potential
• Excellent vision control with E saplings
• High survivability through passive healing
• Great at setting up picks and ganks

Main Weaknesses:

• Vulnerable early game, especially against ranged champions
• Countered by Grievous Wounds
• Reliant on good vision control
• Limited damage output

Power Spikes:

• Level 2: Gains access to basic CC combo
• Level 6: Ultimate unlocks team fight potential
• Level 9: E sapling damage maximized
• Late game: Becomes extremely tanky with strong utility

Gameplay Tips:

• Place saplings in brush for maximum damage and vision control
• Start ganking at level 3 with W-Q combo
• Use ultimate from fog of war for best engage potential
• Focus on peeling for carries in team fights
• Control choke points and river for optimal fights
• Coordinate with jungler for invades

Strategic Phases: Early Game:

• Focus on brush control with saplings
• Look for level 2-3 all-ins
• Prioritize boots for roaming potential

Mid Game:

• Coordinate picks with team
• Set up vision control in enemy jungle
• Initiate objective fights with ultimate

Late Game:

• Tank for team and peel for carries
• Use ultimate frequently for picks
• Focus on teamfight presence
• Maximize brush control for ambushes

Champions with similar playstyles:

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For maximum effectiveness, coordinate with your team and focus on vision control while building tank items to enhance survivability.

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