Illaoi Champion Guide: Top Lane Domination Strategy (Patch 15.4.1)

Illaoi Champion Guide: Top Lane Domination Strategy (Patch 15.4.1)

By Marcus Chen

February 25, 2025 at 02:57 AM

Prophet of an ancient god, Illaoi uses her powerful tentacles to dominate the top lane through aggressive pushing and strong 1v1 potential.

Core Strengths

  • Exceptional duelist and split pusher
  • Can win 1v3 or 1v4 situations when enemies engage
  • Strong lane bully with significant mid-game damage
  • Excels at taking towers and pushing waves

Primary Playstyle Push lanes aggressively, secure objectives, and force enemies to respond to your pressure. Illaoi thrives when enemies engage into her zone of control.

Ability Priority Situational max order between Q and E:

  • E max: Better against melee matchups where you can consistently land E
  • Q max: Preferred versus ranged champions or mobile opponents who can dodge E
  • W max second
  • R when available

Core Build Path Starting Items:

  • Doran's Blade + Health Potion
  • Corrupting Potion (alternative)

Core Items:

  1. Divine Sunderer/Trinity Force
  2. Black Cleaver
  3. Death's Dance
  4. Sterak's Gage

Situational Items:

  • Spirit Visage (vs AP)
  • Thornmail (vs heavy AD/healing)
  • Guardian Angel (late game insurance)
  • Maw of Malmortius (vs burst AP)

Key Weaknesses

  • Limited range
  • Vulnerable to kiting
  • Team fight effectiveness depends on setup
  • Requires proper positioning around tentacles

Tips for Success

  1. Set up tentacles before fights
  2. Use E to create pressure and zone enemies
  3. Save ultimate for when enemies commit to fighting
  4. Focus on split pushing and drawing pressure
  5. Use your tentacles to control objective areas

Master these fundamentals and you'll become a formidable force in the top lane, capable of creating constant pressure and winning seemingly impossible fights.

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