Best Illaoi counters in LoL

If you frequently play top lane, you are probably aware of the challenge posed by Illaoi. Here are the top LoL champions you should pick to counter her.

Image Credit: Riot Games

Illaoi Counters in LoL – Top Three Picks

Illaoi is notoriously difficult to handle in the top lane, as any player who has faced her can attest. She not only boasts impressive tankiness but also possesses high outplay potential with her ultimate and sustain abilities. For melee champions, she is one of the most challenging opponents to face.

Given the extensive champion pool in the game, we have compiled a list of the best Illaoi counters, detailing why these picks are effective and providing strategies on how to play against her.

If you are new to the game, check out our guide on how counter picks function in League of Legends. Understanding the importance of counter picks and knowing how to leverage them can enhance your win rate. Familiarize yourself with class counters in LoL to always make the right pick in each match.

Kayle – Embrace the Scaling Game

Illaoi requires time to scale up by increasing resistances and leveling her abilities. Kayle follows a similar scaling pattern. While most champions would dominate Kayle in the laning phase, she has a favorable matchup against Illaoi. As the game progresses, Kayle will outshine Illaoi in damage output and sustained damage. With Kayle’s ultimate available, there is no kill threat from Illaoi. It’s a waiting game: focus on farming, and victory will come naturally.

Gwen – A Worthy Alternative to Kayle

If Kayle doesn’t suit your playstyle, Gwen is an excellent alternative. Gwen scales similarly to Kayle but offers enhanced split push potential. A skilled Gwen player should come out ahead in the matchup, but avoid making aggressive plays without sufficient itemization. Ideally, aim for at least three items before confronting Illaoi.

Mordekaiser – The Lane Counter

One of the most effective lane counters against Illaoi is Mordekaiser. He capitalizes on Illaoi’s lack of mobility as a sturdy frontline champion and can mitigate her damage by isolating her from the tentacles in the Death Realm. By timing abilities correctly, Mordekaiser can neutralize Illaoi’s sustain and damage output. The key is to bait out Illaoi’s ultimate before utilizing Mordekaiser’s own ultimate.

Illaoi’s Worst Counters

Riven – A Tough Matchup

Riven is not a recommended pick if you aim to win the lane against Illaoi. Illaoi’s early sustain and tankiness make it challenging for Riven to secure kills later in the game. Unless Riven gains a substantial lead, Illaoi will likely prevail even if she falls behind in farm or experience.

Ornn – Ineffective Against Illaoi

This matchup is particularly unfavorable. Illaoi’s %HP damage from her E ability poses a significant threat to Ornn, who lacks mobility. Additionally, Illaoi’s sustain capabilities outmatch Ornn’s damage output. While Ornn’s passive may benefit team scaling, in most cases, it’s best to avoid picking him against Illaoi.

Countering Illaoi with Items

When facing Illaoi, prioritize building resistances and anti-sustain items. Consider the following item choices based on your champion’s class:

• Bruisers: Executioner’s Calling, Sterak
• AD assassins: Guardian’s Angel
• ADC champions: Guardian’s Angel, Mortal Reminder
• AP champions: Zhonya’s Hourglass
• Tanks: Thornmail, Warden’s Mail, Hullbreaker

Champion Counters to Illaoi

The top three counters to Illaoi are Kayle, Gwen, and Mordekaiser. Other strong counters include Sett, Garen, and Aatrox.

Does Darius Counter Illaoi?

The Darius vs. Illaoi matchup favors Darius early on due to his superior short trades and passive damage output. However, if the game progresses, Illaoi can outduel Darius by landing a significant ultimate and negating his Noxian Guillotine execution damage with her sustain. Overall, it is a skill-based matchup that hinges on Darius snowballing early.