Combos to practise with Maokai
AA = basic attack · EAA = empowered attack · 1/2/3 = cast or stage. Arrows indicate order, not instant presses.
Training sequence 1
W
Q- AA
Begin with the first action, confirm its effect, then progress through the sequence. Stop if its prerequisite or retreat route is missing.
Checks before practising
- Confirm the opening control or slow connects before committing the follow-up.
Training sequence 2
E- W
- AA
- Q
- AA
Begin with the first action, confirm its effect, then progress through the sequence. Stop if its prerequisite or retreat route is missing.
These are practical learning sequences, not a promise of a kill in every matchup. Gameplay reference
Game plan for Maokai
Early game
Use a completed control spell to create a short trade, then reset your position. Keep enough health to contest the next wave or objective.
Team fights
Choose between starting a fight and protecting your carry. Hold a control spell for an enemy diver when your back line is vulnerable.
Mistake to avoid
Engaging outside your allies’ reach and spending every control spell at once.
Learn Maokai abilities and prepare your first games. Find builds for each supported role.
Learn the champion’s kit
In the practice tool, cast each ability separately and check its range, targeting and effect. Read the passive before practising a sequence: it can change how attacks and spells work together.
P · Sap Magic
Maokai's basic attack also heals him and deals additional damage on a moderate cooldown. Each time Maokai casts a spell or is struck by an enemy's spell, this cooldown is reduced.
Q · Bramble Smash
Maokai knocks back nearby enemies with a shockwave, dealing magic damage and slowing them.
Rank-one cooldown : 7 secondsW · Twisted Advance
Maokai contorts into a mass of moving roots, becoming untargetable and dashing to the target. Upon arrival, he roots the target.
Rank-one cooldown : 14 secondsE · Sapling Toss
Maokai flings a sapling to the target area to stand guard. More effective in brush.
Rank-one cooldown : 18 seconds
R · Nature's Grasp
Maokai summons a colossal wall of brambles and thorns that slowly advances forwards, damaging and rooting any enemies in the path.
Rank-one cooldown : 130 secondsAbilities: Riot Games Data Dragon 16.20.1. Descriptions may change with balance updates.
Practice before ranked
First test each spell against a target dummy. Identify the skill you need to escape or survive before spending it offensively. Check alternate forms or empowered casts in the game too. Practise a sequence slowly, then repeat it while moving.
Before you engage
Check the enemy’s control and escape spells, your health and resources, ally position and retreat path. An available ultimate is not by itself a reason to commit.
Review your first games
Review one missed spell, one unnecessary death and one lost objective. Practise the specific mistake before adding complex sequences. Start with the role you intend to play.
Choose your role and build
Compare the build, rune page, skill priority and matchups for your role. Later purchases depend on the enemy team.
These guides explain gameplay basics. Build pages contain the selected patch, role and rank statistics.