01 / Illaoi
At a glance
Learn Illaoi abilities and prepare your first games. Find builds for each supported role.
02
Strengths & weaknesses
Tools to play around
- Tentacle SmashContributes damage to the champion’s rotation.
- Harsh LessonOffers a movement tool for positioning.
What can go wrong
- Tentacle SmashPractise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
- Harsh LessonDecide where you want to finish the movement before casting. Using mobility to enter a fight can leave fewer options to retreat.
- A completed combo is only useful when your position, resources and follow-up are safe.
03
Abilities & tips
Open an ability to read its effect and a practical use tip.
PProphet of an Elder God
Illaoi and the Vessels she creates spawn Tentacles on nearby impassible terrain. Tentacles swing at spirits, Vessels, and victims of Illaoi's Harsh lesson. Tentacles deal physical damage to enemies hit, and will heal Illaoi if they damage a champion.
Practise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
QTentacle Smash
Increases the damage dealt by Tentacles. When activated, Illaoi smashes down a Tentacle that deals physical damage.
Practise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
WHarsh Lesson
Illaoi leaps to her target, dealing physical damage and causing nearby Tentacles to also swing at the target.
Decide where you want to finish the movement before casting. Using mobility to enter a fight can leave fewer options to retreat.
ETest of Spirit
Illaoi rips the spirit from a foe's body, forcing it to stand before her. Spirits echo a percentage of the damage they take to the original target. If killed, or if the target gets too far from the spirit, the target will become a Vessel and begin spawning Tentacles.
Practise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
RLeap of Faith
Illaoi smashes her idol into the ground, dealing physical damage to nearby enemies. A Tentacle spawns for each enemy champion hit.
Practise the hit area and target conditions first. Do not spend the rest of your rotation automatically when the opening damage misses.
Illaoi combos: execution and timing
AA = basic attack · EAA = empowered attack · 1/2/3 = cast stage. Follow the order, not instant key presses.
Follow up with Test of Spirit
- E
- AA
- W
- Q
- AA
With Illaoi, start with Test of Spirit, then continue through Basic attack → Harsh Lesson → Tentacle Smash → Basic attack. After Test of Spirit connects, decide whether the spirit or the champion is your safe damage target. Check nearby tentacles before following with Harsh Lesson.
05
Game plan by role
Illaoi · Top
Keep trades short until you understand the opponent’s main cooldown. Check the minion wave before chasing and preserve a route back to your tower.
Decide between a side-lane push and joining the next objective. Push only as far as your vision and teammate positions allow.
Agree on your job before the fight: pressure a side, threaten a target or protect a carry. Save a key defensive tool when the enemy can turn on you.
Before your next fight, check: Tentacle Smash · Leap of Faith · Combos
06
Matchup preparation
Compare opponents in the build for the role you are actually playing. Then check their key control, escape and defensive spells before choosing your trade.
07
Practice checklist
- Cast each ability alone and identify its range, target conditions and stopping point.
- Practise the first sequence slowly. Repeat it while moving, without skipping the conditions shown on its card.
- After each attempt, identify the spell you would still have available to defend or retreat.
08
Illaoi · Builds & runes
Choose a role, then select your rank on the build page for runes, items, skill order and matchup statistics.