Okay, let’s talk about Illaoi. No, really. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already seen her wrecking the top lane or maybe you’ve just been curious about how a priestess with tentacles can do so much damage. I remember the first time I picked her up. My lane opponents? Complete chaos. My build? Well, let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. But now, after a few hundred games (and a lot of dying), I can safely say I’ve cracked the code to Illaoi’s true potential.
Illaoi is one of those champions who thrives on punishing mistakes, and if you make a mistake, prepare for a tentacle slam to the face. She’s not just a bruiser; she’s a psychological weapon. And while Illaoi build can vary, there are a few must-have items that will make you feel like a top lane god.
The Basics of Illaoi
When you first pick up Illaoi, the concept might seem a little strange. She’s got tentacles, she yanks souls from enemies, and she slams the ground in a way that makes you feel like you’re playing some kind of horror game. But trust me, once you get the hang of her, you’ll find that she’s one of the most satisfying champions to play in the entire roster.
Why You Should Play Illaoi
Alright, hear me out. Illaoi is like that one friend who’s always quiet at first, but when they speak up, you realize you’ve been missing out. Here’s why Illaoi is worth your time:
- Her passive, Prophet of an Elder God, makes her an absolute lane bully. Tentacles pop up to smack enemies, and it’s not just for show.
- Illaoi build thrives on maximizing her ability to poke and punish. If you’re into dominating your lane and feeling like a beast while doing it, Illaoi is your champ.
- Her sustain in lane is crazy good. I remember thinking, “How is she healing that much?” Spoiler: tentacles.
You’ll want to be prepared because she’s not one of those “press a button and win” champions. Nope. She’s a little more complex. But hey, who doesn’t love a good challenge, right?
Illaoi’s Abilities: What You Need to Know
To really become a beast with Illaoi, you’ve got to get cozy with her kit. It’s not just about hitting buttons. No, no. You’ve gotta learn timing, positioning, and all the little tricks she can pull off.
Passive – Prophet of an Elder God
Okay, I’m going to be blunt here—this passive is a game-changer. Illaoi gets tentacles. Everywhere. Like a squid with a vendetta. These tentacles spawn on walls and just… wait for it… slam the heck out of enemies near them. The best part? You don’t even have to be there to control them! They do their own thing. The first time you land a Tentacle Smash and see the tentacle just wreck someone? Yeah. It’s as satisfying as that first sip of coffee in the morning.
Q – Tentacle Smash
This ability? Classic. Simple. And I love it. Illaoi swings a tentacle (not even kidding) in a line, damaging all enemies in its path. It’s a great poke tool. I mean, sure, it feels a little awkward at first—swinging a tentacle like it’s a baseball bat—but once you get the rhythm, it’s just a smooth, satisfying poke.
W – Harsh Lesson
If you’re looking for some burst damage, this is it. Illaoi’s W empowers her next auto-attack, causing all nearby tentacles to smack the living daylights out of whatever is unfortunate enough to be in range. It’s like when you realize you’ve got the perfect burger bite, and everything lines up—buns, cheese, and the perfect amount of mustard. You just get it.
E – Test of Spirit
I still remember the first time I used Test of Spirit. I pulled that spirit out, and for half a second, I thought, “What the heck just happened?” You yank an enemy spirit out of their body, tether it, and deal damage if you hit it. It’s the closest thing to League of Legends having an exorcism mechanic. And when you manage to kill that spirit? It’s like the game gives you a standing ovation, with tentacles spawning to wreck your enemies.
R – Leap of Faith
And then there’s her ultimate. Leap of Faith is a god-tier move, and if you pull it off right, you can wipe the floor with anyone around you. You leap into the air like some demigod, slam down, and BOOM—tentacles everywhere. The damage is insane, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hit a bunch of enemies at once.
Illaoi Build: What to Buy
Now that we’ve covered the basics of Illaoi, let’s talk about the illaoi build. After all, it’s not enough to just spam abilities and hope for the best. You need items that maximize her tankiness and damage. Let’s break it down.
Core Items
- Divine Sunderer – This item should basically be in every Illaoi build. It gives you that sweet sustain and bonus damage to deal with tanks. Trust me, it’s like giving her a power-up. A big one.
- Sterak’s Gage – Helps with survivability and adds bonus AD. You’ll need this when the going gets tough.
- Death’s Dance – For when you want to keep fighting and never stop. The sustain is fantastic for Illaoi, especially in extended fights.
Boots: Your Choices
- Plated Steelcaps – When the enemy team is heavy on AD, this is your go-to. Makes you tankier and harder to kill.
- Mercury’s Treads – If you’re dealing with a lot of CC, these boots are a lifesaver. You’ll feel like a rock in a sea of people trying to stop you.
Situational Items
- Thornmail – When the enemy has a lot of healing, this item shuts them down.
- Spirit Visage – Boosts healing, so it’s a solid pick if you’re playing a long, drawn-out fight.
- Hullbreaker – If you’re split-pushing, this item turns you into a one-person wrecking ball.
How to Play Illaoi in Lane
Let’s talk lane phase, because this is where Illaoi shines. You’ve got tentacles, poke, and the ability to heal yourself. So, how do you win your lane? Easy. Here are some tips I wish someone had told me when I started out:
- Place those passive tentacles near the bushes. It gives you extra damage and makes it harder for enemies to engage without getting hit.
- Use Test of Spirit on the enemy jungler if you know they’re about to gank. It’ll mess up their day and give you vision.
- Harsh Lesson is your go-to for trades. If you time it right, you can make short work of anyone who tries to trade with you.
Mid-Game: Roaming and Teamfights
Once you’ve built a couple of items from your illaoi build, it’s time to start roaming. You’ve got the power to take on other lanes and help your team. And when it comes to teamfights? Oh, that’s where Illaoi excels. You’ll want to use your ultimate strategically. Wait for the enemy team to clump together, then BAM—Leap of Faith.
If you hit multiple targets, you’re in the driver’s seat. Your tentacles will go wild, and your team will thank you later.
Bullet Points: Tips for Teamfights
- Wait for the enemy to clump. Timing is key with Illaoi’s R.
- Focus on pulling the spirit of their tankiest member to make it harder for them to engage.
- Position yourself near walls to maximize tentacle hits.
Countering and Synergies: Who Works Well With Illaoi?
Okay, we’ve talked about Illaoi’s power. But who can she actually work with, and who does she need to avoid?
Good Synergies
- Yuumi – Need more sustain? Yuumi’s your girl. She can heal you while you go to town with tentacles.
- Jarvan IV – His knock-up keeps enemies locked in place for Illaoi’s R. It’s a match made in heaven.
- Malphite – His ultimate leads to a perfect setup for Illaoi’s Leap of Faith.
Bad Matchups
- Teemo – You can’t hit him, and he’ll poke you to death. He’s a nightmare.
- Fiora – She’ll parry your R and destroy your plans. Not fun.
A Quick Summary: The Best Illaoi Build and Playstyle
Here’s the rundown: Illaoi is a top lane bruiser who thrives in extended fights. Her illaoi build should focus on damage and tankiness, making her a terrifying force when built correctly. She excels at punishing mistakes and has great sustain in lane. Just make sure you know when to pick fights, use your abilities wisely, and wait for the perfect moment to unleash Leap of Faith.
