Hey guys! Ready to smash some faces with Illaoi, the Kraken Priestess? This guide is all about Illaoi gameplay, from her core abilities to advanced strategies that will turn you into a tentacle-smashing machine. We're diving deep into how to make the most of her unique kit, dominate your lane, and carry your team to victory. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Understanding Illaoi's Abilities

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of Illaoi gameplay, let's break down her abilities. Knowing what each one does and how they synergize is crucial to playing her effectively. Illaoi's kit revolves around dealing massive damage through her tentacles, so understanding how to maximize their impact is key.

Passive: Prophet of an Elder God

Illaoi’s passive, Prophet of an Elder God, is what makes her unique. Periodically, tentacles spawn near walls around Illaoi. These tentacles remain until killed or until they despawn after a minute. These tentacles are not just for show; they are central to Illaoi's damage output and zone control. Knowing where and when tentacles will spawn is crucial for setting up your lane and preparing for skirmishes. Good Illaoi gameplay involves positioning yourself near walls to maximize tentacle spawns and control the surrounding area. Tentacles disappear if they are left alone for a duration, but you can tell how long they will last.

Q: Tentacle Smash

Tentacle Smash is your primary damage ability. Illaoi slams a tentacle down in a target direction, dealing damage to enemies hit. If Illaoi is low on health, this ability will also heal her for a percentage of the damage dealt. This is your bread-and-butter ability for farming, poking, and all-inning. In Illaoi gameplay, mastering Tentacle Smash is essential. Use it to clear waves efficiently, harass opponents in lane, and deal significant damage in team fights. The heal can also provide crucial sustain, allowing you to stay in lane longer and survive tough engagements. Using it when you have multiple enemies in range or when hitting an enemy champion is extremely important.

W: Harsh Lesson

Harsh Lesson is Illaoi's engage and burst damage tool. Illaoi leaps to a target location, smashing a tentacle down and dealing bonus physical damage. More importantly, it causes nearby tentacles to slam at the target. This ability resets Illaoi's auto-attack timer, making it useful for quick trades and burst damage. In Illaoi gameplay, Harsh Lesson is crucial for closing gaps, applying pressure, and triggering tentacle slams. Use it to engage on weakened enemies, proc your passive tentacles, and maximize your damage output. Remember to auto-attack reset with Harsh Lesson for maximum damage.

E: Test of Spirit

Test of Spirit is Illaoi's most unique ability. Illaoi sends out a skillshot that, if it hits an enemy champion, pulls their spirit towards her. If the spirit is destroyed or the target moves too far from it, the target becomes a Vessel, which spawns tentacles that attack them periodically. This ability is key to Illaoi's zone control and damage potential. Mastering Test of Spirit is a cornerstone of effective Illaoi gameplay. Use it to harass opponents, set up ganks, and create opportunities for all-ins. The Vessel effect can be devastating, especially in team fights, as it forces enemies to deal with constant tentacle slams. The spirit takes a portion of the damage that is dealt to the main target so hitting the spirit when it's close to the enemy champion can cause good harass.

R: Leap of Faith

Leap of Faith is Illaoi's ultimate ability. Illaoi leaps into the air and slams her idol into the ground, dealing damage to nearby enemies and summoning a tentacle for each enemy champion hit. During Leap of Faith, Illaoi is untargetable, and her tentacles slam faster and are untargetable as well. This ability is a game-changer in team fights and can quickly turn the tide of battle. Unleashing Leap of Faith at the right moment is what separates good Illaoi gameplay from great Illaoi gameplay. Use it when surrounded by enemies to maximize tentacle spawns, deal massive damage, and become virtually unkillable. The faster tentacle slams can quickly decimate enemy teams, especially in close-quarters combat.

Mastering Illaoi's Laning Phase

The laning phase is where Illaoi can truly shine. Her ability to control the lane with tentacles and punish enemies who get too close makes her a formidable opponent. Here’s how to dominate your lane as Illaoi:

Early Game

In the early game, focus on farming and setting up your tentacles. Use Tentacle Smash to clear waves and poke enemies who try to contest the wave. Be mindful of your mana, as spamming abilities can quickly drain your resources. Position yourself near walls to maximize tentacle spawns and create a safe zone for yourself. Avoid overextending early on, as Illaoi is vulnerable to ganks without her ultimate. If you do get ganked try using your E on one of the champions to get in some damage, then if they dive, ult.

Mid Game

As you approach the mid-game, start looking for opportunities to use Test of Spirit to harass your opponent. If you land it, punish them severely by attacking the spirit and forcing them to become a Vessel. Use Harsh Lesson to engage on weakened enemies and secure kills. Continue to farm and maintain lane control, but also be aware of opportunities to roam and help your team. This is around the time that you should have completed one or two of your core items. Use this time to start applying a lot of pressure in your lane with your damage.

Late Game

In the late game, Illaoi becomes a monster in team fights. Use Leap of Faith to turn the tide of battle and decimate enemy teams. Focus on protecting your carries and peeling for them with your tentacles. Be mindful of your positioning and avoid getting caught out alone. If you are stronger than the enemy laner try split pushing and drawing the enemy team to you and waste their time. When they go away, take towers and keep pushing your advantage.

Item Builds and Rune Setups

Choosing the right items and runes is crucial for optimizing your Illaoi gameplay. Here are some recommended builds and setups:

Core Items

• Black Cleaver: Reduces armor on hit, increasing damage for you and your team.
• Sterak's Gage: Provides a shield and tenacity, increasing survivability.
• Spirit Visage: Boosts healing and magic resistance, synergizing with Illaoi's Q.

Situational Items

• Deadman's Plate: Provides armor, movement speed, and a slow on hit, useful for chasing down enemies.
• Gargoyle Stoneplate: Provides armor and magic resistance, and activates a shield, enhancing survivability in team fights.
• Thornmail: Reflects damage and applies grievous wounds, countering healing-heavy comps.

Rune Setups

• Primary (Resolve): Grasp of the Undying, Demolish, Conditioning, Overgrowth
• Secondary (Inspiration): Magical Footwear, Approach Velocity

Advanced Illaoi Tips and Tricks

Ready to take your Illaoi gameplay to the next level? Here are some advanced tips and tricks to help you dominate your games:

• Tentacle Placement: Position yourself near walls to maximize tentacle spawns and control the surrounding area. Use your tentacles to zone enemies and create safe zones for yourself.
• Spirit Management: Use Test of Spirit to harass enemies and set up ganks. Focus on attacking the spirit to maximize damage and force enemies to become Vessels.
• Ultimate Timing: Unleash Leap of Faith at the right moment to turn the tide of battle and decimate enemy teams. Be mindful of your positioning and avoid getting caught out alone.
• Harsh Lesson Reset: Remember that Harsh Lesson resets Illaoi's auto-attack timer, allowing you to deal burst damage quickly. Use it to engage on weakened enemies and secure kills.
• Combo potential: You can cast your W before your Q so that you can get both abilities off at nearly the same time. If you have a spirit on the enemy you can use E>W>Q for a lot of damage.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to Illaoi gameplay that will help you become a tentacle-smashing master. Remember to practice your abilities, master your laning phase, and choose the right items and runes for your playstyle. With a little practice and dedication, you'll be carrying your team to victory in no time. Now get out there and show them the power of the Kraken Priestess! Have fun on the rift!