Akali vs Gnar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Akali vs Gnar

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Akali is a high-agency melee assassin who must pressure Gnar early to deny his ranged poke and control.
Focus on using (W) to create safe windows for trades and all-ins while managing Gnar's form and Rage buildup.
This is a snowball-oriented matchup where Akali aims to outtrade and punish Gnar's cooldowns before he can engage in mega form.

Trading pattern

Start trades with (Q) poke followed by passive autos, then commit with (W) or (E) when Gnar is exposed.
Punish Gnar when his (E) is on cooldown or when he is forced to wait out your (W).
Avoid committing if Gnar has Rage near mega form or can step out of your shroud to punish.

Danger windows

Respect Gnar's mega form when Rage is full as he gains hard CC and durability, making trades risky.
Avoid fighting near walls during Gnar's mega form to reduce risk of his (R) wall stun.
Be cautious when your (W) is down, as Gnar can punish your exposed position with (Q) poke or (E) engage.

Early game

Play around level 3 power spike by unlocking (Q)-(W)-(E) combo for safer trades and all-ins.
Use (W) to safely extend trades when (E) is down or he is in mini form without Rage.
Avoid overextending early to prevent punishment when (W) is down and energy is low.

Power spikes

At level 3, use the full (Q)-(W)-(E) combo to trade safely and force Gnar back.
At level 6, track your (R) availability to execute all-ins or defensive resets; respect Gnar's mega form and CC.
After completing your first AP assassin item, increase pressure on waves and trades while watching for Gnar's counter-engage.

Win conditions

Use (W) to create safe windows for extended trades and all-ins, especially when (E) is down or Rage is low.
Snowball lane priority by punishing Gnar's cooldowns before he reaches mega form and first item spikes.
Leverage your mobility and burst to secure side-lane picks or flank pressure, denying Gnar scaling and teamfight impact.