Prioritize stable farming and passive sustain to outscale Illaoi's early aggression and tentacle zone control.
Maintain medium lane pressure by punishing Illaoi's predictable minion movement with (Q) and (W) to deny her safe farming windows.
This is a scale-focused matchup where Cho'Gath aims to become a durable front line through (R) stacks while managing Illaoi's zone control and all-in threats.
Trading pattern
Fish for (Q) on Illaoi's last-hit attempts and immediately follow with (W) when she is locked in to punish her commitment.
Avoid trading when (Q) is on cooldown or missed to prevent Illaoi from capitalizing on your reduced threat.
Use short trades focused on cooldown windows rather than long engagements to leverage your passive sustain and avoid Illaoi's tentacle zone.
Danger windows
Be cautious when Illaoi lands (E) near tentacles, as it enables her to punish committed fights heavily.
Avoid extended trades inside Illaoi's tentacle zones, especially if (R) is available, to prevent multi-target damage and healing.
Exercise extra caution before you have tank items and multiple (R) stacks, as Illaoi's early aggression and zone control peak then.
Early game
Focus on last-hitting near minions to set up reliable (Q) knockups without overcommitting early.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 to minimize risk against Illaoi's tentacle damage and (E) pull threat.
Use (W) to silence Illaoi only when she commits, disrupting her follow-up damage and tentacle slams.
Power spikes
At level 6, use (R) to execute low-health targets and secure stacks, turning you into a durable front line that Illaoi must respect.
After multiple (R) stacks, position as a frontline zone controller forcing Illaoi to navigate your (Q) and (W) control areas.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 (R) when she commits inside tentacle zones, as it can turn fights heavily in her favor if you are caught clustered.
Win conditions
Control space with (Q) and (W) to disrupt Illaoi's farming and force her away from tentacle zones.
Survive early aggression using passive sustain and short trades, then scale through (R) stacks to become a durable front line.
Use your durability and execute threat to secure objectives and front-line teamfight control, forcing Illaoi to kite or avoid grouped fights.
Tip: For Cho'Gath vs Illaoi, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Top lane check.
