Gangplank vs Akali TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Akali

Gangplank vs Akali

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Prioritize controlling barrel zones to deny Akali safe all-in windows and scale safely.
Manage lane pressure to avoid giving Akali free early trades or roam opportunities.
This is a scale-versus-snowball matchup where Gangplank must survive early aggression and leverage global pressure.

Trading pattern

Trade short with (Q) and passive autos when barrels are set and (W) is down.
Punish Akali immediately after she uses (W) by stepping forward and threatening barrel chains.
Avoid trades when barrels are not primed or (W) is on cooldown to prevent being burst down.

Danger windows

Akali is most dangerous when (W) is active and (E) recast is available; avoid extended trades during this window.
Be vulnerable when barrels are cleared or (W) is down; play cautiously until barrels are reset.
Watch for Akali's level 6 (R) all-in attempts and hold (W) for cleansing key crowd control or burst.

Early game

Use (Q) to farm and poke while maintaining barrel control to discourage Akali's engage.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 when (W) and (E) combo is strongest.
Save (W) to cleanse Akali's burst or crowd control attempts, not for minor poke.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to influence fights globally, slow Akali's engages, and protect yourself from all-ins.
After reaching critical item thresholds, set up barrel chains to maximize damage and zone Akali.
Respect Akali's level 3 power spike when she unlocks (Q)-(W)-(E) combo and avoid giving her clean trade windows.

Win conditions

Control the lane by maintaining barrel zones and using (Q) poke to deny Akali safe trades.
Scale into your critical barrel damage and leverage (R) for global pressure to assist side lanes.
Punish Akali's cooldowns, especially when (W) is down, to secure kills or force her out of lane.