Gnar vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Illaoi

Gnar vs Illaoi

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Control the lane by using mini form range to poke and kite Illaoi while managing Rage for mega form engages.
Deny Illaoi tentacle zones by keeping distance and avoiding her (E) angles to prevent her from forcing committed fights.

Trading pattern

Harass Illaoi in mini form using (Q) and (W) procs, then kite back with (E) before she can retaliate.
Punish Illaoi when she misses (E) by stepping forward to increase pressure or force her away from tentacles.
Commit to trades only when Rage is near full to transform and use mega form CC for follow-up.

Danger windows

Illaoi is dangerous when (E) lands near tentacles; avoid walking into her zone without (E) down.
Mega form expires: Gnar loses hard CC and durability, so avoid extended trades after transformation ends.
Mini form without (E) is vulnerable to Illaoi's all-ins; do not fight without escape available.

Early game

Use mini (Q) to chip Illaoi safely before level 6 while preserving (E) for escapes.
Avoid fighting Illaoi without mega form and (E) available to prevent her punishing all-ins.
Maintain wave control to prevent Illaoi from establishing tentacles near the minion wave.

Power spikes

Level 6: Manage Rage to enter mega form with (R) ready near terrain for impactful wall stuns and teamfight engage.
Objective fights with controlled Rage: enter mega form timed for durable engage and layered CC.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 (R) power spike when she has tentacles set up and multiple enemies commit.

Win conditions

Use mini form range and (Q) poke to chip Illaoi and deny her tentacle control.
Time mega form with full Rage near terrain to land (R) wall stun and follow up with (W) stun for decisive engages.
Keep Illaoi from establishing tentacles by controlling wave and punishing missed (E) to prevent her from forcing fights.