Gragas vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Gragas vs Illaoi

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Control the lane by using short trades and passive sustain to deny Illaoi safe tentacle zones.
Manage wave state to avoid letting Illaoi set up tentacles that force you into (E) angles.
This is a control vs splitpush matchup where Gragas must prevent Illaoi from establishing zone dominance.

Trading pattern

Take compact trades by preparing (W), landing (E) when Illaoi commits, then disengage with passive healing.
Punish Illaoi whenever she misses (E) by stepping forward to trade or pressure the wave.
Use (Q) to zone and slow Illaoi, limiting her ability to walk into tentacle range safely.

Danger windows

Illaoi is most dangerous when (E) lands near tentacles and she forces melee fights inside her zone.
Avoid fighting near multiple tentacles especially after level 6 when (R) is ready.
Be cautious after missing (E) yourself, as you lose both engage and escape options temporarily.

Early game

Use (Q) to slow and poke Illaoi before she can set tentacles around the wave.
Avoid committing (E) unless you have passive sustain and (W) ready to survive her retaliation.
Focus on short trades and wave control to prevent Illaoi from gaining tentacle pressure.

Power spikes

Level 3 unlocks your full trade combo with (E) stun and (W) damage reduction; use this to pressure Illaoi.
Level 6 (R) allows you to disrupt Illaoi's all-ins by displacing her or isolating her from tentacles.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 (R) power spike where she can turn fights with multi-target tentacles; avoid committing when (R) is up.

Win conditions

Win by controlling short trades around your passive and (W), denying Illaoi tentacle setups.
Use (R) to disengage or isolate Illaoi when she commits to all-ins, preventing her from leveraging tentacles.
Maintain lane control to prevent Illaoi from establishing zones, then transition to teamfights where your disruptive (R) shines.