Gwen vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Gwen vs Illaoi

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Gwen should focus on scaling through extended trades and controlling the lane state to avoid giving Illaoi easy all-ins.
Maintain medium lane pressure to prevent Illaoi from establishing tentacle zones and forcing spirit pulls.

Trading pattern

Trade only when (Q) is stacked and (W) is ready to block Illaoi's retaliation, focusing on extended fights.
Punish Illaoi for using (E) to engage by stepping out of spirit pull range and counterattacking with (Q) and (R).
Avoid short burst trades without (Q) stacks or when (W) is down to prevent Illaoi from capitalizing on her tentacle damage.

Danger windows

Illaoi is most dangerous when (E) lands and tentacles are established; avoid walking into spirit pull range.
Gwen is vulnerable when (W) is down before Illaoi's retaliation; do not commit to trades during this window.
Beware of Illaoi's level 6 all-ins with (R) in tentacle zones; disengage promptly if caught inside her setup.

Early game

Use early waves to safely stack (Q) without committing to short trades before level 6.
Avoid fighting near Illaoi's tentacles and respect her (E) threat angles to reduce risk of spirit pulls.
Use (E) mobility to maintain spacing and avoid being locked in melee range early.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) after stacking (Q) to slow Illaoi and extend fights for kills; avoid fighting outside (W) zone.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 (R) which enables strong all-ins inside tentacle zones; disengage if caught off guard.
After Gwen's two-item AP spike, pressure side lanes and force fights where (W) can negate Illaoi's outside damage.

Win conditions

Reach item spikes and stack (Q) before committing to extended trades inside (W) to negate Illaoi's retaliation.
Use (E) for spacing and (W) to deny Illaoi's tentacle damage, forcing her to miss key trades.
Pressure side lanes and join fights where (W) protects from Illaoi's outside damage, enabling Gwen to outscale and carry.