Illaoi vs Gangplank TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Gangplank

Illaoi vs Gangplank

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Use your tentacle zones to force Gangplank into risky positions and deny him safe barrel setups.
Control the wave and pressure early to prevent Gangplank from comfortably farming and scaling.
This is a control vs scale matchup where you must leverage your zone control to disrupt his scaling.

Trading pattern

Fish for (E) pulls when Gangplank is near your tentacles to force committed trades.
Avoid chasing him out of your tentacle zone, especially if barrels are placed defensively.
Punish Gangplank's barrel cooldowns by engaging when his (E) chain threat is down.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Gangplank has a primed barrel chain ready to detonate near you.
Respect (W) heal and cleanse, which can deny your (E) follow-ups and sustain him in trades.
Avoid fighting without tentacles or when your (R) is down to reduce risk from ganks and extended trades.

Early game

Establish tentacles around the wave early to create threat zones before Gangplank can set barrels.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 unless you have tentacle pressure and can land (E).
Use (E) to punish Gangplank when he steps forward to farm barrels or poke with (Q).

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to turn multi-target fights and punish Gangplank if he commits near your tentacles.
After you establish multiple tentacles, pressure Gangplank to force him to clear them or risk (E) trades.
Respect Gangplank's level 6 (R) global slow and avoid extended fights when it is available.

Win conditions

Control tentacle zones to force Gangplank into unfavorable trades and deny barrel setups.
Land (E) to pull his spirit and follow up with (W) and (R) in tentacle zones for decisive all-ins.
Use your superior zone control and (R) multi-target damage to punish Gangplank's scaling attempts and turn side-lane fights in your favor.