Illaoi vs Poppy TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

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Illaoi

VS

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Poppy

Illaoi vs Poppy

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

This is a control vs control top lane where Illaoi must establish tentacle zones to force Poppy into difficult angles.
Illaoi should pressure the wave to deny Poppy safe farming and avoid letting her scale comfortably.
Focus on splitpushing and punishing Poppy's low mobility and reliance on terrain for her engage.

Trading pattern

Trade only when Poppy is forced to enter tentacle range and (E) is ready to land spirit pulls.
Use (W) to slam tentacles immediately after (E) hits for maximum damage and healing.
Avoid extended trades if (E) misses or tentacles are cleared, as Poppy can punish Illaoi's low mobility then.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Poppy holds (W) to block dashes; avoid engaging without a clear way to land (E).
Respect (E) wall stun near terrain; avoid fighting close to walls where she can lock you down.
If (R) is available on Poppy, avoid committing to fights that allow her to knock you away or isolate you.

Early game

Prioritize setting up tentacles around the wave early to create zones Poppy must respect.
Use (E) to pull Poppy's spirit when she tries to farm near tentacles and punish her low mobility.
Avoid chasing Poppy far from tentacles to prevent losing your zone control and vulnerability to her (E) wall stun.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to turn all-ins when multiple tentacles are active and Poppy commits to fights.
Establish multiple tentacles in side lanes to create strong zone control and force Poppy to choose between wave control or risking (E).
Respect Poppy's level 6 (R) knockaway to avoid bad fights; bait it before committing to all-ins.

Win conditions

Win by controlling tentacle zones and forcing Poppy into losing trades with well-timed (E) pulls.
Punish Poppy's reliance on terrain by fighting in open areas where her (E) is less effective.
Use (R) to turn multi-target fights and ganks into favorable all-ins, enabling strong side-lane pressure and splitpush dominance.