Nasus vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Nasus vs Illaoi

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Prioritize safe (Q) stacking early to reach your scaling threshold against Illaoi's strong zone control.
Avoid giving Illaoi a passive lane by managing wave near your side and preventing her tentacle setup.
This is a scale-versus-mid-power matchup where Nasus must survive early pressure to outscale Illaoi's mid-game threat.

Trading pattern

Trade only when the wave is on your side and (W) is ready to slow Illaoi if she walks into range.
Avoid fighting inside her tentacle zones unless you have (R) active and enough (Q) stacks to outlast her.
Punish Illaoi's missed (E) by stepping forward for short trades and stacking (Q) safely.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Illaoi lands (E) near tentacles, as this sets up strong all-in potential.
Avoid extended fights before your (R) is available, especially if Illaoi has multiple tentacles around.
Watch for (R) fights after level 6, which can turn ganks or trades deadly if you are caught in her zone.

Early game

Focus on last-hitting with (Q) near your tower to minimize (E) angles and tentacle control.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 when (R) and tentacles make fights dangerous.
Use (W) only to punish Illaoi if she overcommits without tentacle support or misses (E).

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to survive Illaoi's all-ins and force extended fights where your (Q) stacks matter.
Once you have high (Q) stacks and a defensive item, pressure side lanes to force Illaoi to respect your dueling.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 (R) spike; avoid committing when her tentacles and (R) are active to prevent lethal trades.

Win conditions

Survive early lane pressure by farming safely and stacking (Q) near your tower.
Use (W) and (R) to punish Illaoi when she overextends without tentacle support.
Reach high (Q) stacks and pressure side lanes to force Illaoi into unfavorable duels where your sustain and damage win trades.