Yasuo vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Yasuo vs Illaoi

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Use (Q) and (E) to maintain mobility around minions and control space, denying Illaoi safe tentacle zones.
Pressure Illaoi early to prevent her from establishing tentacles and forcing you into her (E) angles.
This is a snowball matchup where Yasuo must disrupt Illaoi's zone control and avoid prolonged fights near her tentacles.

Trading pattern

Stack (Q) and use (E) through minions to engage short trades, committing only if you can land your tornado knockup.
Use (W) to block (Q) tentacle smashes but respect that it won't block all damage sources.
Punish Illaoi when her (E) spirit pull misses by stepping forward for trades or wave pressure.

Danger windows

Respect (E) spirit pull range when tentacles are nearby; getting hit sets up heavy damage.
Avoid extended fights inside Illaoi's tentacle zones, especially post-level 6 when (R) can turn fights.
Be cautious when (W) and your passive shield are down, as you lack mobility and damage mitigation.

Early game

At level 2, use the unlocked (Q) plus (E) combo to trade aggressively when minions allow safe dashes.
Avoid fighting when (W) is down, as you lose key projectile defense against (Q) and tentacle slams.
Keep the wave on your side to maintain mobility and prevent Illaoi from setting up tentacles easily.

Power spikes

Level 2 unlocks your (Q)+(E) combo for stronger trades; use this window to pressure Illaoi before she sets tentacles.
Level 6 (R) enables all-ins if you secure a knockup; track this to force picks or safe disengages.
After your first item, increase pressure on Illaoi with confident trades and wave control, but watch for her defensive responses.

Win conditions

Deny Illaoi tentacle zones by controlling minion waves and using (E) mobility to avoid her (E) angles.
Use your knockup combo to force all-ins before Illaoi can commit tentacles and (R) for turnarounds.
Snowball lane dominance by punishing missed (E) and low cooldown windows, then extend pressure with side-lane or roam plays.