Akali vs Mel MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Akali

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Mid

Mel

Akali vs Mel

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Akali must leverage her high early agency to pressure Mel and deny her ranged poke and mark setup.
Prioritize lane priority to prevent Mel from farming safely and applying mark pressure for her (R).

Trading pattern

Start trades with (Q) poke and passive autos, then commit harder using (W) shroud and (E) engage when Mel is exposed.
Respect (W) timing; avoid casting key projectiles into (W) to prevent damage reflection.
Punish Mel if she wastes (W) early or misses (E) root by engaging immediately to force cooldowns and pressure.

Danger windows

Respect (W) reflect window; avoid committing when (W) is available to prevent damage reversal.
Stay mobile to dodge (E) root, which sets up her poke and follow-up damage.
Avoid prolonged fights when marked and low health to reduce risk of lethal (R) detonation.

Early game

Use level 3 power spike to trade aggressively with (Q)-(W)-(E) combo while (W) provides safety against Mel's poke.
Avoid extended trades when (W) is down to prevent being punished by Mel's poke and (E) root.
Manage energy to keep ability access for trades and escapes, especially around (W) cooldown.

Power spikes

Use level 3 unlock of (Q)-(W)-(E) combo to establish lane dominance and force Mel onto defensive.
Track Mel's level 6 (R) and first mage item power spike; avoid forcing fights when these are available.
After first completed AP assassin item, increase pressure on waves and trades while respecting Mel's defensive tools.

Win conditions

Use (W) to create safe zones for extended trades and all-ins, especially after level 3 power spike.
Punish (W) and (E) cooldowns by engaging aggressively during those windows to deny mark pressure.
Deny Mel free farm and mark buildup to prevent her from safely using (R) for kills and snowballing the lane.