Focus on short trades using (Q) silence and (E) spin to chip Illaoi before backing off for passive recovery.
Avoid extended fights inside Illaoi's tentacle zones where she can punish with (E) and (R).
This is a control vs splitpush matchup where Garen must deny Illaoi’s tentacle zone control and execute low-health targets to maintain lane presence.
Trading pattern
Engage with (Q) to silence Illaoi and immediately follow with (E) for burst, then disengage before her tentacles can respond.
Punish Illaoi when her (E) is on cooldown or missed to force her away from tentacle zones.
Avoid chasing Illaoi into her tentacle setup; instead, reset trades quickly to leverage your passive regeneration.
Danger windows
Illaoi’s (E) landing near tentacles creates a high threat window; avoid fighting inside her zone during this time.
Extended trades after your (Q) and (E) end leave you vulnerable to Illaoi’s tentacle damage and (R).
Be cautious of Illaoi’s level 6 all-in with (R) when multiple tentacles are active, especially if you are low on health.
Early game
Use early levels to establish short trades with (Q) and (E) while avoiding tentacle range.
Maintain a stable wave to prevent Illaoi from setting up tentacles and forcing you into her zone.
Avoid prolonged trades before level 6 as Illaoi’s (E) can punish overcommitment and tentacles amplify her damage.
Power spikes
Level 6: Use (R) execute to finish off Illaoi after chipping her health with short trades.
First bruiser/tank item: Increases your durability to survive Illaoi’s burst and extended trades.
Respect Illaoi’s level 6 (R) which can turn fights if you commit inside her tentacle zone; disengage if caught in her all-in.
Win conditions
Use short trades with (Q) silence and (E) to chip Illaoi’s health and force her out of tentacle zones.
Preserve health to create execute windows with (R) after level 6.
Deny Illaoi’s tentacle control by clearing them quickly and avoid extended fights inside her zone to maintain lane control and scale into side-lane durability.
Tip: For Garen vs Illaoi, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Top lane check.
