Gnar vs Akali TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Akali

Gnar vs Akali

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

This is a control vs snowball matchup where Gnar must manage Rage to time Mega form for key fights and avoid Akali's burst windows.
Gnar should pressure lane with ranged poke to deny Akali calm scaling and prevent her from safely using (W) to extend trades.

Trading pattern

Trade short-range poke in mini form using (Q) and (W) while preserving (E) for escape.
Punish Akali when her (W) is down by stepping forward for quick trades or wave pressure.
Commit to Mega form trades only when Rage is near full and terrain allows you to maximize (R) crowd control.

Danger windows

Respect (W) shroud as her safest trading window; avoid committing inside or during its duration.
Avoid fighting in mini form without (E) available, as Akali can punish your lack of mobility.
Be cautious when Rage is low and Mega form is unavailable, as you lose hard CC and durability against Akali's burst.

Early game

Use mini form (Q) and (W) to poke Akali and keep her from comfortably using (W) for trades.
Avoid extended trades when your (E) is down to not get caught by (E) engage.
Maintain spacing to kite Akali and force her to commit under unfavorable conditions before transforming.

Power spikes

Level 6 Mega form (R) is your major spike; manage Rage to transform with crowd control near terrain and force fights.
Akali's level 3 unlock of (Q)-(W)-(E) combo demands respect; avoid giving her space to engage cleanly.
After Akali completes her first AP item, increase pressure on waves and trades while tracking her cooldowns carefully.

Win conditions

Use mini form ranged poke and kiting to deny Akali safe scaling and force her to use (W) defensively.
Time Mega form with near-full Rage and terrain advantage to engage with (R) stun and convert fights or dives.
Control wave state to set up side-lane pressure and teamfight presence, leveraging your durable Mega form and crowd control.