Illaoi vs Aatrox TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Aatrox

Illaoi vs Aatrox

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Use tentacle zones to force Aatrox into risky (E) spirit pulls and punish his melee approach.
Apply high lane pressure to deny Aatrox safe scaling and avoid giving him extended trades with (R).
This is a control vs snowball matchup where Illaoi must leverage zone control and (E) to dominate side-lane pressure.

Trading pattern

Fish for (E) pulls when Aatrox is forced to walk into your tentacle zone and punish with (W) and tentacle damage.
Avoid extended trades if (E) misses or tentacles are cleared, as your threat drops sharply.
Use (R) to turn multi-target fights when Aatrox commits, but never chase him far from your tentacles.

Danger windows

Beware of Aatrox chaining (Q) sweet spots with (E) repositioning and (W) slow, especially when (R) is active.
Avoid extended fights without (R) ready, as ganks and Aatrox all-ins become much safer for him.
Respect his pull (W) zone that can trap you; do not overcommit near minions where he can land it easily.

Early game

Establish tentacles early around the wave to threaten (E) and zone Aatrox from safe farming.
Avoid chasing Aatrox outside tentacle range to prevent losing trades to his (Q) sweet spots and (W) pull.
Use medium early agency to contest farm and punish missed (Q) casts with (E) and tentacle slams.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks major all-in potential; fight only inside tentacle zones and use (R) when enemies commit.
Prepared side-lane with multiple tentacles and (E) angles creates a strong zone hard for Aatrox to contest.
Respect Aatrox's level 6 (R) spike that increases his healing and chase; disengage early or burst before healing takes over.

Win conditions

Control tentacle zones and force Aatrox to farm under pressure, landing (E) to start winning trades.
Punish Aatrox's commitment after (E) pulls with (R) multi-target tentacles to secure kills or force recalls.
Use side-lane pressure and tentacle zoning to deny his scaling and snowball your lead into mid-game map control.