Illaoi vs Darius TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Darius

Illaoi vs Darius

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Use tentacle zones to force Darius into risky (E) pulls and punish with (E) yourself.
Pressure early to deny Darius extended passive stacks and avoid giving him lane control.
This is a control vs snowball matchup where Illaoi must leverage side-lane tentacle setups and avoid long trades that favor Darius.

Trading pattern

Do not chase Darius; bait him into your tentacle range and punish with (E) and (W) tentacle slams.
Punish missed (E) pulls from Darius by stepping forward aggressively and forcing tentacle damage.
After landing (E), commit to trades only if multiple tentacles are active and (R) is available for all-in potential.

Danger windows

Be cautious when (E) pull is up as it can initiate lethal trades if you step too close.
Avoid extended trades after Darius stacks five passive bleeds and when his (R) execute is available.
When (R) is down, be aware that ganks become safer for the enemy; position accordingly to avoid overcommitment.

Early game

Establish tentacles early around the wave to create zones Darius must respect.
Avoid extended melee trades before level 6 where Darius stacks passive and heals with (Q).
Use (E) to pull Darius's spirit when he steps forward, forcing him to respect your zone and trade on your terms.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to turn committed melee fights into kill opportunities inside your tentacle zone.
When multiple tentacles are established, pressure Darius to force him to clear them or risk losing wave control.
Respect Darius's level 6 (R) execute window by avoiding extended trades when low on health or without tentacle support.

Win conditions

Control tentacle zones to force Darius into unfavorable (E) pulls and punish with your (E).
Land (E) to initiate trades and follow up with (W) and (R) when Darius is committed inside your zone.
Use side-lane pressure and tentacle zoning to deny Darius safe farming and force him into risky all-ins you can win.