Mordekaiser must control the lane by forcing extended trades where his passive and (W) shield sustain outvalue Akali's burst and mobility.
Prioritize denying Akali safe windows created by her (W) by maintaining wave control and threat of (E) pull to limit her aggressive all-in attempts.
Trading pattern
Start trades by threatening (E) to pull Akali in, then hit isolated (Q) to maximize damage and force her to fight inside your passive range.
Avoid engaging when (E) is on cooldown or Akali is safely inside her (W) shroud; wait for it to expire or for her to commit with (E).
Extend trades only when your (W) shield is charged and passive is active to sustain through her burst and poke.
Danger windows
Akali is most dangerous when her (W) is active, providing stealth and safe trading windows; avoid committing during this time.
Her (E) recast is a major commit point; respect this by disengaging or preparing to counter if you cannot land (E) pull.
Be cautious immediately after missing (E) pull, as your engage threat and extended trade damage significantly drop.
Early game
Use early wave pressure to keep Akali close and threaten (E) pulls before she hits level 3 power spike.
Avoid walking forward without (E) ready, as missing it reduces your ability to force trades.
Focus on slow, extended trades when passive is active to outlast Akali's burst before level 6.
Power spikes
At level 6, use (R) after landing or threatening (E) to isolate Akali and force a duel she cannot kite effectively.
First AP bruiser item completion strengthens your sustained damage and survivability; force longer trades when wave and (E) pressure keep Akali nearby.
Respect Akali's level 3 unlock of (Q)-(W)-(E) combo and her level 6 (R) by holding key cooldowns and positioning to avoid her burst windows.
Win conditions
Use wave and (E) pull pressure to force Akali into extended trades where your passive and (W) shield give you the edge.
At level 6, isolate Akali with (R) when she cannot kite effectively to secure kills or force summoner spells.
Deny Akali safe trading windows by punishing her when (W) is down and maintain lane control to prevent her from snowballing.
Tip: For Mordekaiser vs Akali, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Top lane check.