Olaf vs Gangplank TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Olaf vs Gangplank

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Olaf aims to pressure Gangplank early and deny his scaling by forcing extended melee fights where axe slow and true damage excel.
Use high early agency and lane pressure to prevent Gangplank from safely setting up barrels and farming passively.
This is a snowball-versus-scale matchup; Olaf must snowball early to avoid facing Gangplank's late-game barrel zoning and global pressure.

Trading pattern

Initiate trades by landing (Q), then pick it up to keep chase and pressure Gangplank before he primes barrels.
Use (R) only when Gangplank cannot disengage easily, ignoring his cleanse (W) and barrel threat.
Punish Gangplank's barrel cooldowns and (W) downtime by committing to extended all-ins with (E) true damage and (W) shield.

Danger windows

Beware when Gangplank has a primed barrel chain ready, as it controls space and can burst you if caught.
Respect (W) cleanse and heal availability; avoid committing when it can negate your crowd control.
After your (R) ends, you are vulnerable to kiting and crowd control; disengage or reset fights accordingly.

Early game

Start aggressive to land (Q) axes and force Gangplank into awkward trades before he sets up barrels.
Use (W) shield and lifesteal to sustain through poke and extended trades.
Avoid missing (Q) early, as it reduces chase potential and opens Gangplank to safely farm and zone.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to ignore crowd control and force straight-line fights, preventing Gangplank from disengaging with barrels or (W).
After first fighter item, increase pressure in side-lane fights to punish missed barrels or cleanse cooldowns.
Respect Gangplank's level 6 (R) global slow and barrel scaling; avoid extended fights when these are active and you lack (R).

Win conditions

Win by landing repeated (Q) axes to force extended trades and chase Gangplank down before he can set barrels.
Use (R) smartly to bypass crowd control and secure kills when Gangplank cannot escape or cleanse.
Deny Gangplank's scaling by pressuring early, preventing safe barrel setups, and forcing fights on your terms in the side lane.