Tahm Kench vs Illaoi TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Tahm Kench vs Illaoi

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Focus on durable short trades to build passive stacks and pressure Illaoi's need to enter your zone.
Manage lane pressure by denying Illaoi free tentacle setups and avoid giving her uncontested side-lane control.
This is a control vs splitpush matchup where Tahm Kench must survive Illaoi's zone and scale into front-line protection.

Trading pattern

Start trades by stacking passive and landing (Q) to slow or stun Illaoi before committing.
Use (E) to absorb burst damage from tentacle hits and (W) empowered slams.
Punish Illaoi when her (E) spirit pull misses or tentacles are cleared by forcing short trades.

Danger windows

Beware when Illaoi lands (E) near tentacles, as she can turn trades heavily in her favor.
Avoid extended fights inside her tentacle zones, especially post-level 6 when (R) is active.
Be cautious if (R) is ready and multiple tentacles are present, as ganks or all-ins become risky.

Early game

Use (Q) to build stacks and threaten stuns before Illaoi can establish tentacles.
Avoid extended trades without (E) shield value to reduce damage from Illaoi's tentacle slams.
Keep wave near your side to limit Illaoi's tentacle placement and force her to overcommit for (E) hits.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to isolate Illaoi or peel for allies, forcing her to respect your (R) threat.
First tank item spike increases your durability, letting you convert stack pressure into lane control.
Respect Illaoi's level 6 (R) which empowers her zone; avoid fighting inside tentacle clusters when it's up.

Win conditions

Win by denying Illaoi safe tentacle setups and forcing her to miss (E) spirit pulls.
Use (Q) stuns and (E) shields to win short trades and build lane pressure.
Leverage (R) to pick off Illaoi or protect teammates, then transition to front-line durability in teamfights.