Source: Ranked + player metaPatch: 16.17Window: patchRegion: allRank: emerald_plusQueue: ranked_soloSample: 36Updated 10/28/2026, 10:22:02 AM
Confidence: Medium-5.6% vs 50%36 games
Lane phases
AI heuristicLevels 1–2
Nidalee edge
Nidalee has stronger early trades — respect all-ins.
Levels 3–5
Nidalee edge
Katarina needs to play safe until item spikes.
Level 6+
Nidalee edge
Ultimate timing often swings the next two waves.
Mid / late
Nidalee edge
If Katarina reaches items, teamfights can neutralize the lane loser.
Why?
AI heuristicHard
- Sample win rate for Katarina is 44.4% in this matchup.
- Nidalee statistically wins more often in the current Emerald+ sample.
Treat this as a Hard matchup for Katarina into Nidalee — prioritize cooldown windows and jungle tracking.
Do
- Give up early shove if Nidalee can all-in you.
- Track summoner spells and ultimate cooldowns before committing.
- Play for wave states that let you crash and reset safely.
Don't
- Don't overstay for a plate when behind.
- Don't force extended trades when key abilities are down.
- Don't ignore jungle timers when the lane is volatile.
Matchup build callout
Full builds →Most-played Katarina page (Mid): Conqueror Build · 43.1% WR · 181 games
Skill order: Q › E › W
Patch: 16.17Region: naRank: emerald_plusQueue: ranked_soloSample: 357Updated 10/22/2026, 1:02:15 PM