Source: Ranked + player metaPatch: 16.17Window: patchRegion: allRank: emerald_plusQueue: ranked_soloSample: 26Updated 10/28/2026, 2:06:33 PM
Confidence: Medium-3.8% vs 50%26 games
Lane phases
AI heuristicLevels 1–2
Nilah edge
Nilah has stronger early trades — respect all-ins.
Levels 3–5
Nilah edge
Maokai needs to play safe until item spikes.
Level 6+
Nilah edge
Ultimate timing often swings the next two waves.
Mid / late
Even
If Maokai reaches items, teamfights can neutralize the lane loser.
Why?
AI heuristicHard
- Sample win rate for Maokai is 46.2% in this matchup.
- Nilah statistically wins more often in the current Emerald+ sample.
Treat this as a Hard matchup for Maokai into Nilah — prioritize cooldown windows and jungle tracking.
Do
- Give up early shove if Nilah 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 Maokai page (Support): Aftershock Build · 49.4% WR · 81 games
Skill order: Q › W › E
Patch: 16.17Region: naRank: emerald_plusQueue: ranked_soloSample: 87Updated 10/22/2026, 1:02:15 PM