UpMatched Akali vs Cassiopeia Matchup Guide
Akali
Mid Lane Assassin
The Rogue Assassin — Energy-based melee AP with stealth, mobility, and execution burst
Cassiopeia
Mid Lane Battlemage
Sustained DPS mage with anti-dash ground and execute ult
Champ Select Cheat Sheet — Akali vs Cassiopeia
Hextech Rocketbelt (3200g~)
Sorcerer's Shoes (1100g)
Zhonya's Hourglass (3100g)
Hextech Alternator (1050g)Matchup Dynamics
How This Matchup Works
Farm with Q – 
Five Point StrikeQ – Five Point StrikeAkali throws out five kunai, dealing damage based on her bonus Attack Damage and Ability Power and slowing. and trade only after Cassiopeia 
Noxious BlastQ – Noxious BlastCassiopeia blasts an area with Poison after a brief delay, granting her increased Move Speed if she hits an enemy champion. (~4s) or 
Twin FangE – Twin FangCassiopeia lets loose an attack that deals increased damage to Poisoned targets and heals her for a percentage of the damage dealt. If the target dies from this attack, Cassiopeia regains Mana. (~2s) is used. Use W – 
Twilight ShroudW – Twilight ShroudAkali drops a cover of smoke and briefly gains Move Speed. While inside the shroud, Akali becomes invisible and unable to be selected by enemy spells and attacks. to deny target selection vs picks; pivot at level 6 when R – 
Perfect ExecutionR – Perfect ExecutionAkali leaps in a direction, damaging enemies she strikes. Re-cast: Akali dashes in a direction, executing all enemies she strikes. grants one-rotation kill threat and roam pressure.
Early Game (1-5)
Cassiopeia Favored - Punish after Cassiopeia Noxious BlastQ – Noxious BlastCassiopeia blasts an area with Poison after a brief delay, granting her increased Move Speed if she hits an enemy champion. (~4s) or Twin FangE – Twin FangCassiopeia lets loose an attack that deals increased damage to Poisoned targets and heals her for a percentage of the damage dealt. If the target dies from this attack, Cassiopeia regains Mana. (~2s); last-hit with Q at 325 range; hold wave 6–8 minions near your tower at 3:00; ward pixel brush 2:30 and raptors 3:30.
Mid Game (6-11)
Skill Matchup - Complete Hextech RocketbeltHextech RocketbeltActivate to dash forward and unleash a fiery explosion by ~12:00; fish E – 
Shuriken FlipE – Shuriken FlipFlip backward and fire a shuriken forward, dealing magic damage. The first enemy or smoke cloud hit is marked. Re-cast to dash to the marked target, dealing additional damage. after Cassiopeia engage tool is down; hover Herald 8–10 and roam on shove with W cooldown (~20s) ready.
Late Game (12+)
Cassiopeia Favored - Flank 5–10s before objective; force pick with R – Perfect ExecutionR – Perfect ExecutionAkali leaps in a direction, damaging enemies she strikes. Re-cast: Akali dashes in a direction, executing all enemies she strikes.; avoid front-to-back vs Cassiopeia; play fog at river/jungle entrances and collapse after key cooldowns.
Key Interactions
- Shroud vs Cassiopeia engage: Cast W – Twilight ShroudW – Twilight ShroudAkali drops a cover of smoke and briefly gains Move Speed. While inside the shroud, Akali becomes invisible and unable to be selected by enemy spells and attacks. as Cassiopeia starts Twin FangE – Twin FangCassiopeia lets loose an attack that deals increased damage to Poisoned targets and heals her for a percentage of the damage dealt. If the target dies from this attack, Cassiopeia regains Mana. (~2s); deny vision and step out, re-enter with E2 after cooldown falls.
- E tag timing: Throw E1 – Shuriken FlipE – Shuriken FlipFlip backward and fire a shuriken forward, dealing magic damage. The first enemy or smoke cloud hit is marked. Re-cast to dash to the marked target, dealing additional damage. as Cassiopeia uses Noxious BlastQ – Noxious BlastCassiopeia blasts an area with Poison after a brief delay, granting her increased Move Speed if she hits an enemy champion. (~4s) on wave; hit during animation to guarantee
markMarkThrow a snowball in a straight line at your enemies. If it hits an enemy, they become marked, granting True Sight, and your champion can quickly travel to the marked target as a follow up.; follow with E2 to stick. - Q energy rule: Maintain ≥80 energy before trading; weave Q > passive ring auto; disengage for ~1.5–3s to regen, then re-enter.
- Perfect ExecutionR – Perfect ExecutionAkali leaps in a direction, damaging enemies she strikes. Re-cast: Akali dashes in a direction, executing all enemies she strikes. finish: Use R1 to cross space or dodge CC; hold R2 until target ≤35–45% HP or after key summoner/defensive used; exit with W or E2 return.
Akali
Strengths
- Q – Five Point StrikeQ – Five Point StrikeAkali throws out five kunai, dealing damage based on her bonus Attack Damage and Ability Power and slowing. last-hits at 325 range; safe chip on cooldowns
- W – Twilight ShroudW – Twilight ShroudAkali drops a cover of smoke and briefly gains Move Speed. While inside the shroud, Akali becomes invisible and unable to be selected by enemy spells and attacks. drops vision; disengage or re-engage mid skirmish
- E – Shuriken FlipE – Shuriken FlipFlip backward and fire a shuriken forward, dealing magic damage. The first enemy or smoke cloud hit is marked. Re-cast to dash to the marked target, dealing additional damage. tag enables commit with E2 then R chain
- High pick pressure from flanks post-6
Weaknesses
- Energy gated in extended trades; needs windows
- No hard CC; relies on E tag to stick
- Vulnerable to reveals/true sight inside W and tower vision
Cassiopeia
Strengths
- Twin FangE – Twin FangCassiopeia lets loose an attack that deals increased damage to Poisoned targets and heals her for a percentage of the damage dealt. If the target dies from this attack, Cassiopeia regains Mana. or main CC punishes short range
- Item spikes favor ranged poke or resets
- Wave control can set up roams or dives
Weaknesses
- Cooldown reliant; windows after key ability usage
- Struggles to target Akali inside shroud without vision
- Susceptible to flanks and E>R pick angles on rotations
Power Curve Comparison EXPERIMENTAL
Power Curve Visualization
Win Conditions
Akali's Win Condition
- Freeze 5–6 minions at 3:30–4:30; trade after Cassiopeia Noxious BlastQ – Noxious BlastCassiopeia blasts an area with Poison after a brief delay, granting her increased Move Speed if she hits an enemy champion. used; tag E then take Q+passive and back to deny HP
- Buy Sorcerer's ShoesSorcerer's ShoesEnhances Move Speed and magic damage/defensive boots by 6:00; shove → ward pixel/raptors; roam when W is up
- Crash mid wave then move 15–20s pre-objective; flank carry with R chain and reset vision
Cassiopeia's Win Condition
- Fight on cannon waves; use Twin FangE – Twin FangCassiopeia lets loose an attack that deals increased damage to Poisoned targets and heals her for a percentage of the damage dealt. If the target dies from this attack, Cassiopeia regains Mana. or CC to start with jungle present; convert HP lead to plates
- Force extended trades on first mythic; bait W then re-engage on cooldown
- Push and move to side; draw Akali to lane while team starts objective
Laning Phase Guide
| Level/Phase | Akali | Cassiopeia |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Start Q – Five Point StrikeQ – Five Point StrikeAkali throws out five kunai, dealing damage based on her bonus Attack Damage and Ability Power and slowing. (or W if level-1 brush cheese); last-hit only; trade after Cassiopeia Noxious BlastQ – Noxious BlastCassiopeia blasts an area with Poison after a brief delay, granting her increased Move Speed if she hits an enemy champion. (~4s) used on minions; hold wave 6–8 near tower; ward pixel 2:30; all-in only with  IgniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. + HP>60% |
Start Noxious BlastQ – Noxious BlastCassiopeia blasts an area with Poison after a brief delay, granting her increased Move Speed if she hits an enemy champion.; shove for level 2 first; ward opposite pixel 2:30; crash 2nd/3rd wave for cheater recall; avoid trading when Akali has 80+ energy |
| Level 2 | Take E – Shuriken FlipE – Shuriken FlipFlip backward and fire a shuriken forward, dealing magic damage. The first enemy or smoke cloud hit is marked. Re-cast to dash to the marked target, dealing additional damage.; throw E1 as Cassiopeia uses Twin FangE – Twin FangCassiopeia lets loose an attack that deals increased damage to Poisoned targets and heals her for a percentage of the damage dealt. If the target dies from this attack, Cassiopeia regains Mana. (~2s) or to last-hit; connect Q+passive then exit; control ward raptors 3:30 |
Take Twin FangE – Twin FangCassiopeia lets loose an attack that deals increased damage to Poisoned targets and heals her for a percentage of the damage dealt. If the target dies from this attack, Cassiopeia regains Mana.; trade short; back off if tagged by E; track jungle pathing |
| Level 3 | Take W – Twilight ShroudW – Twilight ShroudAkali drops a cover of smoke and briefly gains Move Speed. While inside the shroud, Akali becomes invisible and unable to be selected by enemy spells and attacks.; bait engage then W; Q twice inside shroud, exit on edge; freeze 4–6 minions; cheater recall if safe |
Third ability online; fight on stacked wave; drop control ward to reveal shroud; respect E2 follow |
| Level 4-5 | Buy boots/components; keep trades ≤3s around W cooldown (~20s);  deep wardDeep WardYour wards in the enemy jungle are Deep, gaining Health and Duration.Level 9: Wards in the river are also Deep. 4:00; track  FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. 300s; hover river on shove |
Hold wave outside tower; call jungle for dive with wave; save mobility to dodge E1; ward raptors 4:00 |
| Level 6 | Unlock R – Perfect ExecutionR – Perfect ExecutionAkali leaps in a direction, damaging enemies she strikes. Re-cast: Akali dashes in a direction, executing all enemies she strikes.; Q > E1 tag > R1 through target > E2 > Q > R2 if target ≤40%; shove then reset for item |
Use  Petrifying GazeR – Petrifying GazeCassiopeia releases a swirl of magical energy from her eyes, stunning any enemies in front of her that are facing her and slowing any others with their back turned. proactively or save disengage; step out of shroud; avoid Akali execute threshold |
| Level 7-8 | Complete Rocketbelt; push on vision; hover Herald 8–10:00; E>Rocketbelt>R1 picks on mid-rotation | Fight with mythic/components; punish W down; set up Herald with team |
| Level 9 | Max Q; shove→ward deep; rotate sides on crash; track  TeleportTeleportAfter a brief channel, become untargetable and travel to an allied unit. Upgrades into Unleashed Teleport, which significantly increases travel speed. 360s; only side with vision |
Max primary trade spell; extend lane to punish roams; ward flanks |
Power Spikes
Level Spikes
| Akali | Cassiopeia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Description | Level | Description |
| 3 | Minor W unlock enables safe trades and disengage post-CC | 3 | Major Full combo online; punish W cooldown |
| 6 | Major R execute chain opens pick windows on mid roam | 6 | Critical Petrifying GazeR – Petrifying GazeCassiopeia releases a swirl of magical energy from her eyes, stunning any enemies in front of her that are facing her and slowing any others with their back turned. adds pick or teamfight swing |
| 9 | Major Q max improves DPS and wave; one-rotation kills with E tag | 11 | Minor Rank 2 ultimate or upgrade raises damage pattern |
Item Spikes
| Akali | Cassiopeia | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Description | Item | Description |
| Sorcerer's ShoesSorcerer's ShoesEnhances Move Speed and magic damage (1100g) |
Pen + MS improves roam and burst thresholds |  Lost ChapterLost ChapterRestores Mana upon levelling up./ SheenSheenGrants a bonus to next attack after spell cast component (1100g~) |
Mana or on-hit spikes punish W down |
| Hextech RocketbeltHextech RocketbeltActivate to dash forward and unleash a fiery explosion (3200g~) |
Active dash helps land E tag and extend combo | Core mythic (3000–3300g) | First mythic powers poke or skirmish pattern |
| Zhonya's HourglassZhonya's HourglassActivate to become invincible but unable to take actions (3100g) |
Stasis dodges counter burst after R1 or inside W | Banshee's/ HexdrinkerHexdrinkerIncreases Attack Damage and Magic Resist/Zhonya (2800–3100g) |
Defensive tech vs Akali burst |
 Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage (800g) |
Apply Grievous Wounds vs sustain mids | ||
Best Build for Akali
Starting Items
Doran's ShieldDoran's ShieldGood defensive starting item (400g) or 
Doran's RingDoran's RingGood starting item for casters (400g) + 
Health PotionHealth PotionConsume to restore Health over time
Core Items
Hextech RocketbeltHextech RocketbeltActivate to dash forward and unleash a fiery explosion (3200g~) → Sorcerer's ShoesSorcerer's ShoesEnhances Move Speed and magic damage (1100g) → Zhonya's HourglassZhonya's HourglassActivate to become invincible but unable to take actions (3100g)
Runes
Primary: 
ElectrocuteElectrocuteHitting a champion with 3 separate attacks or abilities in 3s deals bonus adaptive damage., 
Sudden ImpactSudden ImpactDamaging basic attacks and abilities deal bonus true damage to enemy champions after using a dash, leap, blink, teleport, or when leaving stealth., Eyeball Collection, 
Treasure HunterTreasure HunterUnique takedowns grant additional gold the first time they are collected.
Secondary: 
Second WindSecond WindAfter taking damage from an enemy champion heal back some missing health over time., 
UnflinchingUnflinchingGain Armor and Magic Resist when receiving crowd control.
Summoner Spells
FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. + TeleportTeleportAfter a brief channel, become untargetable and travel to an allied unit. Upgrades into Unleashed Teleport, which significantly increases travel speed. (or FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. + IgniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. to snowball)
Priority Build Path
Hextech Rocketbelt
Dash to secure E tag; active burst raises execute threshold
Sorcerer's Shoes
Magic pen and MS for flanks and Q/R thresholds
Zhonya's Hourglass
Stasis to drop aggro after R1 or inside shroud
Shadowflame
Pen vs shields; boosts one-rotation kills on squishies
Situational Adjustments
- Oblivion OrbOblivion OrbIncreases magic damage: High sustain lanes (Vamp scepters, healing passives)
Mercury's TreadsMercury's TreadsIncreases Move Speed and reduces duration of disabling effects: Heavy AP/CC; reduces lock down during engages
Void StaffVoid StaffIncreases magic damage: Opp builds MR; maintain execute thresholds
Key Patterns
Lethal Combos
E1 – Shuriken Flip > Rocketbelt > R1 – Perfect Execution through target > E2 follow > Q + passive auto > R2 finish
ElectrocuteElectrocuteHitting a champion with 3 separate attacks or abilities in 3s deals bonus adaptive damage. or 
ConquerorConquerorGain stacks of adaptive force when attacking enemy champions. After reaching 12 stacks, heal for a portion of damage you deal to champions. stacked
Twin Fang or CC engage > primary damage (Noxious Blast/Miasma) > R finish
Trading Combos
Q > step out for passive ring > auto > back; or E1 tag > Q > back
Noxious Blast poke on wave > step out of shroud > re-engage when W (~20s) on cooldown
Drop control ward to reveal shroud edgeLethal Thresholds
- Akali Kill Range: R2 lethal at ~35–45% on squishies after Q+passive; vs tanks, wait for ≤25–30% with pen items
- Cassiopeia Kill Range: 40–55% after CC chain + items; deny E tag and shroud to avoid execute
- Critical Levels: 3 (Akali W), 6 (R access), 9 (Q max), 11 (R2)
Level by Level Game Plan
| Level | Primary Goal | Lane Position | Trading Opportunities | Kill Windows | Setup Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Secure CS and chip | Hold wave 6–8 from tower | Q after Cassiopeia Noxious BlastQ – Noxious BlastCassiopeia blasts an area with Poison after a brief delay, granting her increased Move Speed if she hits an enemy champion. used; hit 2 Qs then back |
Low; only with IgniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. + HP lead |
Ward pixel 2:30; Ahead: slow-push then cheater; Even: last-hit; Behind: thin wave and hug tower |
| 2 | Add E threat | Maintain freeze | E1 as Cassiopeia Twin FangE – Twin FangCassiopeia lets loose an attack that deals increased damage to Poisoned targets and heals her for a percentage of the damage dealt. If the target dies from this attack, Cassiopeia regains Mana. used; follow with Q+passive |
Medium if E tag + IgniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. |
Control ward raptors 3:30; Ahead: zone; Even: short trades; Behind: save W for ganks |
| 3 | Use W to reset | Short lane near tower | Q>W>Q poke; E tag only with jungler nearby | Low unless E hits clean | Ping jungler; Ahead: plate chip; Even: freeze; Behind: call cover and keep warded |
| 4-5 | Boots timing | Short lane; avoid long chases | ≤3s windows around W | Low unless enemy misuses key CD | Buy boots/components; Ahead: deep wardDeep WardYour wards in the enemy jungle are Deep, gaining Health and Duration.Level 9: Wards in the river are also Deep.; Even: match push; Behind: farm under tower |
| 6 | Play around R | Fight on vision | E1 tag > R1 through target > E2 > Q > R2 | High at ~40% on squishies | Shove then reset; Ahead: threaten dive; Even: trade HP; Behind: hold R to deter dive |
| 7-8 | Rocketbelt spike | Push on vision; hover Herald | E>Rocketbelt>R1 on rotation | Medium on picks | Secure Herald; Ahead: take plates; Even: contest vision; Behind: stack waves then roam |
| 9+ | Q max pressure | Side→group on timers | Pick-only with E tag | Medium if FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. down |
Set vision nets; Ahead: pressure sides; Even: group; Behind: soak safely |
| Mid Game (11-16) | Flank and pick | Hover river entrances | Catch with E at choke | R2 execute on carries | Time dragons/herald; Ahead: start; Even: turn; Behind: trade objectives |
| Late Game (16+) | Backline assassination | Flank from fog | R1 in > Zhonya > exit with E2 | High on immobile carries | Baron/Elder turns with pinks and shroud |
First Back Goals
Ideal Back (1100–1400g)
- Hextech AlternatorHextech AlternatorIncreases Ability Power. Deal bonus magic damage on attack periodically. (1050g)
- Boots (300g)
- Control Ward (75g)
Crash 3rd/cannon wave ≈2:15–5:30; base on bounce to avoid losing plates
Standard Back (700–900g)
- Amplifying Tome (400g)
- Boots (300g)
Reset on slow-push when wave bounces back to you
Teamfight Tips
| Aspect | Akali | Cassiopeia |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Flank assassin/pick | Mage/assassin per kit |
| Target Priority | ADC/APC without FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. Enemy jungler on objectives Low-HP divers mid-fight |
Closest threat then backline per CC windows |
| Objective Control | Arrive early; ward flanks; pick then start Hold R2 for secure/escape |
Start when shroud down Turn on overextended flankers |
| Positioning | Fog flanks via pixel→raptors paths W zone to cut vision, then R chain |
Fight in open; drop control wards; peel or dive as comp allows |
| Other Tips | Buffer R1 during CC wind-ups; time W to dodge targeted castsMarkMarkThrow a snowball in a straight line at your enemies. If it hits an enemy, they become marked, granting True Sight, and your champion can quickly travel to the marked target as a follow up. FlashFlashTeleports you a short distance toward your cursor. timers and punish 300s windows |
Bait W with feint; re-engage with Twin FangE – Twin FangCassiopeia lets loose an attack that deals increased damage to Poisoned targets and heals her for a percentage of the damage dealt. If the target dies from this attack, Cassiopeia regains Mana. Force fights on waves to limit Akali flanks |
