UpMatched Irelia vs K'Sante Matchup Guide
Irelia
Top Lane Skirmisher
The Blade Dancer — mobile duelist who stacks Ionian Fervor off spell hits and chains Bladesurge resets through marked targets
K'Sante
Top Lane Skirmishing Tank
Prideful tank who sheds defenses with All Out to pursue isolated targets through terrain, spacing with Ntofo Strikes and Path Maker
Champ Select Cheat Sheet — Irelia vs K'Sante
ConquerorConquerorGain stacks of adaptive force when attacking enemy champions. After reaching 12 stacks, heal for a portion of damage you deal to champions. thrives here because K'Sante's tank form forces prolonged auto-trades where the keystone stacks fully. 
TriumphTriumphTakedowns restore 5% of your missing health and grant an additional 20 gold. heals off kills when 
All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. leaves him squishy; Alacrity amplifies 
Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. DPS into his high-HP pool; 
Last StandLast StandDeal more damage to champions while you are low on health. activates when 
Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. burst drops Irelia low.
Bone PlatingBone PlatingAfter taking damage from an enemy champion, the next 3 spells or attacks you receive from them deal 30-60 (based on level) less damage.Duration: 1.5sCooldown: 55s soaks the 
Ntofo StrikesQ – Ntofo StrikesK'Sante strikes, damaging and slowing enemies in a short line.On hit, grants a stack of Ntofo Strikes. At 2 stacks, K'Sante fires a shockwave that pulls enemies in.When All Out, cooldown is reduced. triple-Q poke burst that K'Sante spams through lane; 
UnflinchingUnflinchingGain Armor and Magic Resist when receiving crowd control. layers tenacity against his Q3 pull and Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. knock-back chain. Shards: attack speed for Fervor stacking, adaptive force, and flat HP.
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. or 
TeleportTeleportAfter a brief channel, become untargetable and travel to an allied unit. Upgrades into Unleashed Teleport, which significantly increases travel speed.Matchup Dynamics
How This Matchup Works
Mezouze rates this a pure skill check. K'Sante's Q – Ntofo StrikesQ – Ntofo StrikesK'Sante strikes, damaging and slowing enemies in a short line.On hit, grants a stack of Ntofo Strikes. At 2 stacks, K'Sante fires a shockwave that pulls enemies in.When All Out, cooldown is reduced. are individually easy to sidestep, but he spams them relentlessly, and the third cast pulls. The real threat is R – All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path.: if he catches you with abilities spent, the burst kills. Counter by holding full rotation for the transform window; Q – 
BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. into his Q3 animation denies the pull and flips the trade. W – 
Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. absorbs W – Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. burst. Respect his displacement toolkit, which can drag you under his tower or away from yours.
Early Game (1-5)
Irelia Favored - Levels 1-6: K'Sante's base damage is low in tank form. Stack P – Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. off minions and force extended autos; his short trades rely on Q poke that BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. dodges. Zone him off the wave once stacks are up.
Mid Game (6-11)
Skill Matchup - 7-13: K'Sante's All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. transforms him from a punching bag into a lethal duelist with each trade. Irelia wins by banking 
Flawless DuetE – Flawless DuetIrelia sends out two blades which converge on each other. Enemies caught in between are damaged, stunned and Marked., 
Vanguard's EdgeR – Vanguard's EdgeIrelia fires a massive number of blades that explode outward upon hitting an enemy champion. Enemies hit by the blades are damaged and Marked., and igniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. until he commits the transformation; she loses by spending those tools into his unkillable tank form and eating the All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. with nothing left.
Late Game (12+)
K'Sante Favored - 14+: K'Sante's tank stats scale with levels and items; extended fights in his base form become harder to win. His teamfight presence with Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. engages and All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. picks outweighs Irelia's side-lane threat.
Key Interactions
- BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. into Q3 animation: K'Sante's third Ntofo StrikesQ – Ntofo StrikesK'Sante strikes, damaging and slowing enemies in a short line.On hit, grants a stack of Ntofo Strikes. At 2 stacks, K'Sante fires a shockwave that pulls enemies in.When All Out, cooldown is reduced. cast pulls enemies toward him. Dash into him with Q during the Q3 windup to deny the pull and land inside his model where the follow-up Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. has a harder angle.
- Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. absorbs Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns.: W – Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. channels reduced damage then dashes with a knock-back stun. Channel W – Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. into the dash timing to absorb the front-loaded burst; release it as he arrives for return damage.
- Full rotation for All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path.: R – All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. sheds tank stats for damage. Ult plus igniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. alone rarely kills; save E – Flawless DuetE – Flawless DuetIrelia sends out two blades which converge on each other. Enemies caught in between are damaged, stunned and Marked., Q resets, and R – Vanguard's EdgeR – Vanguard's EdgeIrelia fires a massive number of blades that explode outward upon hitting an enemy champion. Enemies hit by the blades are damaged and Marked. for the moment he transforms. His squishier All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. form melts under stacked Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit..
- Tower displacement awareness: K'Sante's kit can reposition Irelia under his tower or knock her away from her own. Avoid standing where his W dash or R would carry you into tower range; fight in open lane when possible.
Irelia
Strengths
- Sustained DPS with Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. stacked outpaces K'Sante's tank form in prolonged fights
- BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. into Q3 animation denies his strongest trading tool and resets Irelia's gap-close
- Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. channels through Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. burst, neutralizing his primary combo starter
Weaknesses
- All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. catch with abilities on cooldown is lethal; one misplayed trade can lose the lane
- K'Sante's displacement toolkit punishes aggressive positioning near towers
- Late-game tank scaling and teamfight engage value outstrip Irelia's split-push pressure
K'Sante
Strengths
- Ntofo StrikesQ – Ntofo StrikesK'Sante strikes, damaging and slowing enemies in a short line.On hit, grants a stack of Ntofo Strikes. At 2 stacks, K'Sante fires a shockwave that pulls enemies in.When All Out, cooldown is reduced. spam zones Irelia off the wave without committing to an all-in
- All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. transforms losing trades into kills when Irelia has wasted key abilities
- Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. plus
FootworkE – FootworkK'Sante dashes and gains a shield. If targeting an ally, K'Sante dashes to the ally with increased range and both gain a shield.When All Out, cooldown is reduced and speed is increased. provide mobility and peel that match Bladesurge's repositioning
Weaknesses
- Tank form deals low base damage; Irelia with stacked Fervor wins extended autos easily
- Q3 pull is telegraphed and punishable with a well-timed BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. dash
- All Out's squishier form crumbles under a full Irelia rotation if she held cooldowns
Power Curve Comparison EXPERIMENTAL
Power Curve Visualization
Win Conditions
Irelia's Win Condition
- Stack Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. before trading; four stacks of bonus attack speed and on-hit overwhelm K'Sante's tank form
- BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. into his Q3 animation to deny the pull and keep the engage on your terms
- Hold E, R, and igniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. for the All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. transformation; commit the full rotation only when he sheds tank stats
- Deny early CS by threatening all-ins from stacked passive; build a gold lead before his tank items land
K'Sante's Win Condition
Laning Phase Guide
| Level/Phase | Irelia | K'Sante |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Take Q – BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. first. K'Sante's Q1 deals negligible damage in tank form; auto-trade aggressively to build an early HP lead. |
Start Q – Ntofo StrikesQ – Ntofo StrikesK'Sante strikes, damaging and slowing enemies in a short line.On hit, grants a stack of Ntofo Strikes. At 2 stacks, K'Sante fires a shockwave that pulls enemies in.When All Out, cooldown is reduced. for poke and last-hits. Do not extend autos — Irelia's base stats win level 1 if she stacks passive off minions. |
| Level 2 | Take E – Flawless DuetE – Flawless DuetIrelia sends out two blades which converge on each other. Enemies caught in between are damaged, stunned and Marked. second. Land the stun when K'Sante steps forward for a Q; the marked target feeds a free BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. reset. |
Take E – FootworkE – FootworkK'Sante dashes and gains a shield. If targeting an ally, K'Sante dashes to the ally with increased range and both gain a shield.When All Out, cooldown is reduced and speed is increased. second. Use it to dodge Flawless DuetE – Flawless DuetIrelia sends out two blades which converge on each other. Enemies caught in between are damaged, stunned and Marked. and reset spacing if she engages. |
| Level 3 | Full kit online. Channel W – Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. into his Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. timing; release it on arrival for the return burst. Q into his Q3 to deny the pull. |
Full kit online. Look for Q3 pulls when Irelia has no low-HP minions for a BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. escape. Cancel her dashes with Q3 or W – Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. to force long cooldowns. |
| Level 4-5 | Continue forcing extended trades when Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. is stacked. Track his Q3 count; sidestep or dash through the pull. |
Trade when her passive stacks are down. Charge W – Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. backward when she Q's in — BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. always lands behind the target, so a backward channel catches her reliably. |
| Level 6 | R – Vanguard's EdgeR – Vanguard's EdgeIrelia fires a massive number of blades that explode outward upon hitting an enemy champion. Enemies hit by the blades are damaged and Marked. available. Do not lead with it; wait for K'Sante to commit All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path., then answer with the full rotation while he is squishy. |
R – All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. available. Separate her from the wave before transforming. Hold charged W when she channels Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. — All Out's true damage ignores her reduction. |
| Level 7-9 |  Blade of the Ruined KingBlade of The Ruined KingDeals damage based on target's Health, can steal Move Speed components sharpen trades. The on-hit current-HP damage punishes K'Sante's tank HP pool; keep auto-trading when Fervor is stacked. |
 Bramble VestBramble Vest30 ArmorThornsWhen hit by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion. should be complete; lifesteal trades are blunted. Build into  Iceborn GauntletIceborn GauntletHigh Magic Resist.Passively slow nearby enemies. When spells are cast near you, release a wave of energy that damages and slows. — the slow field restricts wave access and tightens her Q reset windows. |
Power Spikes
Level Spikes
| Irelia | K'Sante | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Level | Description | Level | Description |
| 3 | Minor Full kit online; BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. into Q3 and Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. through Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. become available |
3 | Minor Full kit online; Q spam and Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. disengage establish the poke pattern |
| 6 | Major Vanguard's EdgeR – Vanguard's EdgeIrelia fires a massive number of blades that explode outward upon hitting an enemy champion. Enemies hit by the blades are damaged and Marked. adds kill threat when K'Sante transforms into All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. form |
6 | Major All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. transforms losing matchup states into kill windows when Irelia's abilities are down |
| 9 | Minor Q maxed; BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. damage and healing peak, making extended trades more sustainable |
||
Item Spikes
| Irelia | K'Sante | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Item | Description | Item | Description |
| Blade of the Ruined KingBlade of The Ruined KingDeals damage based on target's Health, can steal Move Speed |
First item always; current-HP on-hit melts K'Sante's inflated tank pool and lifesteal sustains through his relentless Ntofo StrikesQ – Ntofo StrikesK'Sante strikes, damaging and slowing enemies in a short line.On hit, grants a stack of Ntofo Strikes. At 2 stacks, K'Sante fires a shockwave that pulls enemies in.When All Out, cooldown is reduced. poke |
Iceborn GauntletIceborn GauntletHigh Magic Resist.Passively slow nearby enemies. When spells are cast near you, release a wave of energy that damages and slows. |
 SheenSheenGrants a bonus to next attack after spell cast proc on Q spam adds damage while building tank stats; the slow field helps kite Irelia |
 Mercury's TreadsMercury's TreadsIncreases Move Speed and reduces duration of disabling effects |
Tenacity shortens the Q3 pull lockout and Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. knock-back stun; MR matters because K'Sante deals mixed damage that raw armor cannot fully mitigate |
 Jak'Sho, The ProteanJak'Sho, The Protean350 Health45 Armor45 Magic ResistVoidborn ResilienceAfter 5 seconds of champion combat, increase your bonus Armor and Magic Resist by 30% until end of combat. |
Stacking resistances in extended fights make K'Sante harder to burn through with Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. |
 Wit's EndWit's EndResist magic damage and claw your way back to life. |
Layers MR and on-hit synergy when K'Sante's teammates add more magic damage on top of his own mixed profile | ||
Best Build for Irelia
Starting Items
Core Items
Blade of the Ruined KingBlade of The Ruined KingDeals damage based on target's Health, can steal Move Speed first; the current-HP on-hit shreds K'Sante's large tank HP pool while lifesteal sustains through his Ntofo StrikesQ – Ntofo StrikesK'Sante strikes, damaging and slowing enemies in a short line.On hit, grants a stack of Ntofo Strikes. At 2 stacks, K'Sante fires a shockwave that pulls enemies in.When All Out, cooldown is reduced. poke. Mercury's TreadsMercury's TreadsIncreases Move Speed and reduces duration of disabling effects cut the duration of his Q3 pull and Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. displacement. 
Trinity ForceTrinity ForceTons of Damage second for Spellblade burst on BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. resets, or 
Sterak's GageSterak's GageShields against large bursts of damage if the team needs survivability against All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. picks.
Runes
Primary: ConquerorConquerorGain stacks of adaptive force when attacking enemy champions. After reaching 12 stacks, heal for a portion of damage you deal to champions. thrives here because K'Sante's tank form forces prolonged auto-trades where the keystone stacks fully. TriumphTriumphTakedowns restore 5% of your missing health and grant an additional 20 gold. heals off kills when All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. leaves him squishy; Alacrity amplifies Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. DPS into his high-HP pool; Last StandLast StandDeal more damage to champions while you are low on health. activates when Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. burst drops Irelia low.
Secondary: Bone PlatingBone PlatingAfter taking damage from an enemy champion, the next 3 spells or attacks you receive from them deal 30-60 (based on level) less damage.Duration: 1.5sCooldown: 55s soaks the Ntofo StrikesQ – Ntofo StrikesK'Sante strikes, damaging and slowing enemies in a short line.On hit, grants a stack of Ntofo Strikes. At 2 stacks, K'Sante fires a shockwave that pulls enemies in.When All Out, cooldown is reduced. triple-Q poke burst that K'Sante spams through lane; UnflinchingUnflinchingGain Armor and Magic Resist when receiving crowd control. layers tenacity against his Q3 pull and Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. knock-back chain. Shards: attack speed for Fervor stacking, adaptive force, and flat HP.
Summoner Spells
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. or TeleportTeleportAfter a brief channel, become untargetable and travel to an allied unit. Upgrades into Unleashed Teleport, which significantly increases travel speed.
Priority Build Path
Blade of the Ruined King
Current-HP on-hit shreds K'Sante's large tank pool that Ntofo StrikesQ – Ntofo StrikesK'Sante strikes, damaging and slowing enemies in a short line.On hit, grants a stack of Ntofo Strikes. At 2 stacks, K'Sante fires a shockwave that pulls enemies in.When All Out, cooldown is reduced. poke alone cannot drain; lifesteal sustains through his Q spam
Mercury's Treads
Tenacity cuts the Q3 pull lockout and Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. displacement duration; the MR matters because K'Sante deals mixed physical-magic damage
Trinity Force
Spellblade procs on every BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. reset punch through K'Sante's tank-form resistances faster than raw on-hit alone
Sterak's Gage
Shield buffers against All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. burst when K'Sante catches Irelia with Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. on cooldown; the HP threshold gate keeps her alive through his transform combo
Death's Dance
Spreads K'Sante's All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. burst across several seconds instead of one lethal hit; buys time for BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. escape and the takedown 
healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. rewards finishing his vulnerable transform form
Guardian Angel
Revive saves Irelia after K'Sante displaces her into tower range or All Outs through a wall for a barely-lethal isolation kill
Situational Adjustments
- Wit's EndWit's EndResist magic damage and claw your way back to life.: K'Sante's team has heavy AP threat; the on-hit and MR complement Blade of the Ruined KingBlade of The Ruined KingDeals damage based on target's Health, can steal Move Speed
Maw of MalmortiusMaw of MalmortiusGrants bonus Attack Damage when Health is low: K'Sante runs AP-heavy runes or the enemy mid deals magic burst; the shield covers the lethal threshold
Key Patterns
Lethal Combos
E > R > Q > Q > AA > W > Q
All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. and sheds tank stats. Flawless DuetE – Flawless DuetIrelia sends out two blades which converge on each other. Enemies caught in between are damaged, stunned and Marked. stun locks his squishy form, Vanguard's EdgeR – Vanguard's EdgeIrelia fires a massive number of blades that explode outward upon hitting an enemy champion. Enemies hit by the blades are damaged and Marked. marks feed triple BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. resets, and igniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. during the chain ensures he cannot healHealRestores Health and grants Move Speed to you and target allied champion. through the damage.
Q > Q > Q > W > R > AA > AA
Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. dash sets up the All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. displacement; the burst kills if Irelia lacks Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge..
Trading Combos
Q > AA > E > Q > W
BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. in on a minion, auto, Flawless DuetE – Flawless DuetIrelia sends out two blades which converge on each other. Enemies caught in between are damaged, stunned and Marked. for the stun, Q reset on the marked target, then Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. to absorb the retaliation.
Q > Q > Q > E
FootworkE – FootworkK'Sante dashes and gains a shield. If targeting an ally, K'Sante dashes to the ally with increased range and both gain a shield.When All Out, cooldown is reduced and speed is increased. dash to disengage or reposition for Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns..
Lethal Thresholds
- Irelia Kill Range: Kill thresholds shift around All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. timing. Commit only when K'Sante's W is spent and All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. is either down or freshly activated — catching him mid-transition with full Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. is the cleanest window.
- K'Sante Kill Range: Kill window opens when Irelia has no passive stacks and both E and W are on cooldown. Charge W – Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. backward after she dashes in — BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. always places her behind the target. In R – All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path., charged W's true damage bypasses Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. reduction entirely.
- Critical Levels: 3 (kits complete) / 6 (All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. and Vanguard's EdgeR – Vanguard's EdgeIrelia fires a massive number of blades that explode outward upon hitting an enemy champion. Enemies hit by the blades are damaged and Marked.) / 9 (Q max for sustained damage)
Level by Level Game Plan
| Level | Primary Goal | Lane Position | Trading Opportunities | Kill Windows | Setup Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Build early HP lead through auto trades | Inside the wave, stacking Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. |
Auto-trade freely; K'Sante's tank-form autos deal little damage | Low | Track which ability he takes first |
| 2 | Land Flawless DuetE – Flawless DuetIrelia sends out two blades which converge on each other. Enemies caught in between are damaged, stunned and Marked. stun on a forward step |
Near minions for BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. resets |
E into Q reset on the  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.; short burst then disengage |
Low | Watch for jungler before extending |
| 3 | Establish the Q-into-Q3 and W-through-W pattern | Lane center; avoid walls where W can pin you | BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. into his Q3 windup; Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. through Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. |
Medium | Count his Q stacks to predict Q3 timing |
| 4-5 | Extend trades with stacked Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. |
Control wave near your side to deny his CS safely | Auto-trade when passive is stacked; dodge Q3 with dash or sidestep | Medium | Keep HP above All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. lethal range for level 6 |
| 6 | Punish the All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. transformation |
Open lane away from terrain he can R through | Hold full rotation; commit only after he uses R | High when he transforms with Irelia's abilities up | Have igniteIgniteDeals true damage over time to target enemy champion and reduces healing effects on them for the duration. and all cooldowns ready before the fight |
| 7-8 | Complete Blade of the Ruined KingBlade of The Ruined KingDeals damage based on target's Health, can steal Move Speed |
Push for plates when he bases; freeze when he is present | On-hit damage makes every auto-trade stronger | Medium | Track his ultimate cooldown before forcing |
| 9+ | Q max; sustained trading peaks | Side lane with ward coverage | Extended fights with Fervor stacked and BotRK on-hit | Medium | His tank items are landing; fights get harder from here |
| Mid Game (11-16) | Split with teleportTeleportAfter a brief channel, become untargetable and travel to an allied unit. Upgrades into Unleashed Teleport, which significantly increases travel speed. advantage or group for objectives |
Match his side-lane or join teamfights depending on team comp | Still hold burst for All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path.; do not waste abilities into tank form |
Opportunistic on cooldown windows | Track his TP and ult timers before committing to a fight |
| Late Game (16+) | Teamfight contribution | Group; K'Sante's teamfight engage outpaces solo split pressure | Focus carries; avoid getting isolated by All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. displacement |
Lower against full-build tank form | Stay away from walls and terrain chokepoints |
First Back Goals
Teamfight Tips
| Aspect | Irelia | K'Sante |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Dive carries while K'Sante fronts in tank form. Flank from the opposite side of his Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. angle, land Vanguard's EdgeR – Vanguard's EdgeIrelia fires a massive number of blades that explode outward upon hitting an enemy champion. Enemies hit by the blades are damaged and Marked. to 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. grouped enemies, then BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. through weakened targets to reach the backline before he can All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. Irelia away from the fight. |
Engage tank and isolation assassin. Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. into the clump, then All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. a priority target through a wall for a 1v1 in the shadow realm. |
| Target Priority | Carries K'Sante leaves exposed while he fronts in tank form; BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. chains through his weakened front line close the gap K'Sante after All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. expires and he reverts to squishy form without the tank stats he needs to survive stacked Ionian FervorP – Ionian FervorWhen Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit. |
Irelia or another carry isolated by All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. displacement through terrain Grouped squishies clumped for Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. knock-back into follow-up CC |
| Objective Control | Vanguard's EdgeR – Vanguard's EdgeIrelia fires a massive number of blades that explode outward upon hitting an enemy champion. Enemies hit by the blades are damaged and Marked. across the pit entrance blocks K'Sante's Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. dash angle into the objective fight Contest the objective from inside the pit; BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. resets off marked targets let Irelia reposition away from K'Sante's All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. displacement angle through the wall |
Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. engage through the pit wall catches objective contesters off guardAll OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. a carry out of the fight to create a numbers advantage at the objective |
| Positioning | Enter from the flank opposite K'Sante's frontline position; engaging through him risks a Path MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. into All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. displacement that isolates Irelia behind a wall Stay in BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. range of a minion or jungle camp in case K'Sante All Outs Irelia through terrain; the dash target provides the escape from the isolated 1v1 |
Frontline in tank form; absorb abilities before looking for the All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. pick angle Position near walls that enable favorable All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. displacements on priority targets |
| Other Tips | When K'Sante All Outs Irelia through a wall, immediately BladesurgeQ – BladesurgeIrelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes. to a minion or jungle camp to escape the isolated 1v1 Save Flawless DuetE – Flawless DuetIrelia sends out two blades which converge on each other. Enemies caught in between are damaged, stunned and Marked. for the moment after All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. lands; the stun buys time for teammates to collapse |
All OutR – All OutK'Sante knocks an enemy back, launching them through any wall in their path. into Irelia is strongest when her E and W are both on cooldown; bait them with Q3 feints firstPath MakerW – Path MakerK'Sante charges up, taking reduced damage, then dashes, knocking back and stunning enemies.When All Out, deals increased damage and no longer knocks back or stuns. during Irelia's Defiant DanceW – Defiant DanceIrelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge. channel wastes her damage reduction; time the dash for after she releases |
