How to beat Sylas as Akali in top?

This page provides a detailed guide on how to beat Sylas as Akali in the top lane, including builds, runes, and in-depth analysis.

What is the best build for Akali vs Sylas?

Find the most effective build, runes, and skill order for the Akali vs Sylas matchup on this page.

Akali vs Sylas top guide

Our guide for Akali vs Sylas in the top lane covers everything you need to know to win the matchup.

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Matchup of the Day

Akali vs. Sylas (top Lane)

A detailed breakdown of the lane, from early game to late.

Winrate: 47.3%Patch 15.19383 Matches

Matchup Win Rate

47.3%

Gold Diff @ 15

+340g

Gold Diff @ End

+550g

Average KDA

8/6/5

Akali Win Condition

Akali's goal is to consistently punish Sylas due to his melee status with frequent short burst trades (Q passive auto Q). The critical window for an all-in is whenever Sylas'sE (Chain Lash/Stun) is on cooldown.

Sylas Win Condition

Sylas relies on landing hisE (Chain Lash/Stun) to successfully engage. He uses hisW (Kingslayer) for significant healing, aiming to sustain through Akali's burst and win extended trades.

General Strategy

This is considered a relatively easy melee matchup. Akali should utilize Electrocute and Ignite to maximize burst damage and early kill pressure. Bone Plating is the recommended secondary rune, as it is highly effective at negating the burst damage from Sylas's quick ability combination (E, Q, W).

Avoid purchasing Oblivion Orb early, as Ignite provides sufficient anti-heal, and the orb takes up valuable inventory space and delays core item spikes. While Storm Search is a strong first item, Shadow Flame can be considered if Akali is extremely ahead due to its higher AP value and strong passive. Early T2 Boots are helpful for rotating to mid-game objectives.

Trading Patterns

Akali must constantly punish Sylas for moving up to last hit with Q Passive Auto Q combos. The optimal time to commit to an aggressive trade or all-in is during the 14-15 second cooldown window after Sylas uses hisE (Stun/Dash). Akali can use E (Backflip) to close the distance for a full Q Passive Auto Q Ignite combo when Sylas is exposed.

Wave Management

Akali should hold the wave slightly back (near her side) to give herself maximum chase distance and space to punish Sylas. If Sylas is forced to reset and lacks TP, Akali should quickly shove in small waves to maximize his CS loss at the tower.