Updated patch 26.18 · 1.5M high-elo games
Nidalee
Assassin · magic (AP) damage
51.1%Win rate
1.3%Pick rate
4KGames
ATier · Jungle
Nidalee is a Assassin that deals magic (AP) damage and brings little to no crowd control. With little hard CC to play around, prioritize raw defensive stats over tenacity. Below is Nidalee's highest-win-rate build from high-elo games; open the counter-build tool to tune it against your specific enemy team.
ABILITIES
PassiveProwl
Moving through brush increases Nidalee's Move Speed by 10% for 2 seconds, increased to 30% toward visible enemy champions within 1400 range. Hitting champions or monsters with Javelin Toss or Bushwhack triggers a Hunt , granting True Sight of them for 4 seconds. During this time, Nidalee gains 10% Move Speed (increased to 30% toward the Hunted target) and her Takedown and Pounce are enhanced against them.
QJavelin Toss / Takedown
In human form, Nidalee throws a spiked javelin at her target that gains damage as it flies. As a cougar, her next attack will attempt to fatally wound her target, dealing more damage the less life they have.
WBushwhack / Pounce
In human form, Nidalee lays a trap for unwary opponents that, when sprung, damages and reveals its target. As a cougar, she jumps in a direction, dealing damage in an area where she lands.
EPrimal Surge / Swipe
In human form, Nidalee channels the spirit of the cougar to heal her allies and imbue them with Attack Speed for a short duration. As a cougar, she claws in a direction, dealing damage to enemies in front of her.
RAspect Of The Cougar
Nidalee transforms into a cougar, gaining new abilities.
COMBAT PROFILE
PLAYING ASNidalee
- Use brush to your advantage! Moving in and out of brush can heavily alter your effectiveness in battle.
- Start team fights by harassing with your Javelin Toss, and then switch to cougar form to chase down Hunted targets.
- Bushwhack traps deal damage based on their victim's current Health. Set them up in your team's backline before fights break out during sieges to help your team deal damage to the enemy frontline.
PLAYING AGAINSTNidalee
- Nidalee's Hunt debuff is only applied with Javelin Toss and Bushwhack. Avoiding being hit by these abilities will impair her ability to deal follow-up damage.
- Nidalee's Javelin Toss deals more damage the farther she is. If she is far away, it's imperative to dodge it.
- Nidalee's Takedown deals extreme damage to Hunted targets, but she has to get close to use it. Save your crowd control or defensive abilities for when she goes in for the kill.
CROWD CONTROL
Nidalee has no notable hard crowd control.
HIGHEST WIN-RATE BUILD
SKILL PRIORITY
Javelin Toss / Takedown (Q)In human form, Nidalee throws a spiked javelin at her target that gains damage as it flies. As a cougar, her next attack will attempt to fatally wound her target, dealing more damage the less life they have.Q→Primal Surge / Swipe (E)In human form, Nidalee channels the spirit of the cougar to heal her allies and imbue them with Attack Speed for a short duration. As a cougar, she claws in a direction, dealing damage to enemies in front of her.E51.1% WR2,490 matches
SKILL PATH leveling order
Javelin Toss / Takedown (Q)In human form, Nidalee throws a spiked javelin at her target that gains damage as it flies. As a cougar, her next attack will attempt to fatally wound her target, dealing more damage the less life they have.QJavelin Toss / Takedown1
4
5
7
9
Bushwhack / Pounce (W)In human form, Nidalee lays a trap for unwary opponents that, when sprung, damages and reveals its target. As a cougar, she jumps in a direction, dealing damage in an area where she lands.WBushwhack / Pounce3
14
15
17
18
Primal Surge / Swipe (E)In human form, Nidalee channels the spirit of the cougar to heal her allies and imbue them with Attack Speed for a short duration. As a cougar, she claws in a direction, dealing damage to enemies in front of her.EPrimal Surge / Swipe2
8
10
12
13
Aspect Of The Cougar (R)Nidalee transforms into a cougar, gaining new abilities.RAspect Of The Cougar6
11
16
Dark Harvest keystone
Domination
Electrocute
Dark Harvest
Hail of Blades
Cheap Shot
Taste of Blood
Sudden Impact
Sixth Sense
Grisly Mementos
Deep Ward
Treasure Hunter
Relentless Hunter
Ultimate Hunter
Sorcery
Summon Aery
Arcane Comet
Stormraider's Surge
Deathfire Touch
Axiom Arcanist
Manaflow Band
Nimbus Cloak
Transcendence
Celerity
Absolute Focus
Scorch
Waterwalking
Gathering Storm
SUMMONER SPELLS
BUILD PATH · win rate by item
STARTING
Scorchclaw PupJungle Companions
Summon a Scorchclaw that assists you against monsters.
The companion grows as you hunt monsters, empowering your Smite. When fully grown, it completes your Jungle Quest and periodically imbues your next Attack or Ability to burn enemies and Slow them. Killing large monsters readies this immediately.Cost: 450
Health PotionConsume
Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.Cost: 50Best opening
BOOTS
Sorcerer's Shoes12 Magic Penetration
45 Move SpeedCost: 1100 · 800 to buildMost common
CORE
Lich Bane100 Ability Power
6% Move Speed
10 Ability Haste
Spellblade
After using an Ability, your next Attack deals bonus magic damage On-Hit.Cost: 2900 · 250 to build→
Shadowflame110 Ability Power
15 Magic Penetration
Cinderbloom
Magic and true damage Critically Strike enemies below 40% Health, dealing 20% increased damage.Cost: 3200 · 900 to buildBuild every game
3RD ITEM
Hextech Rocketbelt60 Ability Power
350 Health
20 Ability Haste
Supersonic
Dash in target direction, unleashing missiles that deal magic damage.Cost: 2650 · 350 to build51.1% WR890 gamesWhat players go
4TH ITEM
Zhonya's Hourglass105 Ability Power
50 Armor
Time Stop
Enter Stasis for 2.5 seconds.Cost: 3250 · 450 to build49.9% WR895 games
Rabadon's Deathcap130 Ability Power
Magical Opus
Increases your total Ability Power by 30%.Cost: 3500 · 1100 to build59.7% WR432 games
Mejai's Soulstealer20 Ability Power
100 Health
Glory
Takedowns grant Glory, up to 25. 10 Glory is lost on death.
Gain 5 Ability Power per Glory and 10% Move Speed at 10 or higher Glory.Cost: 1500 · 1150 to build73.7% WR99 gamesWhat players go
5TH ITEM
Rabadon's Deathcap130 Ability Power
Magical Opus
Increases your total Ability Power by 30%.Cost: 3500 · 1100 to build59.5% WR331 gamesZhonya's Hourglass105 Ability Power
50 Armor
Time Stop
Enter Stasis for 2.5 seconds.Cost: 3250 · 450 to build62.6% WR273 gamesMejai's Soulstealer20 Ability Power
100 Health
Glory
Takedowns grant Glory, up to 25. 10 Glory is lost on death.
Gain 5 Ability Power per Glory and 10% Move Speed at 10 or higher Glory.Cost: 1500 · 1150 to build72.7% WR77 gamesWhat players go
Based on 3857 games · 51.1% win rate · challenger+grandmaster+master+emerald-diamond+platinum-emerald · patch 16.18.1.
SKILL PRIORITY
Primal Surge / Swipe (E)In human form, Nidalee channels the spirit of the cougar to heal her allies and imbue them with Attack Speed for a short duration. As a cougar, she claws in a direction, dealing damage to enemies in front of her.E49.9% WR27 matches
SKILL PATH leveling order
Javelin Toss / Takedown (Q)In human form, Nidalee throws a spiked javelin at her target that gains damage as it flies. As a cougar, her next attack will attempt to fatally wound her target, dealing more damage the less life they have.QJavelin Toss / Takedown3
8
10
12
13
Bushwhack / Pounce (W)In human form, Nidalee lays a trap for unwary opponents that, when sprung, damages and reveals its target. As a cougar, she jumps in a direction, dealing damage in an area where she lands.WBushwhack / Pounce1
14
15
17
18
Primal Surge / Swipe (E)In human form, Nidalee channels the spirit of the cougar to heal her allies and imbue them with Attack Speed for a short duration. As a cougar, she claws in a direction, dealing damage to enemies in front of her.EPrimal Surge / Swipe2
4
5
7
9
Aspect Of The Cougar (R)Nidalee transforms into a cougar, gaining new abilities.RAspect Of The Cougar6
11
16
Summon Aery keystone
SorcerySummon AeryArcane CometStormraider's SurgeDeathfire TouchAxiom ArcanistManaflow BandNimbus CloakTranscendenceCelerityAbsolute FocusScorchWaterwalkingGathering StormDominationElectrocuteDark HarvestHail of BladesCheap ShotTaste of BloodSudden ImpactSixth SenseGrisly MementosDeep WardTreasure HunterRelentless HunterUltimate HunterSUMMONER SPELLS
BUILD PATH · win rate by item
STARTING
World AtlasCost: 400Health PotionConsume
Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.Cost: 50Best opening
BOOTS
Ionian Boots of Lucidity10 Ability Haste
45 Move Speed
Ionian Insight
Gain 10 Summoner Spell Haste.Cost: 900 · 350 to buildMost common
CORE
Dream Maker200 Health
75% Base Health Regen
75% Base Mana Regen
9 Gold Per 10 Seconds
Dream Maker
Healing or Shielding another ally blows Dream Bubbles to them for 3 seconds. Their next Attack deals bonus magic damage On-Hit and the next damage they take is reduced.Active (4 charges)
Places an Invisible Stealth Ward that grants vision.Cost: 400→
Echoes of Helia35 Ability Power
200 Health
20 Ability Haste
125% Base Mana Regen
Soul Siphon
Gain 30% of pre-mitigation damage dealt to champions as Soul Charges. Healing or Shielding an ally consumes all Soul Charges to restore Health.Cost: 2200 · 500 to buildBuild every game
3RD ITEM
Moonstone Renewer25 Ability Power
200 Health
20 Ability Haste
125% Base Mana Regen
Starlit Grace
Healing or shielding an ally chains the effect to another ally (excluding yourself), healing 30% or shielding 35% of the original amount.Cost: 2200 · 500 to build56.4% WR55 games
Stormsurge90 Ability Power
15 Magic Penetration
6% Move Speed
Stormraider
Dealing 25% of a champion's maximum Health within 2.5s applies Squall to them.
Squall
After 2 seconds, deal magic damage. If the target dies before Squall triggers, it damages nearby enemies.Cost: 2800 · 800 to build50% WR20 gamesWhat players go
4TH ITEM
Moonstone Renewer25 Ability Power
200 Health
20 Ability Haste
125% Base Mana Regen
Starlit Grace
Healing or shielding an ally chains the effect to another ally (excluding yourself), healing 30% or shielding 35% of the original amount.Cost: 2200 · 500 to build39.3% WR28 gamesWhat players go
Based on 371 games · 49.9% win rate · challenger+grandmaster+master+emerald-diamond+platinum-emerald · patch 16.18.1.
SKILL PRIORITY
Javelin Toss / Takedown (Q)In human form, Nidalee throws a spiked javelin at her target that gains damage as it flies. As a cougar, her next attack will attempt to fatally wound her target, dealing more damage the less life they have.Q→Primal Surge / Swipe (E)In human form, Nidalee channels the spirit of the cougar to heal her allies and imbue them with Attack Speed for a short duration. As a cougar, she claws in a direction, dealing damage to enemies in front of her.E54.2% WR25 matches
SKILL PATH leveling order
Javelin Toss / Takedown (Q)In human form, Nidalee throws a spiked javelin at her target that gains damage as it flies. As a cougar, her next attack will attempt to fatally wound her target, dealing more damage the less life they have.QJavelin Toss / Takedown1
4
5
7
9
Bushwhack / Pounce (W)In human form, Nidalee lays a trap for unwary opponents that, when sprung, damages and reveals its target. As a cougar, she jumps in a direction, dealing damage in an area where she lands.WBushwhack / Pounce2
14
15
17
18
Primal Surge / Swipe (E)In human form, Nidalee channels the spirit of the cougar to heal her allies and imbue them with Attack Speed for a short duration. As a cougar, she claws in a direction, dealing damage to enemies in front of her.EPrimal Surge / Swipe3
8
10
12
13
Aspect Of The Cougar (R)Nidalee transforms into a cougar, gaining new abilities.RAspect Of The Cougar6
11
16
Summon Aery keystone
SorcerySummon AeryArcane CometStormraider's SurgeDeathfire TouchAxiom ArcanistManaflow BandNimbus CloakTranscendenceCelerityAbsolute FocusScorchWaterwalkingGathering Storm
Precision
Press the Attack
Lethal Tempo
Fleet Footwork
Conqueror
Absorb Life
Triumph
Presence of Mind
Legend: Alacrity
Legend: Haste
Legend: Bloodline
Coup de Grace
Cut Down
Last StandSUMMONER SPELLS
BUILD PATH · win rate by item
STARTING
Doran's Ring18 Ability Power
90 Health
Drain
Restore 1 Mana every second, increased to 2 Mana per second for 5 seconds after dealing damage to an enemy champion. If you can't gain Mana, heal for 45% of this value instead.
Helping Hand
Attacks deal 5 bonus physical damage to minions.Cost: 400Health PotionConsume
Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.Cost: 50Best opening
BOOTS
Sorcerer's Shoes12 Magic Penetration
45 Move SpeedCost: 1100 · 800 to buildMost common
CORE
Trinity Force36 Attack Damage
30% Attack Speed
333 Health
15 Ability Haste
Spellblade
After using an Ability, your next Attack deals bonus physical damage On-Hit.
Quicken
Attacking grants 20 Move Speed for 2 seconds.Cost: 3333 · 133 to build→Zhonya's Hourglass105 Ability Power
50 Armor
Time Stop
Enter Stasis for 2.5 seconds.Cost: 3250 · 450 to buildBuild every game
Based on 155 games · 54.2% win rate · challenger+grandmaster+master+emerald-diamond+platinum-emerald · patch 16.18.1.
SKILL PRIORITY
Primal Surge / Swipe (E)In human form, Nidalee channels the spirit of the cougar to heal her allies and imbue them with Attack Speed for a short duration. As a cougar, she claws in a direction, dealing damage to enemies in front of her.E→Javelin Toss / Takedown (Q)In human form, Nidalee throws a spiked javelin at her target that gains damage as it flies. As a cougar, her next attack will attempt to fatally wound her target, dealing more damage the less life they have.Q59.3% WR23 matches
SKILL PATH leveling order
Javelin Toss / Takedown (Q)In human form, Nidalee throws a spiked javelin at her target that gains damage as it flies. As a cougar, her next attack will attempt to fatally wound her target, dealing more damage the less life they have.QJavelin Toss / Takedown2
8
10
12
13
Bushwhack / Pounce (W)In human form, Nidalee lays a trap for unwary opponents that, when sprung, damages and reveals its target. As a cougar, she jumps in a direction, dealing damage in an area where she lands.WBushwhack / Pounce3
14
15
17
18
Primal Surge / Swipe (E)In human form, Nidalee channels the spirit of the cougar to heal her allies and imbue them with Attack Speed for a short duration. As a cougar, she claws in a direction, dealing damage to enemies in front of her.EPrimal Surge / Swipe1
4
5
7
9
Aspect Of The Cougar (R)Nidalee transforms into a cougar, gaining new abilities.RAspect Of The Cougar6
11
16
Conqueror keystone
PrecisionPress the AttackLethal TempoFleet FootworkConquerorAbsorb LifeTriumphPresence of MindLegend: AlacrityLegend: HasteLegend: BloodlineCoup de GraceCut DownLast Stand
Inspiration
Glacial Augment
Unsealed Spellbook
First Strike
Hextech Flashtraption
Magical Footwear
Cash Back
Triple Tonic
Time Warp Tonic
Biscuit Delivery
Cosmic Insight
Approach Velocity
Jack Of All TradesSUMMONER SPELLS
BUILD PATH · win rate by item
STARTING
Doran's Ring18 Ability Power
90 Health
Drain
Restore 1 Mana every second, increased to 2 Mana per second for 5 seconds after dealing damage to an enemy champion. If you can't gain Mana, heal for 45% of this value instead.
Helping Hand
Attacks deal 5 bonus physical damage to minions.Cost: 400Health PotionConsume
Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.Cost: 50Best opening
BOOTS
Spellslinger's Shoes20 Magic Penetration
8% Magic Penetration
45 Move SpeedCost: 1100Most common
CORE
Lich Bane100 Ability Power
6% Move Speed
10 Ability Haste
Spellblade
After using an Ability, your next Attack deals bonus magic damage On-Hit.Cost: 2900 · 250 to build→Zhonya's Hourglass105 Ability Power
50 Armor
Time Stop
Enter Stasis for 2.5 seconds.Cost: 3250 · 450 to buildBuild every game
3RD ITEM
Hextech Gunblade80 Ability Power
40 Attack Damage
10% Omnivamp
ACTIVE (0s)
Lightning Bolt
Shocks the target enemy champion, dealing magic damage and slowing them by 25% for 1.5 seconds.Cost: 3000 · 600 to build75% WR20 gamesStormsurge90 Ability Power
15 Magic Penetration
6% Move Speed
Stormraider
Dealing 25% of a champion's maximum Health within 2.5s applies Squall to them.
Squall
After 2 seconds, deal magic damage. If the target dies before Squall triggers, it damages nearby enemies.Cost: 2800 · 800 to build70% WR20 gamesWhat players go
4TH ITEM
Rabadon's Deathcap130 Ability Power
Magical Opus
Increases your total Ability Power by 30%.Cost: 3500 · 1100 to build52.2% WR23 gamesWhat players go
Based on 113 games · 59.3% win rate · challenger+grandmaster+master+emerald-diamond+platinum-emerald · patch 16.18.1.
