/
Nidalee
Assassin · magic (AP) damage
Builds from patch 26.20 · 175K high-elo games
51.1%Win rate
1.3%Pick rate
4KGames
ATier · Jungle
HIGHEST WIN-RATE BUILD
BUILD PATH · win rate by item
Later items show higher win rates partly because games that last that long are usually already being won. Compare items within a slot, not across slots.
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.450 gold
Health PotionConsume
Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.50 goldBest opening
BOOTS
Sorcerer's Shoes12 Magic Penetration
45 Move Speed1100 gold · 800 to combineMost 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.2900 gold · 250 to combine→
Shadowflame110 Ability Power
15 Magic Penetration
Cinderbloom
Magic and true damage Critically Strike enemies below 40% Health, dealing 20% increased damage.3200 gold · 900 to combineBuild every game
ITEM 3
Hextech Rocketbelt60 Ability Power
350 Health
10 Ability Haste
Supersonic
Dash in target direction, unleashing missiles that deal magic damage.2650 gold · 350 to combine51.6% WR999 gamesWhat players go
ITEM 4
Zhonya's Hourglass105 Ability Power
50 Armor
Time Stop
Enter Stasis for 2.5 seconds.3250 gold · 450 to combine50.4% WR1,036 games
Rabadon's Deathcap130 Ability Power
Magical Opus
Increases your total Ability Power by 30%.3500 gold · 1100 to combine59.0% WR493 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.1500 gold · 1150 to combine75.4% WR114 games · small sampleWhat players go
ITEM 5
Rabadon's Deathcap130 Ability Power
Magical Opus
Increases your total Ability Power by 30%.3500 gold · 1100 to combine58.7% WR378 gamesZhonya's Hourglass105 Ability Power
50 Armor
Time Stop
Enter Stasis for 2.5 seconds.3250 gold · 450 to combine64.3% WR305 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.1500 gold · 1150 to combine72.7% WR77 games · small sampleWhat players go
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
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% WR65% of games
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
Based on 4,387 games · 51.1% win rate · High elo · patch 26.20.
BUILD PATH · win rate by item
Later items show higher win rates partly because games that last that long are usually already being won. Compare items within a slot, not across slots.
STARTING
World Atlas400 goldHealth PotionConsume
Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.50 goldBest opening
BOOTS
Ionian Boots of Lucidity10 Ability Haste
45 Move Speed
Ionian Insight
Gain 10 Summoner Spell Haste.900 gold · 350 to combineMost 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.400 gold→
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.2200 gold · 500 to combineBuild every game
ITEM 3
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.2200 gold · 500 to combine55.7% WR70 games · small sample
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.2800 gold · 800 to combine50.0% WR20 games · small sampleWhat players go
ITEM 4
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.2200 gold · 500 to combine39.3% WR28 games · small sampleWhat players go
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
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.E51.4% WR6% of games
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
Based on 455 games · 51.4% win rate · High elo · patch 26.20.
BUILD PATH · win rate by item
Later items show higher win rates partly because games that last that long are usually already being won. Compare items within a slot, not across slots.
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.400 goldHealth PotionConsume
Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.50 goldBest opening
BOOTS
Sorcerer's Shoes12 Magic Penetration
45 Move Speed1100 gold · 800 to combineMost 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.3333 gold · 133 to combine→Zhonya's Hourglass105 Ability Power
50 Armor
Time Stop
Enter Stasis for 2.5 seconds.3250 gold · 450 to combineBuild every game
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
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.E51.4% WR13% of games
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
Based on 183 games · 51.4% win rate · High elo · patch 26.20.
BUILD PATH · win rate by item
Later items show higher win rates partly because games that last that long are usually already being won. Compare items within a slot, not across slots.
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.400 goldHealth PotionConsume
Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.50 goldBest opening
BOOTS
Spellslinger's Shoes20 Magic Penetration
8% Magic Penetration
45 Move Speed1100 goldMost 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.2900 gold · 250 to combine→Zhonya's Hourglass105 Ability Power
50 Armor
Time Stop
Enter Stasis for 2.5 seconds.3250 gold · 450 to combineBuild every game
ITEM 3
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.2800 gold · 800 to combine66.7% WR21 games · small sample
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.3000 gold · 600 to combine75.0% WR20 games · small sampleWhat players go
ITEM 4
Rabadon's Deathcap130 Ability Power
Magical Opus
Increases your total Ability Power by 30%.3500 gold · 1100 to combine52.0% WR25 games · small sampleWhat players go
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
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.Q56.7% WR22% of games
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
Based on 127 games · 56.7% win rate · High elo · patch 26.20.
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.
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.
