Utility tank build for space capture: Maokai is worth less for his damage than for his ability to lock a zone, force a bad entry, and stay long enough to replay another control cycle. The build must reinforce that persistent presence, not just his first button.
Standard build maximizing damage output. Use on neutral matchups or when ahead.
10,450 total cost
Nothing dominates on the other side: the standard build maximizes your damage.
Open this draft in the tool →Protection build, prioritizes peel tools for your carry.
10,500 total cost +50gDefensive build against enemy dives/engages.
10,700 total cost +250g
Share of the roster this champion outclasses, at each stage of the game.
50% = average for the roster at that point of the game, 90% = among the strongest. The three phases come from the site's editorial tempo grid (early/mid/late, rated across 142 champions); the level-by-level curve adds this build's computed spikes — ultimate, completed items — never by more than ±8 points.
Your hardest matchups in this role, and the item from your situational list that answers each one.
Standard build maximizing damage output. Use on neutral matchups or when ahead.
14,450 total cost
Nothing dominates on the other side: the standard build maximizes your damage.
Open this draft in the tool →Resistance build geared against physical damage (AD) compositions.
14,600 total cost +150g
Physical-damage enemy team: Darius, Lee Sin, Lucian.
Open this draft in the tool →Resistance build geared against magic damage (AP) compositions.
14,700 total cost +250g
Share of the roster this champion outclasses, at each stage of the game.
50% = average for the roster at that point of the game, 90% = among the strongest. The three phases come from the site's editorial tempo grid (early/mid/late, rated across 142 champions); the level-by-level curve adds this build's computed spikes — ultimate, completed items — never by more than ±8 points.
Your hardest matchups in this role, and the item from your situational list that answers each one.
Standard build maximizing damage output. Use on neutral matchups or when ahead.
14,600 total costNothing dominates on the other side: the standard build maximizes your damage.
Open this draft in the tool →Resistance build geared against physical damage (AD) compositions.
14,400 total cost -200gPhysical-damage enemy team: Darius, Lee Sin, Lucian.
Open this draft in the tool →Resistance build geared against magic damage (AP) compositions.
14,500 total cost -100g
Share of the roster this champion outclasses, at each stage of the game.
50% = average for the roster at that point of the game, 90% = among the strongest. The three phases come from the site's editorial tempo grid (early/mid/late, rated across 142 champions); the level-by-level curve adds this build's computed spikes — ultimate, completed items — never by more than ±8 points.
Your hardest matchups in this role, and the item from your situational list that answers each one.
Same advisor in the Draft (the MVP sheet applies it to your real draft) and in Ask Nexus, which explains the choice. On counters pages: the variant to take against each counter-pick.
Skill leveling order and rune choices explained, from our in-depth kit analysis (patch 7.0e). Ability numbers are from patch 7.3; up-to-date items are in the section above.
Maokai only has value if he survives after first contact. A too-light build turns him into a disposable engage button; a too-passive build removes the threat that makes enemies respect his zone. Utility tank balances both: enough durability to rotate again, enough immediate impact to truly change…
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Tap an ability for its per-rank numbers. Source: official Tencent data (Chinese server), patch 7.3 — may lead or lag the global server by a sub-patch.
Q knockback, W root, R wall of roots — nearly every spell triggers the freeze zone on your engages.
Active after Q knockback or R Twisted Advance roots for a shield in teamfights.
Reduces incoming damage during the canagainst of the R Nature's Grasp.
Accumulated HP to be a living wall impossible to cross in teamfights.
Haste cycles E saplings and W faster — more vision control and more picks.
Bone Plating
Second Wind
Overgrowth
Perseverance
Overgrowth
Perseverance
