Complete Gnar Top Lane Guide: Strategy, Builds and Counters

Complete Gnar Top Lane Guide: Strategy, Builds and Counters

By Marcus Chen

February 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM

Gnar is a versatile top laner who excels at harassing melee champions and controlling teamfights. His unique transformation mechanic between Mini and Mega forms makes him both a potent lane bully and a formidable team fighter.

Strengths:

  • Strong lane bully with ranged poke abilities
  • Excellent disengage potential with E
  • Game-changing ultimate for team fights
  • Versatile build paths (damage or tank)
  • Effective split pusher

Weaknesses:

  • Vulnerable when E is on cooldown
  • Ultimate effectiveness depends on terrain
  • Can be countered by disengaging during Mega form
  • Form management requires careful timing

Key Tips:

  • Harass enemies with Q when they last hit
  • Monitor your rage bar constantly
  • Look for aggressive plays near form transformation
  • Delay team fights until rage bar is nearly full
  • Use brushes for lane control
  • Group with team for mid-game objectives

Power Spikes:

  • Level 6: Major spike with ultimate unlock
  • Level 9: Q maxed for increased poke
  • Level 11: Second point in ultimate
  • Level 13: Two abilities fully maxed

Game Phases:

  1. Early Game:

    • Focus on poking and farming
    • Use E defensively
    • Control wave with Q
  2. Mid Game:

    • Group for team fights
    • Look for ultimate opportunities
    • Split push when no objectives are available
  3. Late Game:

    • Stay with team
    • Use fog of war for flanks
    • Focus on proper ultimate timing

Strategic Tips:

  • Consider team composition when choosing build path
  • Use range advantage in mini form
  • Time transformations for objective fights
  • Coordinate ultimate with team's CC
  • Keep track of enemy disengage abilities

Remember to adapt your playstyle based on matchup and team composition, as Gnar's success heavily depends on proper form management and ultimate timing.

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