Irelia is a mechanically demanding bruiser who excels in mid lane against mages. Her ability to heal, farm efficiently with Q (Bladesurge), and capitalize on strong early-mid game powerspikes makes her a formidable pick.

Core Strengths:

• Excellent mobility through Q resets
• Strong waveclear and farming potential
• Powerful all-in potential against immobile mages
• Effective healing and sustain
• High outplay potential through ability combinations

Key Weaknesses:

• Falls off in late game
• Vulnerable to AP assassins
• Requires mechanical mastery
• Ultimate can be dodged with mobility spells
• Squishy early game without items

Ability Priority:

1. Q (Bladesurge)
2. W (Defiant Dance)
3. E (Transcendence) R at levels 6, 11, and 16

Key Mechanics:

• Passive (Ionian Fervor): Stack before engaging for bonus attack speed and on-hit damage
• Q (Bladesurge): Core mobility tool, resets on kills and marked targets
• E (Transcendence): Marks targets and stuns, crucial for Q resets
• W (Defiant Dance): Damage reduction tool, charges for 1.5 seconds
• R (Vanguard's Edge): Creates blade wall, marks champions, and slows enemies

Standard Combo: E > R > Q > AA > E > AA > Q > AA > W > AA > Q > AA

Optimal Build Path: Starting Items:

• Doran's Blade
• Health Potion

Core Items:

• Blade of the Ruined King
• Trinity Force/Divine Sunderer
• Death's Dance

Situational Items:

• Wit's End (vs AP)
• Guardian Angel (when ahead)
• Sterak's Gage (for survivability)

Best Matchups:

• Syndra
• Ryze
• Malzahar

Challenging Matchups:

• Diana
• Fizz
• Vex

Gameplay Tips:

1. Stack passive before trades
2. Use Q to secure CS and maintain mobility
3. Time W to mitigate burst damage
4. Land E for guaranteed ultimate hits
5. Snowball advantage during mid-game power spike

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