Maokai is a resilient support tank that excels at crowd control and team fight initiation. His kit provides strong utility through vision control and area denial, making him particularly effective in brush-heavy areas.

Core Strengths:

• Powerful CC abilities for engage and peel
• Strong vision control with saplings (E)
• Excellent team fight initiator with Ultimate (R)
• High sustain through passive healing

Power Spikes:

• Level 2: Access to basic CC combo
• Level 3: Full basic ability rotation unlocked
• Level 6: Game-changing Ultimate for team fights
• Level 9: Maxed E ability for maximum brush control

Early Game Strategy:

• Place saplings in lane brushes for zone control
• Start roaming at level 3 with W-Q combo
• Purchase early boots for improved mobility
• Coordinate ganks with jungler using E vision

Mid Game Approach:

• Focus on picking off isolated targets
• Set up vision control in enemy jungle
• Protect carries during team fights
• Utilize choke points for maximum CC impact

Late Game Impact:

• Initiate team fights using R from fog of war
• Peel for carries with W-Q combos
• Tank damage while sustaining through passive
• Control objective areas with E saplings
• Use frequent R casts to create pick opportunities

Tips for Success:

• Coordinate Ultimate usage with team follow-up
• Maximize sapling placement in common pathways
• Build tanky to improve survivability
• Maintain brush control for enhanced effectiveness
• Time engages when enemies are near walls

Counter Strategy:

• Vulnerable to early game aggression
• Susceptible to Grievous Wounds
• Requires proper vision control to counter
• Weak against ranged matchups
• Limited effectiveness without brush control

Build focus on maximizing tankiness while maintaining utility through support items. Boots rush enables better roaming potential and objective control. Ultimate usage from fog of war provides the strongest engagement opportunities.

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