NOVA Akali

NOVA Akali

Standard

Copy Team Code

Click to copy

Leveling Pattern: 

Conditions:

• This is a STALL comp not a burst comp
• Hextech Gunblade on Akali + Heavy AD itemization
• 3 High Quality tank items for Jax 3 or Morgana 2
• 5 NOVA as soon as possible

Gods: Kayle, Yasuo, Varus
How to Play:

• Gameplan: Play this comp only when your items allow for it. Most of the damage comes from Akali’s NOVA strike which deals damage over time. This ability has a really high base damage ratio but can be a little slow. This makes Gunblade required to get the most out of this slow but powerful effect. The comp is potentially S tier with the correct set up but absolutely D tier from the wrong positions, spot recognition is everything. The main indication you can play for Akali 3 is going to be how easily you can assemble Gunblade + 1 heavy ad item (DB preferred) + 1 other multiplier (Striker’s preferred) while still being able to build quality tank items to allow her DoT to do its thing.
  • Stage 1-2: If you have a condition for Akali such as artifact or some other underlying reason, open to secure good itemization to have a strong stage 3. Otherwise ideally play a tempo Akali opener and stay open to other comps.
  • Stage 3: 3-1 is the earliest you should commit to this comp unless you have found an artifact or some other condition on 2-1. Itemization is strict, as covered in the gameplan section, so make sure if you are committing here that it is realistic to find what you need. Roll on 3-2 to stabilize if needed.
  • Stage 4: Continue to roll for Akali copies. You should have your items at the latest 4-1. If you have to grind till 4-6 to find your Akali items, you are likely in a bad position and should have played a different line. If you have access to 5 NOVA + Akali 3 on this stage, it should be easy to be strong.
  • Stage 5+: Level for 5 NOVA if you haven’t already found it. Position in a way that keeps Akali up as long as possible, ideally on opposite sides of main carries with your main tank in front of carries.
    
• Tips:
  • Akali’s NOVA Strike applies Wound, making anti-heal unnecessary in this comp.
  • Akali’s NOVA buff gives Precision (Spell Crit), making items like IE unnecessary and items like Striker’s Flail much stronger.
  • Aatrox’s NOVA buff applies Shred and Sunder, making these items unnecessary.
  • Most of this comp’s damage comes from Akali’s NOVA strike, which happens 6 seconds into combat and also takes a while to tick down units with her DoT. Gunblade is NEEDED so you can successfully stall out the fight. Do not drop this item for anything else. Radiant Gunblade is likely a top 2.
  • Artifacts are great in this comp. Jax happily takes any tank artifact and Akali performs very well with the following:
    Prowler’s Claw > Silvermere Dawn > Death’s Defiance > Gold Collector
    Artifacts that provide a lot of AD most commonly will replace Deathblade but Striker’s is droppable in some cases.
  • NOVA emblem acts as a +1 team slot because it allows you to drop Caitlyn late game. It also allows you to fit 5 NOVA much earlier as you do not need access to Kindred. Prioritize this heavily if you can do so while still meeting this comps hefty item requirements.
  • Morgana 2 can replace Jax 3 if you find Akali 3 quickly but not Jax 3. Morgana’s itemization is different and wants Gargolye’s less in favor for items that provide HP and AP.

Item Holder: Akali, Jax, Aatrox, Caitlyn
Best Emblem/Spatula Holder: NOVA Emblem anyone

Items:

• Akali: Hextech Gunblade, Deathblade, Striker’s
  • Prowler’s Claw, Silvermere Dawn, Death’s Defiance, Gold Collector
• Jax: 2x Gargoyles, Crownguard
  • Any tank artifact
• Kindred: Leftover AD
• Morgana: Leftover Tank

Augments:

• BIS: Artifact Generation
• General: Items > Combat > Econ