Top · Ranked FlexMatchup guidePatch 16.20.1
Build, runes, abilities and practical pre-game checks in one queue-aware reference.
VS
Role fit
TopIreliaIrelia has an established solo-lane plan with the income and space needed to trade, manage waves and influence a side lane.
These patches track recommendation review, build validation and item lookup separately. Updating item data does not complete a build review.
Ranked Flex · Top
Follow the completed-item order as a pre-game reference. Components and owned items do not create extra inventory slots.
This is the most-supported Draft/Ranked starting item in the frozen prior-patch public role snapshot, manually checked against Riot patch 26.17. Compare its durability, sustain and damage trade-off before leaving base.
This item is part of the most-supported coherent core in the frozen prior-patch public role snapshot, manually checked against Riot patch 26.17. Treat the sample as context, then adjust only for a clearly identified matchup problem.
This is the most-supported Boots choice in the frozen prior-patch public role snapshot, manually checked against Riot patch 26.17; change it when the opposing damage or crowd control calls for a different defence.
This item is part of the most-supported coherent core in the frozen prior-patch public role snapshot, manually checked against Riot patch 26.17. Treat the sample as context, then adjust only for a clearly identified matchup problem.
This item is part of the most-supported coherent core in the frozen prior-patch public role snapshot, manually checked against Riot patch 26.17. Treat the sample as context, then adjust only for a clearly identified matchup problem.
Keeps a reviewed late option after the prior-patch cross-check; move or replace it only when its stated match problem is present.
Completes the six-item inventory with armour penetration and ability-based slowing against armoured targets.
Complete build choices
Recommendation review pending
View full route▾Best when: Chempunk Chainsword adds anti-heal without abandoning attack damage and health.
First itemBlade of The Ruined KingBootsPlated SteelcapsChempunk ChainswordLateWit's EndFlexibleDeath's DanceAgainst armourSerylda's Grudge
View full route▾Best when: Kaenic Rookern is a defensive answer when repeated magic damage is the real problem.
First itemBlade of The Ruined KingBootsPlated SteelcapsCoreHullbreakerKaenic RookernFlexibleDeath's DanceAgainst armourSerylda's GrudgeRunes and summoner spells
Use repeated combat and durability rather than gambling the long solo lane on one short trade.
Precision
Conqueror
Triumph
Legend: Alacrity
Last Stand
Resolve
Bone Plating
Overgrowth
Flash
TeleportTeleport preserves recalls and side-lane access. Ignite is a deliberate pressure trade-off, not a universal upgrade.
Keep the defensive secondary runes when repeated poke or one committed trade can decide the lane.
Matchup notes
Minion movement and sustained pressure can challenge a ranged lane when the wave is managed carefully.
Mid gameThe clearest window is around first completed items, roams and isolated targets before every fight becomes fully grouped.
Treat Vex as one part of the map state. Their Jungler, nearby waves and which teammates can move determine whether the same trade or rotation is safe.
Static alternatives
These choices are not selected from live scores. Use one only after you identify the stated match problem yourself.
Chempunk Chainsword adds anti-heal without abandoning attack damage and health.
Kaenic Rookern is a defensive answer when repeated magic damage is the real problem.
Ability reference
Ability reference Data Dragon 16.20.1
Cooldown (s) / Cost / Listed range (units) Data Dragon 16.20.1
When Irelia strikes enemies with spells she gains stacking bonus Attack Speed. At maximum stacks she also gains bonus damage on hit.
Irelia dashes forward to strike her target, healing herself. If the target is Marked or dies to Bladesurge, its cooldown refreshes.
Cooldown (s) 10/9/8/7/6 · Cost 15 · Listed range (units) 600Irelia charges a strike that deals more damage as she charges. She takes reduced physical damage during the charge.
Cooldown (s) 20/18/16/14/12 · Cost 70/75/80/85/90 · Listed range (units) 825Irelia sends out two blades which converge on each other. Enemies caught in between are damaged, stunned and Marked.
Cooldown (s) 16/14.5/13/11.5/10 · Cost 50 · Listed range (units) 850Irelia fires a massive number of blades that explode outward upon hitting an enemy champion. Enemies hit by the blades are damaged and Marked. Afterwards the blades form a wall that will damage and slow enemies that walk through it.
Cooldown (s) 125/105/85 · Cost 100 · Listed range (units) 950Accelerando: Sona gains non-Ultimate ability haste permanently for her basic abilities as she uses her abilities well, up to a cap. Beyond that cap, further successful uses reduce her ultimate's remaining cooldown instead. Power Chord: Every few spell casts, Sona's next attack will deal bonus magic damage in addition to an additional effect based on what basic Ability Sona last activated.
Sona plays the Hymn of Valor, sends out bolts of sound, dealing magic damage to two nearby enemies, prioritizing champions and monsters. Sona gains a temporary aura that grants allies tagged by the zone bonus damage on their next attack against enemies.
Cooldown (s) 8 · Cost 50/55/60/65/70 · Listed range (units) 825Sona plays the Aria of Perseverance, sending out protective melodies, healing Sona and a nearby wounded ally. Sona gains a temporary aura that grants allies tagged by the zone a temporary shield.
Cooldown (s) 10 · Cost 80/85/90/95/100 · Listed range (units) 1000Sona plays the Song of Celerity, granting nearby allies bonus Move Speed. Sona gains a temporary aura that grants allied champions tagged by the zone bonus Move Speed.
Cooldown (s) 14 · Cost 65 · Listed range (units) 430Sona plays her ultimate chord, stunning enemy champions and forcing them to dance and dealing magic damage to them.
Cooldown (s) 140/120/100 · Cost 100 · Listed range (units) 900Adapt the plan
Judge the whole lane or map state, not only personal kills. Choose the situation closest to the current game.
Hold a favourable wave, pressure the enemy away from farm and keep enough vision to survive the second opponent.
Push before moving to an objective; arrive through a known route rather than giving up the wave and your shutdown.
Use the lead to occupy space for the team. Do not chase through the entire enemy formation for one target.
Keep health and minions balanced so one poor trade does not decide the lane.
Move after the wave is handled and communicate if the opposing Top laner leaves first.
Choose between front-line duty, side pressure and carry access according to the champion kit.
Farm near safety, avoid repeating the losing trade and ask for help only when the wave creates a realistic window.
Do not follow a stronger opponent through unseen river. Signal the move and recover guaranteed resources.
Contribute control or pressure to the nearest safe target instead of trying to repair the score alone.
Pings, movement and objectives
Manage the long lane before leaving it. A useful move begins with a handled wave, a visible route and a teammate who knows you are coming.
Pings create a shared plan; they do not replace checking waves, vision and who can move.
Push, catch or communicate the wave before leaving so the opponent does not gain a free move and free income.
Use On My Way for the route you are actually taking and Danger where an unseen opponent may arrive.
Move through controlled vision with the Jungler or another ally instead of face-checking the objective alone.
Decide whether you are engaging, front-lining, flanking or protecting a carry before the fight begins.
Later objectives: Repeat the same process around later major objectives: handle nearby income, communicate the route, enter through vision and agree on the fight before committing.
Keep preparing
The matchup page is a pre-game reference. It does not predict the result or alter its recommendation from changing live match data.