Hey Legends of Runeterra enthusiasts! Are you ready to smash your opponents and rise through the ranks with a powerful and engaging deck? Then, buckle up because we're diving deep into the world of Illaoi, the Kraken Priestess, and her tentacle-slamming strategies in Legends of Runeterra! This guide will cover everything you need to know to pilot an Illaoi deck to victory, from card choices to mulligan strategies and gameplay tips. So, let's unleash the Kraken!

Understanding the Illaoi Archetype

At its core, the Illaoi deck is a midrange powerhouse that focuses on overwhelming the opponent with a relentless assault of powerful units, buffed by Illaoi and her Tentacles. The deck excels at creating wide boards, applying constant pressure, and closing out games with explosive attacks. Think of it as a tidal wave, slowly building momentum until it crashes down on your opponent, leaving them drowning in tentacles. The primary game plan revolves around summoning Tentacles, buffing them with Illaoi and other supporting cards, and then using those beefed-up Tentacles to smash face and control the board. The deck's strength lies in its ability to generate value over time, making it difficult for opponents to keep up with the constant stream of threats. The Illaoi deck isn't just about brute force; it also requires careful planning and resource management. You'll need to make smart decisions about when to play your units, how to position your Tentacles, and when to unleash your powerful spells. Understanding your opponent's deck and anticipating their moves is crucial for success. It’s a deck that rewards strategic thinking and skillful execution.

Core Cards of the Illaoi Deck

To build a truly competitive Illaoi deck, you need to understand the key cards that make the archetype tick. These are the cards that form the backbone of your strategy and enable you to execute your game plan effectively. Let's break down the essential components:

• Illaoi: The star of the show! Illaoi is your primary champion and the engine that drives your entire strategy. Her ability to buff Tentacles and challenge enemies makes her a formidable threat on the board. You'll want to get her on the board as soon as possible to start building your Tentacle army. Leveling up Illaoi is a game-changer, as it significantly increases her power and allows her to overwhelm your opponents even faster.
• Tentacle Cards: These are your bread and butter. Cards like Test of Spirit, Nagakabouros, and Sea's Voice summon Tentacles, which are the primary source of your damage. You'll want to include a healthy mix of these cards to ensure you always have Tentacles on the board. Experiment with different Tentacle-generating cards to find the right balance for your playstyle. Remember, the more Tentacles, the merrier!
• Buff Cards: To make your Tentacles truly terrifying, you'll need cards that buff their stats. Cards like Brash Gambler and Rite of Calling can provide significant power boosts, allowing your Tentacles to trade favorably with enemy units and push for lethal damage. Consider adding cards that provide Overwhelm to your Tentacles for even more explosive potential.
• Support Cards: These cards provide utility and help you control the board. Cards like Vile Feast and Glimpse Beyond can remove threats, draw cards, and keep you alive long enough to establish your board presence. Don't underestimate the power of these utility cards! They can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Building Your Illaoi Deck: A Decklist Example

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and look at a sample decklist. Keep in mind that this is just a starting point, and you can adjust the list to fit your personal preferences and the current meta. This Illaoi deck list focuses on a blend of early-game board control, mid-game Tentacle generation, and late-game power plays.

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Here's a breakdown of some key card choices in this example decklist:

• x3 Illaoi: You absolutely need three copies of Illaoi. She's the heart and soul of the deck.
• x3 Nagakabouros: This card is a powerhouse, summoning a Tentacle and drawing a card. It's a great way to generate value and keep your hand full.
• x3 Test of Spirit: A cheap and efficient way to summon a Tentacle. It's perfect for early-game board presence.
• x3 Brash Gambler: This card can provide a massive power boost to your Tentacles, allowing you to overwhelm your opponents.
• x3 Rite of Calling: Another powerful buff card that can turn your Tentacles into monstrous threats.
• x3 Vile Feast: A versatile removal spell that can deal with early-game threats and keep you alive.

Mulligan Guide: Setting Up for Success

The mulligan is a crucial part of any card game, and Legends of Runeterra is no exception. Knowing which cards to keep and which to toss back into your deck can significantly increase your chances of winning. With the Illaoi deck, your primary goal in the mulligan is to find early-game Tentacle generation and mana ramp.

• Keep:
  • Illaoi (if you have other early-game cards)
  • Test of Spirit
  • Any card that summons Tentacles in the early game
• Toss:
  • High-cost cards (unless you have a good mana curve)
  • Multiple copies of the same card (unless you really need it)
  • Cards that are situational or require a specific board state

The key is to be flexible and adapt your mulligan strategy to your opponent's deck. If you're facing an aggressive deck, prioritize early-game removal and defensive cards. If you're facing a slower deck, focus on setting up your Tentacle engine and generating value.

Gameplay Tips and Tricks for Illaoi

So, you've built your deck and mastered the mulligan. Now it's time to put your skills to the test and dominate the ladder! Here are some gameplay tips and tricks to help you pilot your Illaoi deck to victory:

• Prioritize Tentacle Generation: The more Tentacles you have on the board, the stronger your strategy becomes. Focus on playing cards that summon Tentacles early and often.
• Protect Illaoi: Illaoi is the heart of your deck, so you need to protect her at all costs. Use removal spells and blockers to keep her safe from harm.
• Plan Your Attacks Carefully: Before attacking, consider the potential outcomes and how your opponent might react. Think about which units to target and how to maximize your damage output.
• Manage Your Resources Wisely: Don't waste your spells and abilities unnecessarily. Save them for when you really need them to control the board or push for lethal damage.
• Adapt to Your Opponent: Pay attention to your opponent's deck and playstyle, and adjust your strategy accordingly. Be prepared to change your game plan if necessary.

Mastering Matchups with Illaoi

Understanding your matchups is crucial for climbing the ladder in Legends of Runeterra. The Illaoi deck has its strengths and weaknesses, and knowing how to play against different archetypes is essential for success. Against Aggro decks, focus on early-game removal and stabilizing the board. Cards like Vile Feast and Grasp of the Undying can help you survive the early onslaught and transition into your mid-game power plays. Against Control decks, apply constant pressure and try to overwhelm them with your relentless stream of Tentacles. Don't give them time to set up their late-game strategies. Against Midrange decks, it often comes down to who can establish board control first. Use your buff cards to give your Tentacles an edge in combat and push for favorable trades. Always be mindful of your opponent's potential threats and plan your moves accordingly. Remember, knowledge is power!

Advanced Strategies and Tech Choices

Once you've mastered the basics of the Illaoi deck, you can start experimenting with more advanced strategies and tech choices to further optimize your deck. Consider adding cards that provide additional card draw, such as Glimpse Beyond, to keep your hand full and ensure you always have options. Tech cards like Deny can be used to counter key spells from your opponent, giving you a significant advantage. Another advanced strategy is to use Overwhelm to push for lethal damage. By giving your Tentacles Overwhelm, you can bypass blockers and deal massive damage directly to the enemy Nexus. Experiment with different tech choices and strategies to find what works best for you and your playstyle. Remember, the key to success is to always be learning and adapting!

Conclusion: Embrace the Kraken!

So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to dominating Legends of Runeterra with the Illaoi deck. With its powerful units, explosive attacks, and strategic depth, this deck is a force to be reckoned with on the ladder. By understanding the core cards, mastering the mulligan, and implementing the gameplay tips outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to crushing your opponents and reaching new heights in Legends of Runeterra. So, embrace the Kraken, summon your Tentacles, and unleash the fury of the deep! Good luck, have fun, and may your victories be plentiful!