TL;DR
- Illaoi joins Project L as a powerful juggernaut character with unique tentacle-based combat mechanics
- She excels in mid-range engagements but sacrifices mobility for devastating damage potential
- The character maintains her League of Legends visual identity while adapting to fighting game dynamics
- Her gameplay focuses on Nagakabouros tentacle mechanics that create threats across multiple ranges
- Despite lower popularity in LoL, her Project L debut could significantly boost her player recognition

Riot Games continues expanding its highly anticipated fighting game Project L with the addition of Illaoi, the Kraken Priestess. This formidable new combatant joins the established roster featuring Ahri, Darius, Ekko, Jinx, and Katarina, bringing diverse fighting styles to the emerging platform.
Originally announced in 2019 during early development phases, Project L has demonstrated substantial progress through consistent champion reveals. Each character represents distinct combat archetypes from League of Legends, translating their signature abilities into fighting game mechanics that maintain character identity while introducing fresh gameplay dynamics.
While the fighting game market currently offers numerous high-quality titles, Project L possesses unique growth potential similar to Valorant’s rapid ascent. By leveraging established champions with dedicated fan bases, Riot bridges the gap between MOBA enthusiasts and fighting game communities.
About to head off to Vegas for Evo, but before I do… pic.twitter.com/bQ9QoSwvpK
— Tom Cannon (@ProtomCannon) August 1, 2022
Illaoi Joins Project L: Character Breakdown and Gameplay Impact
Following her significant narrative role in Ruined King, Illaoi transitions to Project L as a Big Body Juggernaut archetype. Known for her substantial physical presence in League of Legends, she brings impactful combat mechanics that could reshape the game’s meta.

According to associate game director Shaun “UNCONKABLE!!!!” Rivera, Illaoi’s visual design remains faithful to her original incarnation. As a heavyweight fighter, she trades agility for exceptional damage output, creating distinct strategic considerations for players.
Her substantial hitboxes and muscular frame establish her as a bruising combatant, though mobility limitations present learning challenges. The character’s optimal performance emerges during mid-range engagements where she can leverage her power effectively.
“Illaoi embodies powerful spiritual leadership that motivates others toward self-actualization. Her commanding physical presence and deliberate, confident demeanor naturally dominate any combat scenario,” the development team emphasized.
The powerful heavyweight remains in active development, with the team refining her move set mechanics. Development focus centers on perfecting her tentacle functionality, which represents her deity Nagakabouros. Based on concept art analysis, the design intent appears to create multi-range threat capabilities.

“When determining the primary power dynamic, we established Illaoi as the fundamental power source while Nagakabouros provides supportive capabilities,” Rivera explained regarding the character’s mechanical foundation.
For players adapting to Illaoi’s playstyle, understanding her movement limitations becomes crucial. Her large frame creates predictable movement patterns that experienced opponents can exploit. However, her devastating damage potential creates significant reward for mastering her timing and spacing.
Advanced techniques will likely involve optimizing tentacle placement to control space effectively. Unlike agile characters who rely on combos and mobility, Illaoi excels at creating zones of control that limit opponent options.
Common beginner mistakes include overextending without proper tentacle setup and failing to manage the space between mid and close ranges. Successful Illaoi players will need to develop strong footsies and spacing awareness to maximize her strengths.
Project L continues its development trajectory, with Illaoi showing promising potential despite ongoing refinement. The champion represents an exciting roster addition, particularly noteworthy given her relatively modest popularity within League of Legends. Her inclusion in Project L could significantly elevate her recognition among gaming communities.
The development team’s approach emphasizes maintaining character authenticity while adapting to fighting game requirements. This philosophy ensures that Illaoi feels immediately recognizable to League players while offering fresh gameplay experiences.
For players preparing to master Illaoi, developing strong defensive fundamentals proves essential. Her limited mobility requires exceptional positioning awareness and patience during neutral game situations.
Future updates will likely address balance considerations based on player feedback and tournament performance. As with any fighting game character launch, initial power levels may require adjustment following community playtesting and competitive implementation.
Action Checklist
- Study her tentacle placement mechanics and optimal spacing for zone control
- Practice mid-range engagement tactics to maximize her damage potential
- Master defensive positioning to compensate for limited mobility
- Analyze matchups against agile characters to understand her strategic limitations
- Develop tentacle setup strategies that create multi-range threat scenarios
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