Mel Medarda is a groundbreaking new champion introduced in League of Legends with Patch 25.S1.2, released on January 23, 2025. With her unique abilities, especially her projectile reflection, Mel has redefined team fights and laning strategies. This guide will help you understand how to counter her effectively, ensuring you can hold your own against this formidable champion.
See also:
- How To Counter Kai’sa – Win With These Picks!
- Liar’s Bar – Dive into Game-Dive24
- How to Counter Zed in League of Legends?
And if you want to keep up to date:
General Tips for Countering Mel
Laning Against Mel
Mel’s laning phase can feel oppressive if you’re unprepared. Her W ability, which reflects incoming projectiles, is a cornerstone of her power. Bait out her W before committing to an all-in or using your key abilities. Without this defensive tool, she’s significantly more vulnerable. Additionally, her Passive adds extra damage to her abilities, making trades harder if you’re not careful. If you’re low on health, recall promptly to avoid being executed under your turret or during an overextended trade.
For melee champions, try to minimize her harass by using wave manipulation. Keep the wave near your turret to reduce her chances of landing poke damage. Use health potions or sustain abilities to outlast her in the lane.
Strategy VS Mel
Team fights against Mel require precise planning. Her W is pivotal, especially in grouped engagements. Poke her down to force her W early, then capitalize on its cooldown to engage. Avoid clustering too closely, as her AoE abilities can deal devastating damage when your team is grouped around objectives.
In the mid-to-late game, isolate her when possible. Split-pushing scenarios are ideal for catching her alone and neutralizing her threat before major team fights. Avoid prolonged fights where her abilities can shine—focus on quick, decisive trades and disengages.
Mel’s Power Spikes
Mel has several key power spikes throughout the game:
- Early Levels (3–4): At level 3, Mel gains two points in her first ability, increasing her damage output. Approach carefully during these levels, as she will often look to trade aggressively.
- Level 6 (Ultimate): Her R grants her incredible kill potential. Be mindful of her ability combos and recall if you’re low to avoid giving her an advantage.
- Mid-Game Items: When Mel builds items with cooldown reduction or ability haste, her W becomes a more frequent threat. Time your engages carefully to avoid being countered.
Key Tip: Always force her W before engaging. Without it, she’s less capable of turning trades in her favor.
Best Champions to Counter Mel
Anivia
Anivia is a strong pick against Mel due to her long-range abilities and zoning potential. Anivia’s R and Q can keep Mel at a distance, negating her poke while enabling safe farming. While Anivia is immobile, careful positioning and wall placement can make it difficult for Mel to land her E or Q.
Xerath
Xerath’s range allows him to dominate Mel in lane. By staying far back and poking with his abilities, he can chip away at her health without giving her opportunities to retaliate. Positioning is key—stay as far away as possible while harassing her consistently.
Ziggs
Ziggs excels in this matchup due to his incredible poke and lane control. He can farm and push waves from a safe distance, denying Mel the opportunity to pressure him. Ziggs’ long-range abilities allow him to avoid her W and E while still contributing heavily in team fights.
Fizz
Fizz is a solid counterpick for Mel in skilled hands. His E ability can help dodge her Q and R combos, making it difficult for Mel to land crucial damage. However, this matchup requires practice, as Mel’s reflection ability can counter poorly timed engages. With good timing and awareness, Fizz can secure kills while avoiding her major threats.
How to Play Against Mel in Team Fights
- Force Her W Early: Before committing to a fight, poke her down and force her to use her W. This ability is her primary defense and tool for turning fights in her favor.
- Avoid Clustering: Mel’s AoE abilities thrive in grouped team fights. Engage her in open areas to reduce her effectiveness.
- Catch Her Alone: Mel is significantly weaker when isolated. Look for opportunities to pick her off when she’s split-pushing or rotating without backup.
Conclusion
Mel’s unique kit makes her a challenging opponent, but she’s not invincible. By understanding her abilities, power spikes, and weaknesses, you can counter her effectively. Champions like Anivia, Xerath, Ziggs, and Fizz offer strong advantages at various stages of the game, while smart positioning and strategic plays can neutralize her impact in team fights. With practice and preparation, you’ll find Mel less daunting and more manageable in your matches.
