I don't main Irelia by any means but I remember hearing some pro saying that the norm for Irelia is to max E now and only max w in difficult situations where you need sustain (I think it was Dyrus).

Well, First at all thanks for your comment. That really helps me to keep going.

I actually think Irelia is strong in Mid/High elo, because lower elo ppl might not be able to play her to a certain extend, so they can carry with her. If you still manage to, she is great in low elo as well.
Her overall well rounded kit allows you to withstand many situations, that's why she is so strong. (cc, sustain, gap closer, true damage, tenacity,good powerspike and scaling). Since you can play her both from behind and ahead to great effect, she is really powerful.

I do think maxing Equilibrium Strike is not completely bad. It has a different attempt of playing Irelia in Lane. What will happen is, that you will lack damage in an all-in situation. Hiten Style will definitely give you more damage, while a longer stun/slow duration garantuess you to not receive that much damage and hit more often. The problem is, hitting more often with low true dmg and AA wont be that big of a deal.
Also, you can almost always get 3-4 auto hits + Bladesurge even with maxing Hiten Style.
All of that, didn't even include the sustain, which plays a big part. Sustaining faster than your enemy means you will get another HP Difference in favour of you.

Means: Safer trades Equilibrium Strike
more aggresive trade Hiten Style


To be honest, only run Equilibrium Strike max if you are in big trouble.


Kind regards, Piu Piu

25k views and 0 comment? Dafaq? Well then i must say... FIRST!!

Really well made guide, i give a + for it and waiting for the rest of it (matchups). ^^
Do you think he is a viable pick/carry in low/mid/high elo?

Other thing i personally like to max W then E and Q then R when possible just like you but one person said those who are maxing W are ******s because its obvious that need to max E first. Because more stun means bigger burst can you do in the enemy. I laughted in his face. IMO true damage+sustain > stun. What your thoughts about maxing E first?

Cheers Maxi.