In this guide you will see my build to gain early double activation of akali's double passive while allowing for strong lane presence and lengthy duration.

Greater Mark of Strength x7
Greater Mark of Insight x2
Greater Seal of Vitality x9
Greater Glyph of Potency x9
Greater Quint of Potency x2
Greater Quint of Fortitude x1


The runes shown above are set as such to activate akali's passives early and without a need for early ap or ad items. It also gives some small ammounts of magic penetration along with some minor benefits to hp.

21/9/0 or another variation could be 9/0/21 for deep utility but i find this less effective.

The masteries are also as such. They are set to help activate the very strong passive abilities akali possesses while still giving her good survivability and farm strength.

The items are basically the one set way akali should be built. Boots pots is a comfort starter. Many people do not feel capable of starting boots/pots with many champs, but if you intend to solo you should do so. Doran's blade is also acceptable as a starting item for her. The early revolver gives lengthy lane presence, and the sheen->lichbane will allow for immense pester and chase. This build will allow for solid spell vamp and lifesteal along with immense output from cap and lichbane, while still keeping durability with Guardian angel. Another alteration could be going merc treads if you find yourself in a high cc lane or fight or keeping your own choice of boots and adding moonflare spellblade. Qss is also viable if they have a strong suppress team packin amumu or malz and such. Mejai's is also phenomenal if you are farming and killing well early.

Flash/ignite is pretty basic for champions such as akali. But myself and others i've notice often use flash/exhuast or even variations of the 2 with ghost used in place of exhaust, but personally i find ghost less effective on akali.

The above skill sequence optimizes akali's early dominance with her q and shroud combo's while allowing for farm in between with her e if need be. Although her e is very energy heavy and is not something that should be spammed as much as possible.

Mark of the assassin: This ability is chosen to be maxed first for two simple reasons. It is her highest output in terms of damage. And the ranged casting of this allows for healing through spell vamp when simply unable to creep in a lane that is zoning well.

Twilight Shroud: This ability allows for you to pester from the minion waves and also serves as a viable slow and boost to defenses.

Crescent Slash: This is akali's aoe output and secondary lane farming tool, although high in cost it has a decent damage ratio and is great for gaining health back at high rates through vamp.

Shadow Dance: This is akali's ultimate and useful to both advance and retreat. The damage output on this ability is decent and when combined with her q allows for devastating output. The defensive capabilities of throwing down a shroud and dancing away to an enemy creep or neutral monster when being chased or fought is very potent as well.

This guide is not a "must follow to be effective", its simply my variation on an already strong champion and how i feel this can optimize her effectiveness and output. Akali is easily countered with an intelligent team and smart ward/oracle purchases. Although a force to be reckoned with she is not invincible.

Thx for the interest and comment away. Positive or negatively as you see fit.