very good guide, I realy enjoy it. Tri-force make many championes star. But the problem is how to build it in the game where everything could happen. So i thinnk this build base on quiet good skill and experiment of games. :)

Trinity is not a tank item, but neither is RoA, i've tried Maokai without either, instead building other items, and I've discovered that both Trinity and RoA are detrimental to a tank build on Maokai. Both cost over 3000 gold, which would be better spent on supporty and tanky items like Frozen Heart, Shurelya's Battlesong, FoN, etc. suggest looking at doo0ooooooom's guide on how to build Maokai. Pure tank doesn't build damage, and Trinity Force is expensive. That's not a "True Tank". :P

Wow I went from a 3 game winning streak using ROA+frozen heart build on maokai and I felt good.. so I thought wat the heck and tried this build.
I found this build comparable to the ROA build. I did feel I did a bit less damage early game but I think that was bcause I didn't have AP quints. I have 2 move speed and a mpen. Also I have yellow mana regen/5 + blue cooldowns.

I did feel a bit better lategame however. But I think thats bcause Trinity gives you a good boost of speed which really helps endgame. Meant I could keep up with a rushing team a bit easier and get my cc in where it counted. Otherwise my team is always waiting for me.

Also in Chu8's post he lists 2 builds and then goes on to say he tends to use No2 build as its better. which is

2) mana crystral + 2 pots
catalist
sorc boots
rod of ages
sheen
deathcap + triforce (order depends on how much you are owning, get cap if you taking sht on their chests, otherwise triforce first)
banshee
ap tenacity thingy
win the game

I think ROA+Triforce is a good way to go as long as you stick to the runes you have in this build. But if you are on a team geting pushed back early-mid then you need to switch to a more armour oreinted build.

Nice guide.

For the spells, didnt Chu use Flash + Ignite, stating that it was a really good combo with all his other spells? just curious

The only true way in my opinion. Still brutal damage, if you know how to play him right, without being too squishy.
Plus this item build can be used, without changing the item order, when jungling.
I love it +1.

I've played against Chu8 and he built both RoA and Trinity (RoA first). It seemed to work well for him.

Which numbers?

Sorry, but all the numbers are against you.

AP/tank maokai, and Trinity force maokai do comparable damage, but Trinity maokai is tankier.

I have mained Maokai for several months now and I strongly disagree with Trinity. Sorry to rag on your build, but Maokai is an AP Tank, and should be build that way. You want to go trinity, play an AD off-tank. RoA synergizes very well with Maokai, getting the early catalyst helps immensely with his mana problems. RoA is core to a good Maokai, it's all the damage a Tanky Maokai will need to ensure he does more to help get kills than just cc, and the health and mana are paramount to ensuring he has the fuel to sustainably pressure the enemy.

add that U should first throw Sapling Toss while that lands throw Twisted Advance so its perfect for youre seconf sapling hit. +1

triforce is Awesome on maokai, worked for me. perfect combo of dmg+tankiness

Hey buddy, good buil , but i have big mana issue .Should i just play more in "Calm down mode" and everything will be allright ? GL HF.