Top Matchup

Nasus vs Ambessa

Patch: 15.15 (25.15)
League: Platinum+
Nasus

Nasus

the Curator of the Sands
Top
Nasus Top Overall Win Rate
50.33%

Matchup Win Rate

48.8%
Nasus vs Ambessa Wins
51.3%
Ambessa vs Nasus Wins
Ambessa

Ambessa

Matriarch of War
Top
Ambessa Top Overall Win Rate
49.21%

Nasus vs Ambessa - Top Matchup Guide Patch 15.15 (25.15)

Nasus Top vs Ambessa Top - Who is stronger?

Nasus Top struggles against Ambessa (48.8% win rate) based on 531 games. This matchup can be tricky for Nasus players.

View detailed statistics below: items, runes, and counter builds for Nasus Top vs Ambessa Top in patch 15.15 (25.15), including win rates and pick rates. With proper study, this can improve your chances of victory up to 70%+ in this matchup.

Statistical Matchup Analysis

With 3.3% popularity, Nasus constantly encounters meta-dominant Ambessa (4.7%, 10th place out of 62 Top champions). Understanding how to play against this popular champion becomes essential for consistent Nasus performance in the current patch. Surprising upset: Despite Nasus's higher tier rating, Ambessa wins 51.3% of encounters. This suggests Ambessa's kit specifically counters Nasus's playstyle, overriding general meta strength - approach this matchup with extra caution. Every edge matters: In this tough matchup, the proven Grasp of the Undying + Demolish combination (72.7% win rate) plus optimal itemization Iceborn Gauntlet, Frozen Heart, Thornmail, and Ionian Boots of Lucidity boosts your chances from 48.8% to 70%+ - potentially game-changing.

Survive and scale: Nasus faces both matchup (48.75%) and farming disadvantages (6.85 vs 6.89/min). With a 0.04 CS/min deficit, prioritize safe farming and jungle assistance. Outclassed across the board: Ambessa leads in both matchup win rate (51.3%) and damage (844 vs 701/min). Nasus must seek alternative win conditions through macro play and team coordination. Skill-based matchup: Identical KDA (1.90) with 48.8% win rate indicates that macro play, team coordination, and clutch moments determine outcomes more than individual mechanics.

Nasus vs Ambessa - Top Stats Comparison

Nasus Top
Nasus Top
Versus
Ambessa Top
Ambessa Top
ATierB
48.8%Matchup Winrate51.3%
50.33%Role Winrate49.21%
#29Winrate Rank#48
3.3%Pickrate4.7%
1.9Average KDA1.9
417Gold per Minute379
6.85CS/Min6.89
0.29Wards per Minute0.32
701Damage per Minute844

How to Beat Ambessa as Nasus (Top)

Despite the slight difference in effectiveness, in the Nasus versus Ambessa matchup in the top lane, neither champion has an overwhelming advantage. The winner is determined by player skill and understanding the intricacies of the confrontation. Studying this guide will improve your chances of success.

Except for rare builds, Nasus deals physical damage. Focus on eliminating enemy carries. Ambessa deals mainly physical damage (92.52%), additional items against this damage type may be required against snowballing or aggressive play.

Consider the farming superiority demonstrated by Ambessa, ranking 24th (versus 26th for Nasus) in farming efficiency among champions in this role. This means the opponent can build gold advantages more quickly.

Key aspects of the Nasus Top versus Ambessa Top matchup

In this difficult confrontation, it is critically important for the Nasus player to avoid attempts to force trades and all-ins with the Ambessa player, as the matchup requires a patient and calculated approach. Extended trades without clear tactical advantage often lead to unfavorable consequences, and ignoring opportunities to receive team support can be a fatal mistake for game progression.

Nasus vs Ambessa: Top Lane Summoner Spells

Most Popular

Ghost
Ghost Gain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration.
Teleport
Teleport After a brief channel, become untargetable and travel to an allied unit. Upgrades into Unleashed Teleport, which significantly increases travel speed.
56.6% Win Rate63.3% Pick Rate

Highest Win Rate

Flash
Flash Teleports you a short distance toward your cursor.
Ghost
Ghost Gain Move Speed and ignore unit collision for the duration.
70.9% Win Rate6.3% Pick Rate

Nasus vs Ambessa: Top Lane Runes

Most Frequent Runes

Primary Path
Precision
Fleet Footwork
Fleet Footwork Attacking and moving builds Energy stacks. At 100 stacks, your next attack is Energized

Energized attacks heal you for 10 - 130 (+0.1 Bonus AD, +0.05 AP) and grant 20% Move Speed for 1s.

For Ranged Champions, Healing is 60% effective and Move Speed is 75% effective. All healing is 15% effective against Minions.

Fleet Footwork

Attacking and moving builds Energy stacks. At 100 stacks, your next attack is EnergizedEn…

Triumph
Triumph Takedowns restore 5% of your missing health, 2.5% of your max health, and grant an additional 20 gold.



'The most dangerous game brings the greatest glory.'
—Noxian Reckoner

Triumph

Takedowns restore 5% of your missing health, 2.5% of your max health, and grant…

Legend: Haste
Legend: Haste Gain 1.5 basic ability haste for every Legend stack (max 10 stacks).

Earn progress toward Legend stacks for every champion takedown, epic monster takedown, large monster kill, and minion kill.

Legend: Haste

Gain 1.5 basic ability haste for every Legend stack (max 10 stacks).Earn progre…

Last Stand
Last Stand Deal 5% - 11% increased damage to champions while you are below 60% health. Max damage gained at 30% health.

Last Stand

Deal 5% - 11% increased damage to champions while you are below 60% health. Max…

Secondary Path
Resolve
Second Wind
Second Wind After taking damage from an enemy champion, heal for 4% of your missing health +3 over 10s.

Second Wind

After taking damage from an enemy champion, heal for 4% of your missing health …

Unflinching
Unflinching Gain 6 - 12 (level scaling) Armor and Magic Resist when crowd controlled and for 2 seconds after.

Unflinching

Gain 6 - 12 (level scaling) Armor and Magic Resist when crowd controlled and fo…

Adaptive
Scaling Cooldown Reduction
Scaling Cooldown Reduction +8 Ability Haste

Scaling Cooldown Reduction

+8 Ability Haste

Scaling Health
Scaling Health Increases health from 10 to 180 HP across levels 1-18

Scaling Health

Increases health from 10 to 180 HP across levels 1-18

Scaling Health
Scaling Health Increases health from 10 to 180 HP across levels 1-18

Scaling Health

Increases health from 10 to 180 HP across levels 1-18

57.7% Win Rate65.8% Pick Rate

Best Win Rate Runes

Primary Path
Resolve
Grasp of the Undying
Grasp of the Undying Every 4s in combat, your next basic attack on a champion will:
  • Deal bonus magic damage equal to 3.5% of your max health
  • Heal you for 1.3% of your max health
  • Permanently increase your health by 5
    Ranged Champions: Damage, healing, and permanent health gained are 60% effective.
  • Grasp of the Undying

    Every 4s in combat, your next basic attack on a champion will:Deal bonus magic damage equ…

    Demolish
    Demolish Charge up a powerful attack against a tower over 3s, while within 600 range of it. The charged attack deals 100 (+35% of your max health) bonus physical damage.

    Cooldown: 45s

    Demolish

    Charge up a powerful attack against a tower over 3s, while within 600 range of …

    Second Wind
    Second Wind After taking damage from an enemy champion, heal for 4% of your missing health +3 over 10s.

    Second Wind

    After taking damage from an enemy champion, heal for 4% of your missing health …

    Overgrowth
    Overgrowth Absorb life essence from monsters or enemy minions that die near you, permanently gaining 3 maximum health for every 8.

    When you've absorbed 120 monsters or enemy minions, gain an additional 3.5% maximum health.

    Overgrowth

    Absorb life essence from monsters or enemy minions that die near you, permanent…

    Secondary Path
    Inspiration
    Magical Footwear
    Magical Footwear You get free Slightly Magical Footwear at 12 min, but you cannot buy boots before then. For each takedown you acquire the boots 45s sooner.

    Slightly Magical Footwear grants you an additional 10 Move Speed.

    Magical Footwear

    You get free Slightly Magical Footwear at 12 min, but you cannot buy boots befo…

    Biscuit Delivery
    Biscuit Delivery Biscuit Delivery: Gain a Total Biscuit of Everlasting Will every 2 mins, until 6 min.

    Biscuits restore 12% of your missing health. Consuming or selling a Biscuit permanently increases your max health by 30.

    Biscuit Delivery

    Biscuit Delivery: Gain a Total Biscuit of Everlasting Will every 2 mins, until …

    Adaptive
    Scaling Cooldown Reduction
    Scaling Cooldown Reduction +8 Ability Haste

    Scaling Cooldown Reduction

    +8 Ability Haste

    Adaptive Force
    Adaptive Force Grants 9 Attack Damage or 9 Ability Power

    Adaptive Force

    Grants 9 Attack Damage or 9 Ability Power

    Scaling Health
    Scaling Health Increases health from 10 to 180 HP across levels 1-18

    Scaling Health

    Increases health from 10 to 180 HP across levels 1-18

    Scaling Health
    Scaling Health Increases health from 10 to 180 HP across levels 1-18

    Scaling Health

    Increases health from 10 to 180 HP across levels 1-18

    72.7% Win Rate4.7% Pick Rate

    Nasus vs Ambessa: Top Lane Item Builds

    Most Popular Build

    Starting Items
    Stealth Ward
    Stealth Ward (0 gold) Active (210 - 120s, max 2 charges)
    Places an Invisible Stealth Ward that grants vision for 90-120 seconds.
    Doran's Shield
    Doran's Shield (450 gold) 110 Health
    Enduring Focus
    Restore 4 Health every 5 seconds.
    After taking damage from a champion, restore Health over 8 seconds.
    Helping Hand
    Attacks deal 5 bonus physical damage to minions.
    Health Potion
    Health Potion (50 gold) Consume
    Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.
    55.4% Win Rate74.5% Pick Rate
    Popular Boots
    Ionian Boots of Lucidity
    Ionian Boots of Lucidity (900 gold) 10 Ability Haste
    45 Move Speed

    Ionian Insight
    Gain 10 Summoner Spell Haste.
    59.4% Win Rate51.8% Pick Rate
    Plated Steelcaps
    Plated Steelcaps (1200 gold) 25 Armor
    45 Move Speed

    Plating
    Reduces incoming damage from Attacks by 10%.
    52.7% Win Rate27.7% Pick Rate
    Mercury's Treads
    Mercury's Treads (1250 gold) 20 Magic Resist
    45 Move Speed
    30% Tenacity

    61.2% Win Rate10.0% Pick Rate
    Core Build
    Sheen
    Sheen (900 gold) 10 Ability Haste
    Spellblade
    After using an Ability, your next Attack deals bonus physical damageOn-Hit.
    ->
    Trinity Force
    Trinity Force (3333 gold) 36 Attack Damage
    30% Attack Speed
    333 Health
    15 Ability Haste

    Spellblade
    After using an Ability, your next Attack deals bonus physical damageOn-Hit.

    Quicken
    Attacking grants 20 Move Speed for 2 seconds.
    Frozen Heart
    Frozen Heart (2500 gold) 75 Armor
    400 Mana
    20 Ability Haste

    Winter's Caress
    Reduce the Attack Speed of nearby champions by 20%.
    Spirit Visage
    Spirit Visage (2700 gold) 400 Health
    50 Magic Resist
    10 Ability Haste
    100% Base Health Regen

    Boundless Vitality
    Heals and Shields on you are increased by 25%.
    61.7% Win Rate16.9% Pick Rate
    Final Build
    Dead Man's Plate
    Dead Man's Plate (2900 gold) 350 Health
    55 Armor
    4% Move Speed

    Shipwrecker
    While moving, build up to 20 bonus Move Speed. Your next Attack discharges built up Move Speed to deal bonus physical damage.
    Unsinkable
    Reduce the effectiveness of Slows by 25%.
    69.2% Win Rate16.8% Pick Rate

    Best Win Rate Build

    Starting Items
    Stealth Ward
    Stealth Ward (0 gold) Active (210 - 120s, max 2 charges)
    Places an Invisible Stealth Ward that grants vision for 90-120 seconds.
    Doran's Blade
    Doran's Blade (450 gold) 10 Attack Damage
    80 Health
    3% Life Steal

    Health Potion
    Health Potion (50 gold) Consume
    Restores 120 Health over 15 seconds.
    82.6% Win Rate3.0% Pick Rate
    Highest Winrate Boots
    Mercury's Treads
    Mercury's Treads (1250 gold) 20 Magic Resist
    45 Move Speed
    30% Tenacity

    61.2% Win Rate10.0% Pick Rate
    Ionian Boots of Lucidity
    Ionian Boots of Lucidity (900 gold) 10 Ability Haste
    45 Move Speed

    Ionian Insight
    Gain 10 Summoner Spell Haste.
    59.4% Win Rate51.8% Pick Rate
    Plated Steelcaps
    Plated Steelcaps (1200 gold) 25 Armor
    45 Move Speed

    Plating
    Reduces incoming damage from Attacks by 10%.
    52.7% Win Rate27.7% Pick Rate
    Core Build
    Sheen
    Sheen (900 gold) 10 Ability Haste
    Spellblade
    After using an Ability, your next Attack deals bonus physical damageOn-Hit.
    ->
    Iceborn Gauntlet
    Iceborn Gauntlet (2900 gold) 300 Health
    50 Armor
    15 Ability Haste

    Spellblade
    After using an Ability, your next Attack deals bonus physical damageOn-Hit and creates a frost field for 2s that Slows.
    Frozen Heart
    Frozen Heart (2500 gold) 75 Armor
    400 Mana
    20 Ability Haste

    Winter's Caress
    Reduce the Attack Speed of nearby champions by 20%.
    Thornmail
    Thornmail (2450 gold) 150 Health
    75 Armor

    Thorns
    When struck by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion.
    100.0% Win Rate1.6% Pick Rate
    Final Build
    Hollow Radiance
    Hollow Radiance (2800 gold) 400 Health
    40 Magic Resist
    10 Ability Haste
    100% Base Health Regen

    Immolate
    After taking or dealing damage, deal magic damage per second to nearby enemies for 3 seconds.
    Desolate
    Killing an enemy deals magic damage around them.
    100.0% Win Rate1.7% Pick Rate
    Other Items
    Sundered Sky
    Sundered Sky (3100 gold) 40 Attack Damage
    400 Health
    10 Ability Haste

    Lightshield Strike
    Your first Attack against a champion Critically Strikes and restores Health.
    32.7% Win Rate15.1% Pick Rate
    Jak'Sho, The Protean
    Jak'Sho, The Protean (3200 gold) 350 Health
    45 Armor
    45 Magic Resist

    Voidborn Resilience
    After 5 seconds of champion combat, increase your bonus Armor and Magic Resist by 30% until end of combat.
    88.2% Win Rate13.5% Pick Rate
    Thornmail
    Thornmail (2450 gold) 150 Health
    75 Armor

    Thorns
    When struck by an Attack, deal magic damage to the attacker and apply 40% Wounds for 3 seconds if they are a champion.
    56.5% Win Rate11.8% Pick Rate
    Force of Nature
    Force of Nature (2800 gold) 400 Health
    55 Magic Resist
    4% Move Speed

    Steadfast
    Gain 70 Magic Resist and 6% bonus Move Speed after taking magic damage from Champions 8 times.
    74.3% Win Rate6.7% Pick Rate
    Randuin's Omen
    Randuin's Omen (2700 gold) 350 Health
    75 Armor

    Resilience
    Receive 30% less damage from Critical Strikes.
    Humility
    Slow nearby enemies by 70% for 2 seconds.
    0.0% Win Rate3.4% Pick Rate
    Morellonomicon
    Morellonomicon (2950 gold) 75 Ability Power
    350 Health
    15 Ability Haste

    Grievous Wounds
    Dealing magic damage to champions applies 40% Wounds for 3 seconds.
    0.0% Win Rate1.7% Pick Rate
    Hollow Radiance
    Hollow Radiance (2800 gold) 400 Health
    40 Magic Resist
    10 Ability Haste
    100% Base Health Regen

    Immolate
    After taking or dealing damage, deal magic damage per second to nearby enemies for 3 seconds.
    Desolate
    Killing an enemy deals magic damage around them.
    100.0% Win Rate1.7% Pick Rate

    Nasus vs Ambessa: Top Lane Skill (abilities) Orders

    Most Frequent Skill Order

    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    Q
    Q
    Siphoning Strike Nasus strikes his foe, dealing damage and increasing the power of his future Siphoning Strikes if he slays his target.
    Q
    Q
    Q
    Q
    Q
    W
    W
    Wither Nasus ages an enemy champion, decelerating their Move Speed and Attack Speed over time.
    W
    W
    W
    W
    W
    E
    E
    Spirit Fire Nasus unleashes a spirit flame at a location, dealing damage and reducing the Armor of enemies who stand on it.
    E
    E
    E
    E
    E
    R
    R
    Fury of the Sands Nasus unleashes a mighty sandstorm that batters nearby enemies. While the storm rages, he gains increased Health, Attack Range, damages nearby enemies, has a reduced cooldown on Siphoning Strike, and gains bonus Armor and Magic Resistance.
    R
    R
    R
    Max Order: Q > W > E
    54.5% Win Rate24.9% Pick Rate

    Highest Win % Skill Order

    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10
    11
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16
    17
    18
    R
    Q
    Siphoning Strike Nasus strikes his foe, dealing damage and increasing the power of his future Siphoning Strikes if he slays his target.
    Q
    Q
    Q
    Q
    Q
    R
    W
    Wither Nasus ages an enemy champion, decelerating their Move Speed and Attack Speed over time.
    W
    W
    W
    W
    W
    R
    E
    Spirit Fire Nasus unleashes a spirit flame at a location, dealing damage and reducing the Armor of enemies who stand on it.
    E
    E
    E
    E
    E
    R
    R
    Fury of the Sands Nasus unleashes a mighty sandstorm that batters nearby enemies. While the storm rages, he gains increased Health, Attack Range, damages nearby enemies, has a reduced cooldown on Siphoning Strike, and gains bonus Armor and Magic Resistance.
    R
    R
    R
    Max Order: Q > W > E
    70.4% Win Rate5.5% Pick Rate

    Nasus tips:

    • Paying attention to last hitting with Siphoning Strike will have a large impact at the end of a game.
    • If you're solo, Spirit Fire is a great way to farm a lane. It can be bad if you're in a lane with 2 and you push too far. Find the right balance between Siphoning Strike last hits and AoE farming.
    • If you have low defenses, people will focus you down even during your ultimate. Try buying some survivability items even in your DPS builds.