Build a wave-backed threat

0:00–about 14:00, especially each crashed wave and the 60–90 seconds before the first objective

Early, your goal is to make the enemy respect Tangle-Barbs while preserving the bot lane's wave economy. If you can push without entering their all-in range, crash before recalling or moving; if the enemy has the stronger level-2 window, stand behind minions and concede dangerous CS rather than donating health. Use Blooming Burst when its repeat blooms can hit champions or kill units, and treat Shapesplitter as a way to alter an angle or retreat, not proof that an engage is safe. Transition when a crashed wave gives you a clear reset, a visible roam, or setup for the first dragon.

Lane

Crash first, then make the lane threat matter

If your lane can push the first waves without entering the enemy's engage range, use Blooming Burst to help crash the wave and create a recall or roam window. If the enemy has the stronger level-2 threat or your wave is smaller, give up the last dangerous CS rather than trading inside their minions; after the wave crashes, spend the window on a reset or a visible river play.

With Neeko

• If Neeko is missing from the lane after a crash, use that timing to push the next wave or contest vision with her rather than starting a fight without her. Her threat is strongest when allies occupy the same screen and can damage a rooted target, so keep the enemy busy near the route she is using instead of forcing her to engage alone.
• If Neeko disguises or sends a clone toward a choke, hold your damage until the real target is identified when possible. Let her create the first hesitation, then follow Tangle-Barbs or Pop Blossom with your reliable damage; a spell spent before her control lands can leave the target alive through her burst window.
• If the enemy diver reaches your carry, play around Neeko's peel range rather than chasing the enemy backline. When she holds Tangle-Barbs for the entry, your carry can keep dealing damage while the diver is rooted; if Neeko has already used it, give her space and avoid starting a second fight before the cooldown returns.
• If Neeko's team has priority before an objective, help her establish vision and occupy the approach paths 60–90 seconds early. She does not need perfect coordination, but she does need someone close enough to convert a catch; if she finds a root or ultimate angle, turn immediately to the pit, tower, or enemy retreat route instead of scattering for kills.