Olaf top gets real when one axe creates a runway: keep the wave on your side, throw Q through the enemy’s retreat line, and press W after contact so the pickup, auto reset, and passive all cash out in the same chase.
Ragnarok is best as the doorway through the peel that would stop you, not a starting pistol from max range; if the carry is too far, keep hitting the body that lets your axes and ult timer stay alive.
Olaf’s better games start when top lane stops being private: complete the first item on time, shove only far enough to pull a response, then get to Herald, dragon, and river fights while Ghost and ult still mean a real run-down.
Start by asking which target actually lets your run continue. If the backline is two layers away, do not burn Ghost and R on a full-screen sprint and hope the fight holds still. Walk up until the peel spell or frontliner is the real obstacle, use R to cross that moment, and hit the body that keeps your axe pickups, auto chain, and ult timer alive. A lot of good Olaf fights are won by killing through the first reachable champion, then turning onto the carry once the fight has already broken shape. If you have to choose, preserve contact over target greed.
Olaf gains Attack Speed and Life Steal based on his missing Health.
Olaf throws an axe into the ground at a target location, dealing damage to enemies it passes through and reducing their Armor and Move Speed. If Olaf picks up the axe, the ability's cooldown is reset.
Olaf's Attack Speed is increased and he gains a Shield.
Olaf attacks with such force that it deals true damage to his target and himself, refunding the Health cost if he destroys the target.
Olaf passively gains increased armor and magic resist. He can activate this ability to become immune to disables for as long as he keeps attacking.