Who Wins
- Caitlyn-Xerath wins pre-6 due to superior range and poke damage that you cannot effectively contest.
- Post-6 remains difficult as Xerath R adds more long-range pressure while your R doesn't provide enough gap-closing power against their kiting.
Synergy & Trading
- Use E aggressively when Mel lands W to reflect Xerath poke back, then follow up with passive double-shot and Q through minions.
- Coordinate your burst windows when Mel hits E root to maximize damage before they can retaliate.
Wave Control/Roaming
- Push waves hard early to prevent Xerath from freely poking under tower and to enable Mel's roaming potential.
- Focus on fast clearing with Q through minions and passive procs rather than trying to freeze against their superior range.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't E forward without Mel's W available to block return damage, as Caitlyn can easily punish your short range.
- Avoid extended trades where Xerath can land multiple abilities on you during cooldowns.
Created on 01/18/2026
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