Maokai vs Gnar
Top Lane MatchupMaokai vs Gnar TOP matchup tips: who wins, how to trade, wave control and common mistakes.
You
VS
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Who Wins
- You lose early trades pre-6 due to Gnar's range advantage and ability to kite with Q slows and W procs.
- Post-6 you can win all-ins if you land W-Q combo and force extended trades with R, as Gnar lacks sustained damage in mini form.
How to Trade
- Look for W-Q-E combos when Gnar steps up for CS, then immediately back off to avoid extended trades in mini form.
- Save your saplings to zone him from bushes and force him into awkward positions where you can engage.
Wave Control
- Push early waves to get level advantages and force Gnar to last hit under tower where he's more vulnerable to ganks.
- After first back, maintain slow pushes to build up minion advantages for your all-in windows.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't chase Gnar in mini form after landing your combo as he will kite you to death with Q slows and auto attacks.
- Avoid fighting when he has Mega Gnar transformation ready, as his R can turn fights completely around.
Created on 04/28/2026
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