Nautilus & Vayne vs Kai'Sa & Maokai
Bot Lane MatchupNautilus vs Kai'Sa (with Vayne & Maokai) BOT matchup tips: who wins, how to trade, wave control and common mistakes.
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Who Wins
- Kai'Sa + Maokai wins pre-6 through superior poke, range advantage, and Maokai's E zone control in bushes.
- Post-6 you gain significant kill pressure with R + Q combo if you can land hooks on the shorter range Kai'Sa.
Synergy & Trading
- Lead with Q hook on Kai'Sa when she steps up for CS, then immediately W shield and auto for passive root while Vayne follows with Q + E.
- Save E slow for when they try to disengage or if Maokai W engages on Vayne.
Wave Control/Roaming
- Look to roam after successful recalls or when Vayne can safely farm under tower, typically levels 4-6 before major teamfights.
- Time roams when Maokai shows in other lanes as he's their primary engage threat.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't waste Q hook on Maokai as his W dash makes him a poor target and leaves Kai'Sa free to damage Vayne.
- Avoid fighting in areas with multiple bushes where Maokai's E gives them superior zone control and poke.
Created on 02/12/2026
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