Riven vs Garen
Top Lane Matchup
You
VS
Tap any portrait to switch perspective
Who Wins
- You win levels 1-3 through superior mobility and combo potential, able to weave Q-auto-Q-auto trades while avoiding Garen's Q with your E shield.
- At level 6, you maintain advantage if you can animation cancel properly and avoid extended trades where his R execute becomes threatening.
How to Trade
- Your optimal trading pattern is Q1-auto-Q2-auto-W-Q3-auto-E away, using the shield to absorb his Q damage and silence duration.
- Never commit to extended trades without your full combo available, as his passive sustain and base damages will outlast your burst windows.
Wave Control
- Maintain a slow push early to build minion advantage for extended trades, then crash and roam or recall for items.
- Avoid hard shoving without vision as you're vulnerable to ganks, and freeze when ahead to deny his farm while threatening all-ins.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Never waste your E defensively for minor poke as it's your primary engage and disengage tool in this matchup.
- Avoid trading when your abilities are on cooldown, especially Q, as Garen can run you down with Q-E and you lack escape options.
Created on 11/26/2025
🛠️ Something wrong?