Xerath vs Naafiri
Mid Lane MatchupXerath vs Naafiri MID matchup tips: who wins, how to trade, wave control and common mistakes.
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VS
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Who Wins
- You win pre-6 through superior range and poke with Q, as Naafiri lacks gap closers and must walk through minions to trade.
- Post-6 becomes much more dangerous as her R gives her the mobility to close gaps and all-in you despite your range advantage.
How to Trade
- Use Q poke when Naafiri goes for CS, then immediately back away to avoid her Q return damage.
- Never try to trade autos or extended fights - your goal is quick Q poke and retreat before she can engage with W or land her full Q combo.
Wave Control
- Push waves early to keep Naafiri under tower where she struggles to CS and can't roam effectively.
- After 6, maintain vision and keep waves in neutral positions so you have escape routes when she looks for R engages.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't get greedy with E stuns when she's healthy - missing E when Naafiri has R available often means death.
- Avoid face-checking bushes or walking up without vision, as her stealth from passive makes her ganks with jungle extremely lethal.
Created on 05/19/2026
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