Aphelios vs Smolder ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

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Aphelios

VS

ADC

Smolder

Aphelios vs Smolder

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on Aphelios managing his weapon pairs to control trades and wave pressure.
Aphelios wins short trades with Calibrum poke and punishes Smolder's last-hit paths before (Q) stacks grow.
Smolder scales better with safe (Q) stacking and (E) mobility; Aphelios must deny free farm and avoid extended fights without peel.

Trading pattern

Punish Smolder stepping up for caster minion last hits with Calibrum poke if enemy support can't immediately trade back.
Avoid punishing if enemy support controls brush or threat zone, as (W) poke punishes grouped positions.
Hold Gravitum until your support or jungle can follow up on the root for effective all-in setups.

Danger windows

Respect (E) availability for repositioning or escape; engaging when (E) is up risks counter-trades.
Avoid fighting when (W) is ready and you are grouped near minions, as it punishes clustered positions.
Do not overextend without support peel as Aphelios has no dash and is vulnerable to hard engage.

Early game

Use the first three waves to hold the wave near your side and punish Smolder's last hits with Calibrum range.
Avoid pushing past river without support cover to prevent (E) repositioning and follow-up trades.
Track (E) cooldown to know when he loses escape, creating windows to force trades or zone.

Power spikes

Strong weapon pairs create temporary spikes; trade only when your active guns support poke, root, or DPS advantage.
Level 6 (R) amplifies poke or burst depending on active weapon; use (R) only when it fits your current weapon effect.
First completed marksman item lets you convert lane pressure into safer recalls and plate damage.

Win conditions

Convert Calibrum and Infernum poke windows into CS leads and force Smolder off the wave before (Q) stacks grow.
Use strong weapon pairs to crash waves and take turret plates, setting up dragon control with your team.
Scale into teamfights with planned weapon cycles, relying on support peel and your (R) to maximize DPS and objective pressure.