Draven vs Smolder ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Draven

VS

ADC

Smolder

Draven vs Smolder

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on Draven's ability to punish Smolder's last-hit approach with active axes and support cover.
Draven wins short trades by hitting Smolder during CS attempts, while Smolder scales better with poke and execute later.
Hold wave near your side to force Smolder into predictable CS paths vulnerable to axe autos.

Trading pattern

Step forward to auto Smolder during last-hit animations only if enemy support cannot immediately punish.
Use (E) to interrupt (E) dash or disengage attempts, turning trades in your favor.
Drop last-hit punish attempts if the enemy support controls brush or zones your axe catch paths.

Danger windows

Respect (E) availability, which enables unpredictable repositioning and escape over terrain.
Avoid trading when (R) is up and ready, as it can swing low-health fights with damage and healing.
Be cautious stepping into brush or near enemy support zones that can punish axe catch paths.

Early game

Use the first three waves to keep axes active and punish Smolder's caster minion last hits.
Win the level 2 race by catching axes and stepping forward when Smolder commits to last hits under support safety.
Avoid large waves that force unsafe axe catches near enemy support or brush control.

Power spikes

Level 1 (Q) axes let Draven out-trade Smolder early, forcing him to concede CS or take poke.
First completed damage item turns axe trades into kill threats; use it to force recalls or plates.
Cash in passive stacks quickly to snowball before Smolder reaches (Q) stack thresholds and poke power.

Win conditions

Convert early axe trade damage into a health lead, forcing Smolder to recall and losing plates.
Use lane priority to crash waves and secure dragon vision and plates before Smolder scales.
Snowball by cashing in passive gold from kills and item spikes to deny Smolder safe (Q) stacking and poke windows.