Garen vs Mordekaiser TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Mordekaiser

Garen vs Mordekaiser

Updated Jun 2, 2026

Overview

Focus on short trades using (Q) silence and (E) damage to avoid Mordekaiser's extended passive damage and shield sustain.
Manage lane pressure by denying Mordekaiser a slow, passive-favored lane state and avoid prolonged trades where his (W) shield and passive dominate.

Trading pattern

Initiate trades with (Q) to silence and disrupt (E) pull or (R) isolation threat, then follow with (E) for burst before disengaging.
Punish Mordekaiser when his (E) pull misses or (W) shield is down by extending short trades.
Avoid extended fights after (E) ends, as Mordekaiser's sustained damage and shield healing become stronger.

Danger windows

Be cautious when (E) pull is up; getting caught leads to high damage and forced isolation.
Avoid extended trades when (W) shield has stored value or after he activates (R) for isolated duels.
Respect level 6 execute thresholds; do not stay low health in lane without (Q) or (W) ready to counter his burst and isolation.

Early game

Use early waves to establish controlled short trades and back off to recover passive health before Mordekaiser can extend trades.
Avoid engaging when (E) pull is available to prevent forced isolation or extended damage.
Prioritize wave control that prevents Mordekaiser from setting up isolated (Q) hits or forced duels.

Power spikes

Respect Mordekaiser's level 6 (R) isolation; avoid low health and save (Q) silence to deny his escape or defensive spells.
Use Garen's level 6 (R) execute window to finish off chipped Mordekaiser before he can heal or shield.
After first bruiser/tank item, repeat controlled trades to absorb return damage and preserve health advantage against sustained AP damage.

Win conditions

Win lane by using short (Q)+(E) trades to chip Mordekaiser and reach execute range for (R).
Deny Mordekaiser extended trades and passive healing by resetting with passive health regeneration between trades.
After level 6, use (Q) silence and (R) execute pressure to force favorable duels or zone Mordekaiser from farming safely.