Garen vs Neeko MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Garen

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Mid

Neeko

Garen vs Neeko

Updated Jun 5, 2026

Overview

Garen should focus on short trades that leverage (Q) silence to disrupt Neeko's poke and all-in attempts.
Prioritize managing health with passive regen between trades to survive Neeko's burst and prepare for level 6 execute windows.

Trading pattern

Engage with (Q) to silence and immediately follow with (E) spin for quick damage, then back off to recover health.
Punish Neeko when she misses (E) root by stepping forward for a short trade before she can reposition or use (W) clone.
Avoid using (Q) when Neeko can easily disengage or bait it with (W) clone; wait for a clear opportunity to lock her down.

Danger windows

Respect (E) root through minions and (R) knock-up burst combo; avoid standing clustered or overextended.
Be cautious when your (Q) silence is on cooldown, as Neeko can retaliate with her full combo.
Watch for Neeko's disguise and (W) clone to prevent being baited into unfavorable trades or crowd control.

Early game

Use early waves to farm safely behind minions and look for short (Q)+(E) trades when (E) root is on cooldown.
Avoid extended trades since Neeko's poke and root combo can punish Garen's lack of ranged disengage.
Hold wave near your side to reduce Neeko's angles for (E) through minions and limit her root setups.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) execute aggressively on Neeko when she is low from poke trades to secure kills.
After your first defensive/bruiser item, repeat controlled trades to absorb her burst and maintain lane pressure.
Respect Neeko's level 6 (R) ultimate window by holding key defensive cooldowns and spacing to avoid her all-in burst.

Win conditions

Deny Neeko free farm by punishing her cooldowns and wave positions with short trades and pressure.
Reach level 6 and use (R) execute to finish off low-health Neeko after chipping her down with (Q)+(E) combos.
Transition to side-lane durability and split pressure once you secure a health lead and item advantage to avoid her teamfight strength.