Gwen vs Riven TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Riven

Gwen vs Riven

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Focus on scaling through extended trades by stacking (Q) and using (W) to negate Riven's burst and crowd control.
Maintain medium lane pressure to avoid giving Riven easy all-in windows and respect her early mobility and stun threat.
This is a scale-oriented matchup where Gwen must survive early aggression and reach item spikes to outduel Riven in side lanes.

Trading pattern

Prepare (Q) stacks before engaging and use (E) for controlled spacing to avoid Riven's stun and knockup.
Hold (W) for (W) stun or third (Q) knockup to negate her combo impact.
Commit to extended trades only when (R) is available to slow and chase, punishing Riven if she cannot disengage.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Riven has all mobility and crowd control cooldowns ready for a full combo.
Avoid fighting when (W) is down, as you become vulnerable to Riven's burst and crowd control.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) execute power, especially if you are low health or lack (W) to mitigate damage.

Early game

Use early waves to safely stack (Q) without committing to trades before (W) is available.
Avoid short burst trades where Riven can chain (Q), (W), and (E) cooldowns against you without your defensive tools.
Respect Riven's early combo and shield by only engaging when (W) can block her retaliation or after she uses key cooldowns.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) after stacking (Q) and baiting Riven's cooldowns to turn trades into kills.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) execute window by avoiding extended fights without (W) or (R).
After your two-item AP spike, pressure side lanes and force extended fights where your damage and durability outmatch Riven.

Win conditions

Reach item spikes and stack (Q) before committing to extended fights where your damage outscales Riven's burst.
Use (W) to deny Riven's key retaliation spells and force trades inside your mist zone.
Pressure side lanes and join teamfights where (W) protects you from outside damage, enabling sustained DPS and chase with (R).