Kalista vs Caitlyn ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

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Kalista

VS

ADC

Caitlyn

Kalista vs Caitlyn

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

Kalista wins extended trades by stacking (E) through minions and champions when support can engage.
Caitlyn controls lane with superior range, punishing Kalista's short-range steps and forcing wave pushes.
The lane turns on Kalista's ability to punish Caitlyn's last-hit attempts inside auto range without support threat.

Trading pattern

Punish Caitlyn's last-hit animations by autoing and stacking (E) when enemy support can't immediately trade back.
Use (Q) to transfer (E) stacks through low-health minions into Caitlyn during extended trades.
Avoid trades when (E) is available, as her dash and slow deny your hop and all-in potential.

Danger windows

Avoid stepping up when (W) traps are placed near turret or retreat paths combined with support CC.
Be cautious when (E) is available to disengage your all-in or punish your forward hops.
Watch for enemy support positioning that can immediately follow your engage or punish your last-hit punish attempts.

Early game

Use the first three waves to thin caster minions and create long trades with support engage potential.
At level 2, be ready to contest CS punish windows when Caitlyn steps up, only if your support can follow.
Avoid stepping forward for low-health minions if enemy support controls brush or threat zone to prevent poke or engage.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) lets Kalista force all-ins or save support, turning unusual engage angles into strong (E) stacks.
First completed attack-speed item increases auto frequency, making (E) execute threat more reliable in extended fights.
Caitlyn's level 1 range advantage punishes unsafe steps; respect it until you can match her poke or have support cover.

Win conditions

Convert (E) stacks and support (R) all-ins into early CS leads and plate damage before Caitlyn's poke scales.
Use lane pressure to force Caitlyn under turret, denying safe CS and enabling dragon control with your team.
Leverage first item spikes and extended trades to secure dragon vision and teamfight DPS windows before mid game.