Kalista vs Kai'Sa ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Kalista

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ADC

Kai'Sa

Kalista vs Kai'Sa

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

Kalista wins extended trades with support engage and (E) stacks through minions or Kai'Sa herself.
Kai'Sa benefits from isolated targets and item spikes, so Kalista must deny clean all-in windows.
The lane turns on punishing Kai'Sa's last-hit attempts inside auto range when support threat is low.

Trading pattern

Punish Kai'Sa stepping up for caster minion last hits with autos and (Q) transfers when support cannot zone.
Drop punish attempts if enemy support controls brush or can immediately trade back after your step forward.
Use (E) stacks on low-health minions to threaten resets and force Kai'Sa off the wave before she can commit.

Danger windows

Respect (R) reposition after her support applies CC; avoid stepping forward without peel ready.
Avoid trading when (E) is up and your support lacks engage, as she can safely reposition or escape.
Be cautious if enemy support controls brush or river, denying your support's ability to follow your (R) engage.

Early game

Use the first three waves to thin minions and create long trades where (E) stacks safely.
At level 2-3, coordinate with support to threaten all-ins when Kai'Sa commits to last hits inside your range.
Avoid thick waves that let (Q) spread damage; keep wave manageable for safe poke and chase.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) turns your support into an engage tool; coordinate to force all-ins or save your partner.
First completed attack-speed item boosts (E) stack speed, making extended fights and dragon control more dangerous.
Kai'Sa's first item spike increases her all-in threat; avoid isolated trades without support follow-up before this.

Win conditions

Convert (E) stacks into kills or forced recalls to secure dragon control and plate damage early.
Use support (R) engage to start fights on your terms, denying Kai'Sa clean all-in windows.
Snowball early lane pressure into item leads to outpace Kai'Sa's scaling and dominate teamfight DPS.