Kalista vs Tristana ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Kalista

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ADC

Tristana

Kalista vs Tristana

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

Kalista wins extended trades by stacking (E) through minions and punishing Tristana's last-hit attempts inside auto range.
Tristana pressures with level 2 all-ins and turret plate threat, so Kalista must manage wave state to avoid unsafe jumps.
The lane turns on Kalista's ability to use (R) engage windows and hop spacing to force all-ins before Tristana scales.

Trading pattern

Punish Tristana during low-health minion last hits by autoing and stacking (E) if enemy support can't zone or engage.
Avoid trading when (W) jump is available without support follow-up, as she can reset or escape.
Use (Q) to transfer (E) stacks through killed minions onto Tristana to maximize poke and pressure.

Danger windows

Tristana's level 2 jump with support follow-up creates lethal all-in threat; avoid stepping forward before this.
Be cautious when Tristana stacks (E) fully during trades, as burst and turret pressure spike.
Avoid trading near enemy support or brush control zones that enable immediate counter-engage or poke.

Early game

Use the first three waves to hold a long lane and punish Tristana's last hits when her support can't immediately trade back.
Avoid stepping up for caster minions when (Q) is ready to poke.
Track support position closely to decide when to commit to extended trades or back off pre-level 2.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) lets Kalista turn support position into forced all-ins or saves, enabling safer (E) stacking.
First completed attack-speed item increases auto frequency, speeding (E) stacks and strengthening objective control.
Respect Tristana's level 2 spike when (W) and (E) enable sudden all-ins; avoid extended trades before this is down.

Win conditions

Convert (E) stack pressure into health leads by punishing Tristana's CS attempts and forcing recalls.
Use (R) with support engage to secure kills or force Tristana under turret, opening plate and dragon control.
Crash waves after winning trades to deny Tristana turret plates and set up early dragon objectives.