Mel vs Sylas MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Mel

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Mid

Sylas

Mel vs Sylas

Updated May 31, 2026

Overview

Mel is a medium-agency poke mage who must control the ranged projectile trades against Sylas's melee skirmisher style.
Focus on denying Sylas extended trades by using W to reflect key projectiles and E to root before he can engage with Sylas E.

Trading pattern

Trade by using Q poke and holding W to reflect Sylas's projectile spells or engage attempts.
Use E to root Sylas before committing to damage and follow up with Q for mark pressure.
Avoid committing if W is on cooldown or E misses to prevent Sylas's melee all-in with Sylas E and Sylas W.

Danger windows

Mel is in danger when Sylas has Sylas E available to engage and W for sustain.
Avoid all-ins if W is down or E misses, as Sylas can punish with melee burst and crowd control.
Be cautious around Sylas level 6 if he hijacks a powerful ultimate that can bypass Mel's defenses.

Early game

Use Q to poke and apply marks while holding W to reflect Sylas's early engage attempts with Sylas E.
Punish Sylas if he misses Sylas E engage by following up with E root and Q poke.
Avoid extended trades when W is down since Sylas will try to capitalize with his sustain from Sylas W.

Power spikes

Mel's major spikes are level 6 R and first completed mage item for burst and mark detonation.
Respect Sylas's level 3 unlock of Q-W-E skirmish pattern and level 6 Sylas R if he steals a strong ultimate.
W timing is crucial for Mel to swing trades more than raw damage, so value it highly.

Win conditions

Win by landing E root setups followed by Q poke to build marks and pressure Sylas out of melee range.
Use W to reflect Sylas's key projectile spells and punish cooldown windows with poke.
Finish marked low-health Sylas targets decisively with R when safe to commit.