Mordekaiser aims to control the lane with medium pressure, forcing K'Sante into extended trades where his passive and (W) shield sustain shine.
Focus on denying K'Sante safe terrain angles and preventing him from stacking (Q) to reduce his displacement threat.
This is a control vs control matchup where Mordekaiser must leverage isolation and sustained damage to outlast K'Sante's burst and displacement.
Trading pattern
Initiate trades by landing (E) to pull K'Sante into your passive range and follow with isolated (Q) for maximum damage.
Punish K'Sante after he uses (W) displacement or damage reduction cooldown by extending trades while his defenses are down.
Avoid trading when (E) is on cooldown or K'Sante can kite outside your passive range to prevent unfavorable short trades.
Danger windows
Be cautious when K'Sante has (Q3) stacks ready, as his knockback and slow can disrupt your trades.
Avoid extended fights when (W) shield and displacement are available, as he can absorb damage and reposition you.
After K'Sante uses (R), he is less tanky; however, remain alert for his knockback and displacement cooldowns before committing.
Early game
Use early levels to threaten (E) pulls and force K'Sante to respect your extended trade potential.
Avoid missing (E) as it significantly reduces your engage threat and opens you to counter trades.
Keep the wave slow to maintain pressure and set up isolated (Q) hits before level 6.
Power spikes
At level 6, use (R) to isolate K'Sante only when you can force a favorable duel, exploiting his reduced durability post-(R).
Your first AP bruiser item spike enhances sustained damage and durability; use this to force longer trades with (E) or wave pressure.
Respect K'Sante's level 6 (R) which grants him dueling power and displacement; avoid fighting near terrain angles where he can maximize (R) effectiveness.
Win conditions
Win lane by landing (E) pulls into isolated (Q) hits and keeping your passive active through extended trades.
Use (R) to isolate K'Sante when you have health or item advantage, removing his ability to escape or receive help.
Deny K'Sante terrain control and (Q) stacks to minimize his displacement threat and force him into unfavorable trades.
Tip: For Mordekaiser vs K'Sante, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Top lane check.
