Nasus vs Riven TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Nasus vs Riven

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Nasus must manage a low-agency early lane against a high-mobility, combo-heavy Riven by focusing on safe (Q) stacks and avoiding early all-ins.
Prioritize a passive lane state near your turret to farm safely and reach your very high scaling potential for late-game side-lane dueling.

Trading pattern

Trade only when (W) is available to slow Riven and prevent her from disengaging easily.
Punish Riven's cooldowns by stepping forward after she uses (Q) and (E) to reduce her mobility and shield.
Avoid fighting when (W) or (R) are down, as Riven can outburst you during these windows.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Riven has all basic cooldowns up, especially (W) stun and third (Q) knockup, as she can chain crowd control and burst.
Avoid fights when (W) is down on your side, as you lose a key slow to control Riven's mobility.
Watch for Riven's level 6 (R) window where she can execute low-health targets; disengage if you lack (R) or sufficient (Q) stacks.

Early game

Avoid extended trades before level 6 as Riven's mobility and stun threaten lethal combos.
Use (W) to punish Riven when she overcommits or mispositions during her cooldown windows.
Keep the wave near your side to safely stack (Q) without risking all-in attempts or freezes away from safety.

Power spikes

At level 6, activate (R) to survive Riven's all-in burst and extend trades for repeated (Q) stacks.
Once you have high (Q) stacks and a defensive item, pressure side lanes to force Riven to respond to your dueling threat.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) power spike that enables lethal combos; avoid extended trades without your (R) active.

Win conditions

Survive early lane by safely stacking (Q) and using (W) to punish Riven's overextensions.
Reach level 6 and acquire defensive items to turn extended fights in your favor with (R) and stacked (Q).
Pressure side lanes to force Riven into unfavorable duels where your scaling and slows dominate.