Ryze vs Gnar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Ryze

VS

Top

Gnar

Ryze vs Gnar

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Ryze should focus on safe scaling and controlled wave management to avoid Gnar's poke and all-in windows.
Maintain medium lane pressure by farming efficiently and using spell rotations to punish Gnar's mini form mistakes.
This is a control vs side-lane matchup where Ryze aims to scale through items and use map movement to leverage advantages.

Trading pattern

Trade with short (E) and (Q) rotations, holding (W) to root Gnar if he commits or oversteps.
Avoid trading when low on mana or when (W) is needed defensively to prevent Gnar's engage.
Punish Gnar's cooldowns on (E) and mega form expiration by stepping forward with (E) spread and (Q) damage.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Gnar's Rage is near mega form and (E) is available for his engage or escape.
Avoid extended trades when Gnar has mega form active with access to (W) and (R) crowd control.
Watch for ganks or dives when you push the wave without vision, especially if your (W) root is on cooldown.

Early game

Prioritize farming safely and avoid extended trades before your first mana/AP item.
Use (E) and (Q) to poke when (E) is down or when he is vulnerable in mini form.
Track Gnar's Rage bar to anticipate his mega form and avoid overcommitting before level 6.

Power spikes

After your first mana/AP item, increase pressure with more confident (E) and (Q) trades while tracking Gnar's counters.
At level 6, use (R) for map plays or defensive resets rather than forcing blind all-ins.
Respect Gnar's level 6 mega form (R) and (W) stun; avoid fighting near terrain that enables his wall stun angles.

Win conditions

Scale safely through controlled farming and use waveclear to prevent Gnar's roams or engages.
Use (W) root to punish Gnar's mini form commits and extend trades when mana allows.
Leverage (R) for side-lane pressure and coordinated map plays to outmaneuver Gnar's engage windows.