Smolder vs Kalista ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Smolder

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ADC

Kalista

Smolder vs Kalista

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on safe (Q) stacking versus Kalista's short-range hop trades and (E) threat.
Smolder benefits from stable waves to build poke and execute thresholds, while Kalista wants early all-ins.
Avoid extended early fights before (Q) thresholds; rely on poke and execute scaling to win later.

Trading pattern

Step forward to auto or (W) poke Kalista when she last-hits near minions, if support threat is low.
Avoid trading if (E) is stacked or (R) support engage is available.
Save (E) for escape; do not force trades without (Q) stacks or poke windows.

Danger windows

Kalista's all-in is strongest when (E) is stacked and support (R) engage is ready.
Avoid stepping into brush or close range when Kalista's support can follow or initiate.
Do not trade when Kalista has just hopped in or (E) is freshly stacked for burst resets.

Early game

Use first three waves to secure low-risk (Q) stacks by last-hitting outside Kalista's hop range.
Punish Kalista's last-hit attempts only if enemy support cannot immediately punish or zone.
Avoid pushing large waves early to reduce Kalista's chase and support engage angles.

Power spikes

(Q) stack thresholds increase poke and execute damage; prioritize safe stacking before fighting.
Level 6 (R) swings low-health trades; use it to punish Kalista's all-in or protect stacks.
Post (Q) thresholds, Smolder's poke outscales Kalista's short-range burst, shifting lane control.

Win conditions

Convert (Q) stack leads into poke pressure that forces Kalista off CS and plates.
Use (R) to turn fights or secure health advantage before dragon fights or turret dives.
Reach late game where Smolder's execute and poke outscale Kalista's early aggression and short trades.