Smolder vs Tristana ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Smolder

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ADC

Tristana

Smolder vs Tristana

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on safe (Q) stacking versus Tristana's level 2 all-in threat and wave state control.
Smolder wins extended trades by reaching (Q) thresholds while avoiding early (W)+(E) jump engages.
Tristana benefits from pushing to force recalls; Smolder wants stable waves to punish grouped enemies with (W).

Trading pattern

Punish Tristana's last-hit attempts only if enemy support cannot immediately trade or zone.
Use (W) poke when Tristana stands near minions or predictable CS paths to chip health safely.
Avoid trading when (E) is down or (W) jump is available with support follow-up.

Danger windows

Respect Tristana's level 2 jump (W) combined with (E) burst when enemy support can follow up.
Avoid stepping into brush or engage zones when (W) is ready and support threatens immediate trade.
Be cautious when Tristana stacks (E) fully near turret, as she can convert it into lethal burst and plate pressure.

Early game

Focus first three waves on last-hitting with (Q) to build stacks before Tristana hits level 2.
Avoid stepping up near low-health caster minions to dodge (W) poke splash when Tristana groups with wave.
Hold (E) to escape Tristana's jump all-in; respect support position before contesting last hits.

Power spikes

Prioritize reaching (Q) stack thresholds to increase poke and execute pressure, forcing Tristana to respect trades.
At level 6, use (R) to swing low-health trades or protect stacks from Tristana's all-in attempts.
Beware Tristana's level 2 power spike when (W) and (E) enable burst all-ins; avoid overextending before then.

Win conditions

Convert safe (Q) stacking into poke pressure that forces Tristana off waves and denies plates.
Use (R) to heal and turn trades when Tristana commits to all-ins or turret dives.
Scale into mid and late game where Smolder's mixed damage and execute threaten teamfight DPS over Tristana's burst resets.