Varus vs Aphelios ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Varus

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Aphelios

Varus vs Aphelios

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

Varus wins by punishing Aphelios's last-hit attempts with charged (Q) and (E) slows before all-ins start.
Control wave to create poke angles and hold (R) for pick setups or to counter enemy engage.
Varus's lane pressure is higher early, but Aphelios scales better with weapon cycles and item spikes.

Trading pattern

Punish Aphelios stepping up for caster minion last hits with quick autos plus (W) blight stacks.
Only step forward to punish if enemy support cannot immediately trade or zone you.
Use (E) slow to lock Aphelios when he commits to last hits, then detonate blight stacks for burst.

Danger windows

Avoid charging (Q) when Aphelios has Gravitum root ready with support follow-up.
Respect Aphelios's Calibrum poke when stepping up for CS, especially if support controls brush.
Be cautious after (R) is down, as Varus loses peel and is vulnerable to Aphelios's all-in.

Early game

Use early waves to thin minions and position for charged (Q) on Aphelios's last hits.
Avoid charging (Q) near enemy engage range or when support is too far back.
Hold (R) until level 6 for a catch or to peel against Aphelios's all-in windows.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks pick threat and peel, forcing Aphelios to play cautiously around engage.
First completed damage item strengthens poke and wave pressure, enabling safer plate and dragon control.
Use item spike timing to pressure before Aphelios cycles to a strong weapon pair for trades.

Win conditions

Convert poke damage and pick threat into forced recalls and turret plate damage before dragon fights.
Use wave control and (R) to secure bot priority, enabling safer objective vision and teamfight positioning.
Scale into mid game with item spikes to outpoke and out-DPS Aphelios in extended fights.