Varus vs Lucian ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Varus

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ADC

Lucian

Varus vs Lucian

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

Varus wins extended trades by punishing Lucian's short-range burst with poke and blight stacks.
Control wave near your side to force Lucian into risky CS attempts vulnerable to (Q) and (E).
Lucian thrives in short trades and early burst, so avoid giving him windows to dash in safely.

Trading pattern

Punish Lucian when he steps up for cannon minion last hits with charged (Q) plus auto if support can't trade back.
Use (E) slow to lock Lucian when he dashes in for trades, then detonate blight stacks quickly.
Avoid charging (Q) when (E) is available to dash through your poke or when enemy support threatens engage.

Danger windows

Lucian's strongest window is immediately after he uses (E) to dash in, as he loses mobility and burst escape.
Avoid charging (Q) in range of enemy support or when (R) is up without your (R) ready.
Stepping forward near low-health minions is risky if Lucian can line up (Q) poke through the wave.

Early game

Use the first three waves to thin caster minions and create clear (Q) angles against Lucian's last hits.
Hold (R) for level 6 to punish Lucian's all-in attempts or to peel when he dashes forward.
Position so your support can follow (R) engages and prevent Lucian's quick burst trades.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) adds pick threat and peel, letting you punish Lucian's immobility or disengage his all-ins.
First completed damage item strengthens your poke and wave pressure, forcing Lucian to respect your range.
Use these spikes to crash waves before dragon fights and deny Lucian safe farming windows.

Win conditions

Convert poke damage and blight stacks into health leads that force Lucian recalls before dragon.
Crash waves post-spike to take plates and secure bot priority for objective vision.
Use (R) pick threat with support follow-up to isolate Lucian and snowball lane control into teamfight DPS advantage.