Vayne vs Smolder ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vayne

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ADC

Smolder

Vayne vs Smolder

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on last-hit punish windows where (Q) can out-range Smolder's poke.
Vayne wins extended trades with true damage and (E) terrain stuns, while Smolder relies on stacking (Q) safely.
Vayne needs to deny Smolder's safe (Q) stacks by forcing short-range CS contests and punishing with (Q) autos.

Trading pattern

Hit Smolder during last-hit animations when he steps up for CS, using (Q) to reposition and avoid counterpoke.
Only punish if enemy support is out of zone or cooldowns; otherwise, drop the trade to avoid losing HP.
Hold (E) to (E) Smolder into nearby terrain after he uses (E) to reposition, securing stuns and extended trades.

Danger windows

(E) flight creates unpredictable repositioning; avoid engaging when (E) is available to prevent counterstuns.
(R) can swing low-health fights; do not all-in when (R) is active and Smolder's health is low.
Enemy support control of brush or threat zone negates last-hit punish windows; respect these zones to avoid trades.

Early game

Use the first three waves to hold a wave near your side, denying Smolder safe (Q) stacks.
Punish Smolder stepping up for caster minion last hits only if enemy support cannot punish your step forward.
Avoid pushing without vision to prevent being vulnerable to (E) reposition or enemy support engages.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) grants stealth on (Q), letting Vayne outplay Smolder's engage and reposition safely.
First marksman item spike increases Vayne's ability to punish Smolder's short-range CS attempts with empowered autos.
Two-item spike boosts true damage DPS, enabling Vayne to pressure side lanes and duel Smolder if isolated.

Win conditions

Convert last-hit punishments into CS leads and force Smolder into unsafe recalls.
Use wave crashes near your tower to deny Smolder plates and reset with item spikes.
Scale into side-lane duels post two-item spike, using (E) stuns and (R) stealth to maximize DPS and kite effectively.