Vladimir vs Aatrox TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vladimir vs Aatrox

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Vladimir must survive Aatrox's early lane pressure and extended trades to reach his strong late-game scaling.
Avoid giving Aatrox free access to space for his (Q) sweet spots by maintaining cautious spacing and wave control.
This is a scaling mage versus lane bully matchup; Vladimir should prioritize safe farm and cooldown management over early aggression.

Trading pattern

Trade short bursts around empowered (Q) and only when (W) is available to negate Aatrox's key engages.
Punish Aatrox after he misses (Q1) or when (E) is down by stepping forward for quick trades.
Avoid extended trades without (W) ready, as Aatrox's sustain and (R) healing amplify his threat in prolonged fights.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Aatrox has (R) active combined with (W) pull and (Q) sweet spots, as his healing and knockups can overwhelm you.
Avoid trading or engaging when your (W) is on cooldown, as you lose your main defensive tool against Aatrox's engages.
Watch for extended fights after Aatrox lands (W) or multiple (Q) hits, as he can reset and out-sustain you in these moments.

Early game

Focus on farming safely and using (Q) to sustain through Aatrox's poke and extended trades.
Avoid extended trades where Aatrox can chain (Q) sweet spots and apply (W) slow; trade only around empowered (Q) windows.
Use (W) defensively to avoid (Q) knockups or (W) pull, but save it for major threats to prevent long cooldown vulnerability.

Power spikes

Vladimir's level 6 (R) unlocks strong all-in and teamfight burst; use this window for decisive trades or defensive resets.
Vladimir's first completed AP item increases his trading confidence; pressure waves and trades more aggressively then.
Respect Aatrox's level 6 (R) which boosts his healing and chase potential; disengage early in this window or burst him before healing takes over.

Win conditions

Survive early lane pressure using (Q) sustain and (W) defensively, then scale into mid-late game where your burst and teamfight impact excel.
Exploit Aatrox's missed (Q) and (E) cooldowns to take short trades and chip away at his health.
Use empowered (Q) and (R) windows to force picks or reset fights, focusing on grouped enemies to maximize your burst damage.