Vladimir vs K'Sante TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vladimir vs K'Sante

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Vladimir must manage a low-pressure early lane focused on sustaining through (Q) and avoiding forced fights against K'Sante's medium lane pressure.
Prioritize surviving early trades and scaling into mid and late game where (R) teamfight burst and empowered (Q) trades become impactful.

Trading pattern

Trade only around empowered (Q) and save (W) to negate K'Sante's key engage or displacement abilities.
Punish K'Sante after he uses (W) or when (Q3) stacks are unavailable to reduce his threat.
Avoid extended fights when (W) is on cooldown or empowered (Q) is not ready to minimize damage taken.

Danger windows

Be cautious when K'Sante has (Q3) stacks ready and (W) available, as his displacement and knockback can set up lethal trades.
Avoid committing to fights when (W) is on cooldown due to its long cooldown and health cost.
Respect (R) window where he is more dangerous but less tanky; play around his cooldowns to avoid isolation.

Early game

Use (Q) to sustain through early poke and avoid engaging when (W) is down to prevent vulnerability.
Avoid fighting near terrain angles to reduce risk from K'Sante's displacement and (R) isolation threat.
Focus on farming safely and only take short trades when empowered (Q) is ready and (W) can deny key damage.

Power spikes

Respect K'Sante's level 6 (R) which enables isolation and dueling power; avoid terrain angles during this window.
Use Vladimir's level 6 (R) to threaten all-ins or teamfight engages when grouped enemies are vulnerable.
After Vladimir completes his first AP item, increase wave pressure and trade confidence while tracking K'Sante's cooldowns.

Win conditions

Survive early lane by using (Q) sustain and empowered (Q) trades, then scale into mid and late game with item spikes.
Use (R) in grouped fights to amplify burst damage and create pick opportunities.
Punish K'Sante's cooldowns on (W) and (R) by stepping forward for short trades and wave control to deny his lane pressure.