Xerath vs Annie MID Matchup Guide

Champion

Opponent

Start here

Read Overview → Trading Pattern → Danger Windows first for the fastest Mid lane plan.

Xerath into Anniemedium

Overview

Use and to poke Annie and deny her safe farming.
Maintain lane pressure to prevent Annie from setting up her burst combo or roaming.
Position to maximize poke range while holding for key self-peel.

Respect Annie's passive stun stacks and engage to avoid getting locked down.
Play cautiously when is on cooldown, as it's your main peel tool.
Punish Annie when she pushes with and runs low on mana, limiting her burst threat.

Level 6 unlocks for long-range pressure and pick opportunities.
First completed mana/AP item increases your poke damage and wave control reliability.
Track Annie's level 6 and item spikes to respect her burst pick potential and adjust aggression.

Consistently poke Annie with and to deny farm and force resets.
Use after level 6 to punish Annie's roams or engage attempts.
Exploit Annie's mana weaknesses by forcing her to push and then punishing her vulnerability with poke.

Tactical tip

For Xerath vs Annie, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Mid lane check.

Updated Jun 27, 2026