Xerath vs Naafiri MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Xerath

VS

Mid

Naafiri

Xerath vs Naafiri

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Xerath is a long-range artillery mage who must leverage poke and spacing to control the lane against Naafiri's mobility and all-in threat.
Prioritize applying pressure early to deny Naafiri safe poke and prevent her from setting up W all-ins.

Trading pattern

Poke with Q and W to chip Naafiri, forcing her to commit W only when her Q poke or crowd control is down.
Use E stun defensively to interrupt or punish Naafiri's W engage.
Avoid charging Q when Naafiri's W is available to prevent getting caught in her dash.

Danger windows

Naafiri is most dangerous when her Q poke has lowered your health and her W is off cooldown for a committed engage.
When Naafiri's R is active, she gains chase and burst, so maintain maximum spacing and save E for peel.
If you miss E, you become vulnerable to Naafiri's all-in; reposition immediately to avoid punishment.

Early game

Use Q and W to poke Naafiri before she can safely commit with W.
Hold E defensively to punish or peel off Naafiri's all-in attempts when her W or R are active.
Avoid extended fights if Naafiri dodges your poke or if your E is on cooldown.

Power spikes

Xerath's key spikes are level 6 R and first completed mana/AP item for extended poke and map pressure.
Respect Naafiri's level 6 R which empowers her chase and all-in potential.
Naafiri's first lethality item increases her burst threat; play cautiously around this timing.

Win conditions

Win by consistently landing Q and W poke to keep Naafiri low and unable to safely use W.
Use E to peel off Naafiri's all-in attempts and punish overcommitment on her W.
Post level 6, leverage R for long-range follow-up poke and map pressure to deny Naafiri safe roams or resets.