Xerath vs Ryze MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Xerath

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Mid

Ryze

Xerath vs Ryze

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Xerath is a long-range artillery mage who must use poke to deny Ryze's short-range spell rotations and scaling.
Pressure Ryze early to prevent him from safely farming and using waveclear to control lane tempo.

Trading pattern

Trade mainly with Q and W poke; hold E defensively to punish Ryze if he tries to engage or step forward.
Punish Ryze when he steps up to cast Ryze E or if Ryze W root is on cooldown.
Avoid charging Q when Ryze is ready to engage with Ryze W, as missing E leaves you vulnerable.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Ryze has Ryze W root and Ryze E ready, as he can lock you down for heavy damage.
Missing E or overextending while charging Q exposes Xerath to Ryze all-in attempts.
Ryze's level 6 R allows map pressure; hard push and take plates if Ryze leaves lane to roam.

Early game

Use Q and W to poke Ryze from max range before he can safely step up to cast Ryze E and Ryze Q.
Avoid engaging when Ryze has Ryze W root available as it enables his follow-up damage.
Maintain spacing to prevent Ryze from landing Ryze W and closing for all-ins.

Power spikes

Xerath's major spikes are level 6 R and first completed mana/AP item; these increase poke range and damage significantly.
Respect Ryze's first mana/AP item spike and level 6 Ryze R for map plays and sustained spell rotations.
Ryze's power comes from sustained rotations, so pressure before he can cycle spells repeatedly.

Win conditions

Win by using Q and W poke to deny Ryze safe farming and force him to miss spell rotations.
Use superior range to control lane and prevent Ryze from engaging with Ryze W root.
After level 6, leverage R to extend poke and pressure, creating opportunities for roams or jungle plays.