Yasuo vs Riven MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Yasuo

VS

Mid

Riven

Yasuo vs Riven

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Yasuo should use his medium early agency to pressure Riven and deny her cooldown resets for short trades.
Prioritize controlling space near minions to maximize (E) mobility and set up knockups for (R).
This is a snowball matchup where Yasuo must leverage wave-based trades and skirmishes to prevent Riven from snowballing.

Trading pattern

Stack (Q) quickly and use (E) through minions to reposition and bait (W) before committing to knockup for (R).
Punish Riven after she uses (Q) dashes and (E) shield by stepping forward for short trades.
Use (W) to block Riven's key projectiles or engage attempts, especially before her full combo is available.

Danger windows

Yasuo is vulnerable when (W) is down and passive shield is depleted; avoid trading during these windows.
Respect Riven's full cooldown combo availability, especially when (W), third (Q), and (R) are ready for burst damage.
Be cautious around Riven's level 6 all-in window; hold (W) and (R) for defensive or counter-engage opportunities.

Early game

Use level 2 power spike to trade aggressively with (Q) and (E) combo when (W) and (E) are on cooldown.
Avoid extended trades when Riven's mobility and shield are available to prevent getting stunned or knocked up.
Maintain minion wave presence to keep (E) mobility active and avoid being locked down by Riven's combo.

Power spikes

At level 2, Yasuo gains strong (Q) and (E) combo potential; use this to force trades when Riven's cooldowns are down.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) power spike which turns her combo lethal; hold key crowd control for her all-in.
After first item, increase pressure on waves and trades as Yasuo's damage and reliability improve significantly.

Win conditions

Use (Q) and (E) to control space and force Riven into unfavorable trades near minions.
Exploit cooldown windows after Riven's mobility and crowd control are spent to secure kills or wave advantage.
Snowball through wave-based trades and skirmishes, then pressure side lanes or roam to extend lead.