Yasuo vs Xerath MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Yasuo

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Mid

Xerath

Yasuo vs Xerath

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Yasuo is a mobile melee skirmisher who must use Q and E to control space and fight close to minions.
Xerath is a ranged artillery mage with high early poke and lane pressure; Yasuo should avoid giving him a passive lane to scale.

Trading pattern

Stack Q and dash through minions with E to close distance and threaten knockup for all-in.
Use W to block key Xerath Q and W poke, especially before engaging.
Avoid extended trades when W or passive shield is down to reduce vulnerability to Xerath poke.

Danger windows

When W is down, Yasuo is exposed to Xerath's poke and stun; avoid risky trades.
Without minion waves, Yasuo loses E mobility and becomes vulnerable to Xerath's skillshots.
Xerath's E stun and R ultimate create lethal windows; respect positioning and cooldowns to avoid being caught.

Early game

Use level 2 power spike with Q plus E mobility to engage short trades before Xerath can safely poke.
Dodge Xerath Q and W poke using W and movement; punish Xerath if he misses Xerath E stun.
Maintain wave presence to enable E dashes and avoid being zoned out by Xerath's long-range abilities.

Power spikes

Yasuo's major spikes are level 2 (Q+E mobility) and level 6 (R after knockup).
Xerath's major spikes are level 6 (R) and first completed mana/AP item; respect increased poke and follow-up.
Yasuo's first item spike improves all-in threat and survivability against Xerath's poke.

Win conditions

Use Q and E mobility to close distance, stack Q, and engage all-ins off knockups to punish Xerath's immobility.
Deny Xerath calm scaling by forcing fights and controlling wave states to prevent safe poke.
Capitalize on Xerath's missed E or cooldowns by committing to short trades and snowballing lane control.