Zeri vs Aphelios ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Zeri

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Aphelios

Zeri vs Aphelios

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on punishing Aphelios's last-hit paths with (W) through walls for poke damage.
Zeri wins extended fights with (R) active and terrain for (E) mobility, while Aphelios relies on weapon cycles.
Keep wave stable near walls to maximize (W) angles and preserve (E) escape against Aphelios's no-dash vulnerability.

Trading pattern

Hit Aphelios during last-hit animations with (Q) and (W) poke only if enemy support is out of zone range.
Use (W) through walls to punish Aphelios's predictable CS path, forcing him off the wave.
Avoid trading when (E) is down or no wall escape is available, as Aphelios can root or burst with his weapon combos.

Danger windows

Respect Aphelios's Gravitum root when combined with support CC; avoid stepping into root range without (E).
Avoid fighting when Aphelios has Calibrum or Infernum active, as his poke and AoE punish stepping up.
Do not overextend if Aphelios's support controls river or brush, as he lacks dash but benefits from peel and CC follow-up.

Early game

Use first three waves to farm near walls and punish Aphelios stepping up for caster minions with (W).
Avoid early all-ins before (R) and item spikes; focus on last-hit punishment when enemy support can't trade back.
Watch enemy support brush control; skip last-hit punish if they threaten immediate engage or zone.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) enables extended fights; use it to kite and stack damage around terrain for safety and DPS.
First completed marksman item lets Zeri threaten longer trades and better poke, forcing Aphelios to respect.
Two-item spike strengthens Zeri's sustained DPS and mobility, making her dominant in objective fights if she controls walls.

Win conditions

Convert last-hit punishment into health lead to force Aphelios off wave and secure plates.
Use wave crashes near walls to deny Aphelios safe farming and create dragon setup opportunities.
Reach item spikes and use (R) with terrain to kite extended fights, maximizing DPS and teamfight impact.