Zeri vs Smolder ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Zeri

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ADC

Smolder

Zeri vs Smolder

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on Zeri punishing Smolder's predictable CS paths with wall (W) poke.
Zeri wins extended fights with (R) and terrain mobility, while Smolder needs safe stacks and poke thresholds.
Avoid short burst trades before items; Zeri scales better in long fights around walls.

Trading pattern

Hit Smolder during last-hit animations when he walks up near walls, but only if enemy support can't punish.
Use (W) through walls to punish Smolder's predictable CS paths and grouped minion positioning.
Avoid trading after Smolder uses (E), as his escape and repositioning window is down.

Danger windows

Avoid trading when (E) is up, as he can reposition or escape engage.
Respect (W) poke when grouped near the wave, especially if enemy support controls brush.
Beware of (R) healing and damage swing during low-health all-ins or dives.

Early game

Use the first three waves to farm near walls, preserving (E) for escape.
Punish Smolder's last-hit attempts on low-health minions only if enemy support is not threatening.
Avoid stepping up when (E) is available to reposition or engage.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) lets Zeri kite extended fights and punish Smolder's limited mobility; engage only with (R) active.
First marksman item spike increases Zeri's poke and safer wave control near walls.
Two-item spike strengthens Zeri's sustained DPS; fight around terrain to maximize (W) and (E) utility.

Win conditions

Convert health and poke leads into wave crashes to take turret plates and force recalls.
Use wall (W) poke and (E) mobility to deny Smolder safe stacking and force him off CS.
Scale into extended fights post-level 6 and item spikes, using (R) to kite and maximize DPS in teamfights.