Aatrox vs Gnar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Gnar

Aatrox vs Gnar

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Use high lane pressure and sustain to force Gnar into difficult positioning near your (Q) sweet spots.
Deny Gnar clean scaling by punishing his mini form cooldowns and forcing extended fights where your healing and resets excel.
This is a snowball matchup where Aatrox must leverage lane control and extended trades to dominate before Gnar's mega form engages.

Trading pattern

Fish for (Q1) sweet spots, use (E) to reposition for follow-up (Q) or retreat safely.
Use (W) to trap Gnar when he tries to disengage, forcing him to take damage or miss his escape.
Avoid extended trades if Gnar can disengage cleanly; only commit when (R) is active or (W) can block his retreat path.

Danger windows

Respect Gnar's mega form (R) window, especially near terrain where his wall stun is deadly.
Avoid extended trades when your (Q) and (E) are on cooldown, as you lose threat and mobility.
Be cautious if (E) hop is available for engage or escape, as it can punish overextensions.

Early game

Pressure the wave early to keep Gnar farming inside your (Q1) and (Q2) range.
Avoid short trades after missing (Q1) or when (E) is down to prevent being kited or disengaged.
Prepare to use (R) at level 6 to extend fights and punish Gnar's vulnerable mini form without (E).

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks chase, healing amplification, and reset potential; use it to force decisive all-ins.
First fighter item spike increases damage and durability; pressure the wave and threaten longer trades.
Respect Gnar's level 6 mega form and wall stun (R) by backing off before he transforms or fighting after it expires.

Win conditions

Control spacing with repeated (Q) sweet spots and sustain through extended fights to force Gnar into unfavorable trades.
Use (W) to trap Gnar and prevent his disengage, then follow up with (Q) and (R) for kill pressure.
Snowball lane dominance into side-lane pressure, denying Gnar safe scaling and forcing teamfights on your terms.