Anivia vs Sylas MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Anivia

VS

Mid

Sylas

Anivia vs Sylas

Updated Jun 5, 2026

Overview

Anivia is a control mage with medium lane pressure and low early agency against a high-agency melee skirmisher Sylas.
Focus on using waveclear and zoning tools to deny Sylas safe all-in windows and force him to overextend before punishing.

Trading pattern

Initiate trades with (Q) and follow up with (E) for max damage when Sylas is in range.
Respect (E) cooldown; if he misses it, step forward to punish with (Q)+(E) combo.
Use (W) terrain to block Sylas's path and force him into your skillshots or away from safe engages.

Danger windows

Sylas is most dangerous when (E) is available for engage and (W) sustain is up; avoid extended trades during this window.
Missing your (Q) or (W) leaves you vulnerable to Sylas's fast all-in; do not trade without these abilities ready.
Losing flash or being caught without escape tools puts you at high risk due to low mobility; play around flash cooldown.

Early game

Use (Q) and (W) to poke and zone Sylas early, forcing him to respect your poke before he can safely engage with (E).
Avoid extended trades before level 6 as Sylas's sustain and mobility favor him in close combat.
Keep the wave on your side to punish Sylas if he misses (E) engage or overcommits.

Power spikes

After level 6 with (R), Anivia can zone Sylas effectively, making it hard for him to engage or siege.
Sylas spikes at level 3 with his full (Q)-(W)-(E) combo; avoid giving him space to use it cleanly.
Post Lost Chapter, Anivia gains better wave control and zoning, increasing her threat and trade reliability.

Win conditions

Use your strong waveclear and zoning with (Q), (W), and (R) to deny Sylas safe engages and force him into mistakes.
Punish Sylas when his (E) is on cooldown by stepping forward with (Q)+(E) combos.
After level 6, leverage (R) to zone Sylas from waves and create pick opportunities with your stun and terrain control.