Caitlyn vs Varus ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

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Caitlyn

VS

ADC

Varus

Caitlyn vs Varus

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on Caitlyn's range to punish Varus's last-hit attempts and control wave state.
Caitlyn wins short trades and turret pressure, while Varus relies on poke and (R) pick threat.
Hold wave near your side to force Varus into tough CS decisions and trap setups around turret.

Trading pattern

Punish Varus stepping up for cannon or low-health caster minions if enemy support can't punish.
Layer (W) traps on retreat paths and turret edges to limit Varus's escape and force bad positioning.
Hold (E) for enemy engage attempts; avoid using it for poke to keep all-in safety against his root.

Danger windows

When (E) is down, avoid extended trades as Varus's support can engage through your range.
Respect Varus's charged (Q) poke angles before dragon fights; stepping up can cost heavy poke damage.
Beware of enemy support controlling brush or river, negating your last-hit punish windows safely.

Early game

Use level 1 range to harass Varus stepping for caster minions before support cooldowns.
Prioritize quick level 2 to unlock (W) traps for zoning and punishing Varus's forward steps.
Thin the wave to deny Varus safe (Q) charge angles and reduce early poke threat.

Power spikes

Level 1: Use superior auto range to pressure Varus and force him to choose between CS and poke damage.
First completed marksman item: Crash waves into turret with trap coverage to secure plates and dragon priority.
Level 6: Respect (R) root for pick threat; bait it before committing to all-ins or support engages.

Win conditions

Convert range and trap control into denied CS and turret plate leads before Varus reaches item spikes.
Use wave crashes with support cover to force Varus recalls and secure dragon vision control.
Maintain lane pressure to position safely in teamfights, maximizing DPS while avoiding Varus's root setups.