Garen vs Riven MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Garen

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Mid

Riven

Garen vs Riven

Updated Jun 5, 2026

Overview

Garen must manage short trades to avoid Riven's burst combos and mobility.
Prioritize denying Riven free farm by punishing her cooldown windows and controlling wave states.

Trading pattern

Engage with (Q) silence to interrupt (W) stun or (Q) combos, then spin (E) for damage and disengage before her cooldowns reset.
Punish Riven after she uses (Q) and (E) by stepping up for short trades while her mobility and shield are down.
Avoid trading when (Q) is baited or Riven still has (W) and mobility available to counterattack.

Danger windows

When Riven has all cooldowns up including (Q), (W), (E), and (R), avoid extended trades or all-ins.
Respect (W) stun and third (Q) knockup as they enable her burst and crowd control.
Be cautious if Riven resets cooldowns with item power spikes, increasing her combo frequency and kill threat.

Early game

Use early waves to farm safely and only trade after Riven wastes (Q) or (E) mobility.
Hold the wave near your side to reduce Riven's ability to dash in and out.
Avoid extended fights before level 6 when Riven's burst and mobility are strongest.

Power spikes

Level 6: Use (R) execute to finish Riven after chipping her health with short trades.
First defensive item: Repeat trades safely as (W) reduces incoming burst and increases durability.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) for lethal all-in combos and her first haste/damage item that speeds cooldowns.

Win conditions

Use short (Q)+(E) trades to chip Riven's health and force her to play defensively.
Preserve passive health regen by disengaging after trades and punish Riven when her mobility cooldowns are down.
Reach level 6 and use (R) execute windows to secure kills or force Riven off the wave, then transition to side-lane durability and pressure.