Garen vs Zoe MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Garen

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Mid

Zoe

Garen vs Zoe

Updated Jun 5, 2026

Overview

Garen faces a high poke and pick threat from Zoe, so he must manage short trades and preserve passive health to survive mid lane pressure.
This matchup is control vs roam; Garen should focus on denying Zoe free farm and avoid extended trades where Zoe's burst and mobility dominate.

Trading pattern

Initiate trades by using (Q) to silence Zoe and quickly follow with (E) for burst damage, then back off to recover passive health.
Punish Zoe immediately after she misses (E) by stepping forward for short trades or wave pressure.
Avoid trading when (Q) is baited or Zoe maintains distance with her (R) extended poke angles; wait for cooldown windows to engage.

Danger windows

Respect (E) sleep setup, which enables her burst combo; avoid stepping up without (Q) ready to silence.
Beware of (R) repositioning for extended poke or escape; do not overcommit when her (R) is available.
Avoid extended trades after your (Q) and (E) cooldowns expire, as Zoe can punish your limited range and lack of mobility.

Early game

Use early levels to hold a stable wave near your side, enabling short (Q)+(E) trades when (E) is on cooldown.
Avoid extended trades before level 6, as Zoe's poke and sleep setup outmatch Garen's damage.
Track (R) availability to know when she can reposition for poke or roam and adjust lane positioning accordingly.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) execute to convert chip damage into kills; pressure Zoe when she is low health.
After your first defensive or bruiser item, repeat controlled trades to absorb Zoe's burst and preserve health advantage.
Respect Zoe's level 6 (R) for extended poke angles and her first completed AP burst item, which increases her trade threat significantly.

Win conditions

Deny Zoe free farm by punishing missed (E) and forcing her off the wave with short (Q)+(E) trades.
Use your level 6 (R) execute to finish off low-health Zoe after chipping her down.
Survive lane by preserving passive health, then look to side lane where your durability and execute threat can dominate in front-to-back fights.