Gnar vs Vladimir TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vladimir

Gnar vs Vladimir

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Gnar must control lane pressure to deny Vladimir a calm scaling lane and avoid giving him free sustain windows.
This is a control vs scaling matchup where Gnar's goal is to use ranged poke and timely mega form engages to disrupt Vladimir's farm and scaling.

Trading pattern

Trade in mini form using (Q) and (W) to chip Vladimir, then kite with (E) to avoid his empowered (Q) burst.
Punish Vladimir after he uses (W) since it's a long cooldown and he is vulnerable without it.
Avoid trading when Vladimir's empowered (Q) is available; instead, wait for it to expire before engaging.

Danger windows

Vladimir is dangerous when his (W) untargetability is up; avoid committing during this cooldown.
Be cautious when Vladimir's empowered (Q) is ready, as he can burst you in short trades.
After your mega form expires or if you mistime Rage, you lose hard CC and durability; avoid fighting during these vulnerability windows.

Early game

Use mini form range and (Q) poke to pressure Vladimir early and force him to use (W) defensively.
Avoid extended trades when your (E) is down to prevent being punished by Vladimir's empowered (Q) trades.
Time your Rage buildup to hit level 6 with mega form ready for stronger all-ins or wave crashes.

Power spikes

Level 6 mega form (R) is a major spike; manage Rage to transform near terrain for impactful crowd control and engages.
Vladimir's level 6 (R) is a threat; respect its availability and avoid committing to fights during this window.
After Vladimir completes his first AP item, increase pressure but remain cautious of his cooldowns and (W) availability.

Win conditions

Use mini form poke to chip Vladimir and force him to waste (W), then punish him during its cooldown.
Manage Rage carefully to transform into mega form with crowd control near walls for effective all-ins or teamfight engages.
Deny Vladimir a calm scaling lane by controlling wave state and pressure, preventing him from reaching his mid to late-game power spikes.