Kai'Sa vs Nilah ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Kai'Sa

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ADC

Nilah

Kai'Sa vs Nilah

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

Kai'Sa wins by punishing Nilah's short range with thinned waves and isolated (Q) damage.
Nilah thrives in short all-ins with (W) anti-auto and support engage, so Kai'Sa must avoid extended trades.
The lane turns on support setup and item spikes that enable Kai'Sa's burst and repositioning.

Trading pattern

Step forward to auto or poke Nilah when she last-hits away from minions and support threat is low.
Avoid trading when (W) is up as it blocks autos, negating Kai'Sa's retaliation.
Use (W) to mark Nilah before committing; only all-in with support CC or after (W) cooldown expires.

Danger windows

Nilah's all-in is strongest with (W) active and support engage ready; avoid stepping forward during this window.
Be cautious when (E) dash is available and support can follow, as she can close gaps quickly.
Respect Nilah's level 6 (R) pull, especially if enemy support controls brush or river for follow-up.

Early game

Use the first three waves to farm safely and thin waves to maximize isolated (Q) damage on Nilah.
Punish Nilah's last-hit attempts only if enemy support cannot immediately trade back or zone.
Hold (E) until Nilah's engage tools or support cooldowns are used to avoid overcommitment.

Power spikes

First completed item unlocks evolved abilities, increasing burst and all-in threat; look for support setup to commit.
Level 6 (R) allows repositioning onto marked targets for lethal follow-up; use it only when a kill or safe escape is possible.
Punish (W) cooldown windows by trading aggressively when she cannot block autos.

Win conditions

Convert isolated burst damage and (R) repositioning into kills or forcing Nilah off the wave for plates.
Use thinned waves to maximize (Q) damage and punish Nilah's short range during last-hit attempts.
Reach item and evolve thresholds safely to outscale Nilah and dominate teamfight DPS role with dive follow-up.