Kassadin vs Ryze MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Kassadin

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Mid

Ryze

Kassadin vs Ryze

Updated May 31, 2026

Overview

Kassadin is a scaling assassin with low early agency who must survive Ryze's poke and root to reach level 6 safely.
Avoid giving Ryze a passive lane by maintaining a safe farm position near tower and not overextending early.

Trading pattern

Before level 6, trade minimally and only absorb poke with Q; avoid Ryze's W root and E-Q rotations.
After level 6, use short R trades when Ryze's W is on cooldown and mana is sufficient to burst and escape.
Punish Ryze when he steps forward to apply E without W ready or low mana for follow-up spells.

Danger windows

Pre-6 is dangerous due to Kassadin's limited mobility and Ryze's W root setup.
Kassadin is vulnerable if R is used aggressively with low mana, risking being locked down.
Ryze is most threatening when he has mana and cooldowns to cycle E and Q with W root ready.

Early game

Use Q to shield Ryze's magic poke and focus on safe last-hitting under tower before level 6.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 as Ryze's W root and E spread enable him to punish aggressive moves.
Keep mana for R escape and avoid being caught by Ryze's W root setup.

Power spikes

Kassadin's level 6 R unlocks mobility and burst, enabling controlled trades and escapes.
Kassadin's first completed AP item increases his damage threat and R uptime.
Ryze's first mana/AP item and level 6 R increase his sustained damage and map play potential; respect these spikes by avoiding extended trades.

Win conditions

Survive early lane safely near tower to reach level 6 without significant health loss.
Use R to engage short trades and side pressure once level 6 is reached.
Exploit Ryze's lack of mobility and W cooldowns to punish overextensions and scale into a mobile burst threat.