Mel vs Garen MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Mel

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Mid

Garen

Mel vs Garen

Updated Jun 5, 2026

Overview

Use Mel's ranged poke and (W) reflect to control the mid lane and deny Garen's short trades.
Manage lane priority to prevent Garen from safely approaching for (Q) silence and (E) spin damage.

Trading pattern

Trade by baiting (Q) silence and immediately using (W) to reflect his follow-up damage.
After landing (E) root, chain (Q) poke to build marks and pressure before committing.
Avoid extended trades after (E) ends; back off to prevent his passive health regen from winning longer fights.

Danger windows

Respect (Q) silence window; avoid casting key spells when it is available to prevent being locked out.
Be cautious when (W) is down, as Mel is vulnerable to Garen's all-in engage.
Avoid extended trades after (E) spin ends and before his passive health recovers, as he can punish overcommitment.

Early game

Focus on landing (E) root to set up poke and mark Garen early, forcing him to hesitate on short trades.
Avoid using (W) prematurely; hold it to reflect (Q) or (E) damage for safer trades.
Use ranged (Q) poke to chip Garen's health before he can engage with (Q) silence.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to execute marked, low-health Garen targets and punish his all-in attempts.
After completing first mage item, increase poke frequency and pressure while respecting (Q) cooldown.
Respect Garen's level 6 (R) execute window by maintaining health above execute threshold and avoiding unnecessary trades.

Win conditions

Use (E) root to set up poke and mark pressure, then finish with (R) when Garen is low.
Hold (W) to reflect (Q) or (E) damage, denying his short trades and forcing him to back off.
Maintain lane priority with ranged poke to deny Garen free farm and prevent him from safely engaging.