Mordekaiser vs Gnar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Mordekaiser

VS

Top

Gnar

Mordekaiser vs Gnar

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Mordekaiser aims to control the lane through medium pressure and extended trades using (E) pull and isolated (Q) hits.
Manage lane state to force Gnar into melee range where Mordekaiser's passive and (W) shield sustain outvalue Gnar's ranged poke.
This is a control vs control matchup where Mordekaiser must deny Gnar's kite and mega form impact by forcing isolated fights.

Trading pattern

Initiate trades by landing (E) to pull Gnar into melee range, then hit isolated (Q) for max damage.
Extend trades only when passive is active and (W) shield is available to absorb poke and sustain.
Avoid trading when (E) is on cooldown or Gnar is positioned to kite outside passive range.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Gnar's Rage bar is near mega form and (R) is available, especially near walls for stuns.
Avoid all-ins when (E) is on cooldown, as your engage threat and damage output drop significantly.
Respect (W) stun in mega form and his ability to kite when your passive is not active.

Early game

Use early waves to threaten (E) pulls and zone Gnar from safely farming in mini form.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 unless (E) is ready and passive is active to prevent being kited.
Prepare to punish Gnar when (E) is down and he is vulnerable in mini form without (E) escape.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to isolate Gnar and force a duel he cannot escape, maximizing all-in threat.
After first AP bruiser item, force longer trades where sustained damage and shield healing overpower Gnar's poke.
Respect Gnar's level 6 mega form with (R) wall stun and (W) stun; avoid fighting near terrain where he can angle his ultimate.

Win conditions

Use wave control and (E) pull pressure to force Gnar into extended trades inside your passive zone.
Capitalize on level 6 by isolating Gnar with (R) when he cannot kite or use mega form effectively.
Maintain passive and (W) shield uptime to win sustained duels and deny Gnar's ranged harassment advantage.