Mordekaiser vs Riven TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Riven

Mordekaiser vs Riven

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Control the lane by threatening (E) pulls to force Riven into extended trades where your passive and (W) shield sustain excel.
Manage wave state to keep Riven within your passive range and avoid giving her room to use mobility aggressively.
This is a control vs snowball matchup; deny Riven early cooldown windows to prevent her from snowballing.

Trading pattern

Initiate trades by landing (E) to pull Riven in, then hit isolated (Q) and extend trades while your passive and (W) shield mitigate damage.
Punish Riven immediately after she expends (Q) and (E) mobility cooldowns by forcing longer trades.
Avoid trades when (E) misses or your (W) shield is low, as Riven can capitalize on your reduced control and sustain.

Danger windows

Riven is most dangerous when all her basic cooldowns are available, especially (W) stun and third (Q) knockup, so avoid trading during this window.
Be cautious when Riven activates (R) with low-health targets in execute range; avoid extended trades unless you have a clear advantage.
Your vulnerability spikes after missing (E) or when your (W) shield is depleted; play cautiously until you regain control.

Early game

Use early levels to farm safely and threaten (E) pulls when Riven overextends after using mobility.
Avoid engaging when (E) is on cooldown to prevent being punished by Riven's burst combos.
Prioritize slow pushing the wave to set up favorable extended trades inside your passive range.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to isolate Riven and force a duel she cannot kite, but only after landing or threatening (E).
After completing your first AP bruiser item, force longer trades leveraging improved durability and sustained damage.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) power spike and her ability to burst with full cooldowns; avoid extended trades during her combo windows.

Win conditions

Win by controlling the wave and forcing Riven into extended trades where your passive and (W) shield outlast her burst.
Use (R) to isolate Riven in side lane duels or objective fights when she cannot escape or receive help.
Punish Riven's cooldown windows by landing (E) pulls and maintaining passive damage to deny her snowball potential.