Nilah vs Kalista ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Nilah

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ADC

Kalista

Nilah vs Kalista

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

Nilah wins short trades with (W) blocking autos and (R) locking targets for all-ins.
Kalista controls long trades with hop mobility and (E) stacking, forcing Nilah to farm protected.
Nilah needs to avoid extended poke phases and wait for support engage to commit safely.

Trading pattern

Punish Kalista stepping up for last hits by autoing during her animation if support can't counter.
Use (W) to block Kalista's autos during all-ins, then follow with (E) and (R) to commit.
Avoid trading when (Q) is ready and support controls brush or engage zones.

Danger windows

Avoid trading when Kalista's support is ready to engage or when (R) can pull your support.
Be cautious when Kalista has stacked (E) on you or minions, as (E) execute threat is high.
Do not use (E) aggressively without kill potential or support follow-up, as Kalista can kite you.

Early game

Use the first three waves to farm near your tower, avoiding Kalista's hop range.
Punish Kalista's last-hit attempts on low-health caster minions only if enemy support isn't threatening.
Avoid using (E) forward without support follow-up to prevent being kited or punished.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) allows Nilah to turn support engages into kills by pulling enemies into melee range.
First completed marksman item increases Nilah's all-in damage, enabling safer short-range commits.
Respect Kalista's level 6 (R) which can start fights unexpectedly through her support's position.

Win conditions

Survive early poke and farm safely until level 6 and first item spike to enable all-ins.
Use (W) and (R) with support engage to force Kalista off the wave and secure plates.
Convert health and item leads into dragon control and teamfight DPS by pulling grouped enemies into fights.