Olaf vs Riven TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Riven

Olaf vs Riven

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Olaf should pressure Riven early to deny her cooldown advantage and prevent short burst trades.
Use high early game agency and lane pressure to force extended fights where Olaf's axes and (R) anti-CC shine.
This is a snowball matchup where Olaf must leverage his early power to dominate side-lane duels and prevent Riven from snowballing.

Trading pattern

Initiate trades by landing (Q) and picking it up repeatedly to maintain chase and pressure.
Use (R) to ignore Riven's crowd control and commit to all-ins only when she cannot disengage.
Punish Riven after she spends (Q) and (E) cooldowns or misses (W) stun by extending fights with (W) and (E) true damage.

Danger windows

Beware when Riven has all her cooldowns ready, especially (W) stun and third (Q) knockup, combined with (R) active.
Olaf is vulnerable after (R) ends as crowd control can lock him down; avoid overcommitting at this time.
Low-health Olaf can still win trades, but be cautious of Riven's burst and combo potential during her full cooldown window.

Early game

Start by landing (Q) axes to slow Riven and force extended trades before she can use her mobility.
Use (W) shield to absorb burst damage and sustain through short trades.
Avoid trading when (Q) and (E) mobility are available; punish her cooldowns to gain lane control.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to gain crowd control immunity and force straight-line fights; avoid activating it if Riven can kite away.
First fighter item spike increases Olaf's damage and durability; pressure side lanes and punish missed disengages.
Respect Riven's level 6 (R) execute power and her ability to chain cooldowns for lethal combos; avoid extended trades when her abilities are up.

Win conditions

Win by landing repeated (Q) axes and forcing extended fights where Olaf's sustain and (R) anti-CC dominate.
Deny Riven cooldown windows by punishing her after (Q), (E), or (W) are spent to maintain lane pressure.
Snowball side-lane pressure and use (R) to dive through crowd control in teamfights, securing kills and objectives.