Orianna is a control mage with medium lane pressure and low early agency who must manage ball position to control trades and defend against Sylas's engage.
Avoid giving Sylas the chance to use his high early agency and mobility to force extended trades or all-ins.
Trading pattern
Trade by zoning with ball placement and poking with Q, then shield or speed yourself with W and E to survive return damage.
Respect Sylas's Sylas E engage and Sylas W heal; avoid extended trades when these are available.
Punish Sylas when Sylas E or Sylas W are on cooldown by stepping up with Q and W for damage.
Danger windows
Respect Sylas's Sylas E knockup engage window as a lethal threat to Orianna's immobility.
Avoid extended trades when Sylas W heal is available to prevent losing sustained fights.
Be cautious post-level 6 when Sylas can use stolen ultimates to all-in or outplay.
Early game
Use Q and W to poke Sylas safely before he hits level 3 and unlocks his full skirmish combo.
Stay behind your ball and use E shield to mitigate damage when Sylas attempts to engage with Sylas E.
Punish Sylas if he wastes Sylas E engage or Sylas W heal cooldowns by stepping forward for short trades.
Power spikes
Orianna's major spikes are level 6 R and first completed mage item, increasing teamfight and burst potential.
Respect Sylas's level 3 spike when he unlocks full Q-W-E skirmish and his level 6 R if he steals a valuable ultimate.
Orianna should avoid extended trades before level 6 and item spikes to reduce risk from Sylas's sustain and mobility.
Win conditions
Control the lane by maintaining optimal ball position to zone Sylas and prevent his engage.
Punish Sylas's missed Sylas E or Sylas W cooldowns with quick trades using Q and W.
Reach level 6 and first item spike to leverage R for teamfight impact and secure lane control through wave management and poke.
Tip: For Orianna vs Sylas, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Mid lane check.
