Riven vs Yasuo MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Riven

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Mid

Yasuo

Riven vs Yasuo

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Riven aims to snowball by punishing Yasuo's cooldowns and denying his mobility windows in mid lane.
Apply medium lane pressure to prevent Yasuo from freely using (E) for mobility and engaging on minions.
Focus on cooldown sequencing and short trades to outplay Yasuo's all-in attempts and scale through skirmishes.

Trading pattern

Initiate trades with (E) shield, chain (Q) and (W) to lock Yasuo down before he can retaliate.
Punish Yasuo immediately after he uses (W) or (E) for mobility, as his dodge and escape options are limited.
Avoid committing when (Q) tornado or (R) are available, as these can turn trades against you.

Danger windows

Yasuo is dangerous when his (Q) tornado knockup and (R) ultimate are available; hold key defensive cooldowns for these moments.
Be cautious when your (Q) and (E) are spent, as your mobility and shield are down, making you vulnerable to Yasuo's retaliation.
Track (W) cooldown; when down, you can safely use ranged or projectile abilities to pressure him.

Early game

Use level 1-2 to test Yasuo's spacing and avoid giving him minions to dash through with (E).
Prioritize short trades when (Q) tornado or (W) are down to gain early lane control.
Avoid extended trades before level 6 as Yasuo's all-in threat spikes with his (R) follow-up on knockups.

Power spikes

Level 6 is a major spike: use (R) to convert chip damage into lethal burst and force Yasuo to respect your all-in.
First haste/damage item boosts your cooldown resets; use this timing to pressure Yasuo and contest wave control.
Respect Yasuo's level 2 (Q)+(E) combo for early trades and his level 6 (R) for knockup follow-ups; avoid risky trades during these windows.

Win conditions

Snowball early by punishing Yasuo's cooldowns and wave states that deny his (E) mobility.
Use your superior burst and crowd control to force Yasuo out of lane or secure kills before his item spikes.
After gaining an advantage, leverage side-lane pressure and skirmishes to extend your lead and control the game pace.