Ryze vs Xerath MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Ryze

VS

Mid

Xerath

Ryze vs Xerath

Updated May 31, 2026

Overview

Ryze is a scaling mage with medium mobility who must manage mana to safely farm and control the wave against Xerath's long-range poke.
Avoid giving Xerath free long-range poke windows by controlling wave state and only stepping forward when W root and E spread can be applied safely.

Trading pattern

Use E and Q for short trades and hold W to root Xerath if he steps too close after poke.
Punish Xerath when Xerath E is on cooldown or missed by stepping in for W root plus follow-up damage.
Avoid trading while Xerath is charging Xerath Q or when low on mana to prevent being outranged.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Xerath has Xerath E available as it provides a stun and self-peel.
Avoid stepping forward to cast E and W when low on mana or without W ready.
Respect Xerath R post-level 6 for long-range poke follow-up and avoid overextending.

Early game

Play cautiously early as Xerath has high lane pressure and early poke with Xerath Q and W.
Use controlled E and Q trades only when Xerath's key poke cooldowns like Xerath E are down or missed.
Avoid extended trades without mana or W available to punish Xerath's poke attempts.

Power spikes

Ryze's major spikes are first mana/AP item and level 6 R for map plays.
Respect Xerath's spikes at level 6 with Xerath R and after his first completed mana/AP item.
Ryze's item and mana scaling are crucial to survive and punish Xerath's poke over time.

Win conditions

Win by safely farming and scaling into sustained spell rotations using E and Q.
Use W root to punish Xerath's positioning mistakes or cooldown windows.
Convert wave control into mid-game map pressure with R to create numbers advantage and deny Xerath safe poke setups.