Smolder vs Draven ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Smolder

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ADC

Draven

Smolder vs Draven

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane hinges on safely stacking (Q) without losing health to Draven's early axe autos.
Smolder wins extended trades and scales better; Draven dominates short trades and lane pressure.
Hold wave near your tower to deny Draven safe axe catch zones and reduce his short trade threat.

Trading pattern

Punish Draven when he walks up for last hits with (W) poke if enemy support can't punish.
Avoid trading when (Q) axes are active and support controls brush or engage zones.
Save (E) to escape after Draven uses (E) to interrupt or reposition, never force early trades without it.

Danger windows

Draven is most dangerous with active (Q) axes and support controlling brush, punishing last-hit attempts.
Avoid stepping forward when (E) is available to interrupt your (E) or escape routes.
Beware of (R) execute window after chunking health; don't overcommit without (R) ready.

Early game

Use the first three waves to secure (Q) stacks by last-hitting behind minions, avoiding axe catch zones.
Respect Draven's level 2 (Q) + (E) trade window by not stepping up for low-health caster minions.
Position behind minions and near support to avoid axe autos and punish Draven only if support can't counter.

Power spikes

Prioritize reaching (Q) stack thresholds to increase poke and execute pressure, forcing Draven to respect.
At level 6, use (R) to swing low-health trades and punish Draven's all-in attempts or dives.
Avoid trading into Draven's first completed damage item spike; wait for safer poke windows post-spike.

Win conditions

Convert safe (Q) stacking into poke pressure that forces Draven off CS and under tower.
Use (R) to heal and turn fights around dragon setups or turret dives.
Crash waves after (Q) thresholds to secure plates and force Draven recalls before item spikes.