Smolder vs Ziggs ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Smolder

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ADC

Ziggs

Smolder vs Ziggs

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on safe (Q) stacking versus Ziggs's poke and waveclear pressure.
Smolder wins extended trades post-(Q) thresholds; Ziggs controls early wave with poke and minefield.
Prioritize stable wave states where you can last-hit without stepping into (Q) or (E) zones.

Trading pattern

Punish Ziggs when he walks up for caster minions, but only if enemy support can't zone or trade back.
Use (W) poke when Ziggs groups near minions, maximizing splash damage on his predictable positioning.
Avoid trading when (E) is down to maintain safe escape against Ziggs's displacement and poke.

Danger windows

(W) displacement plus support engage creates lethal all-in windows; avoid stepping into threat zones.
Be cautious when (R) is available, as it can finish low-health trades or punish grouped fights.
Avoid stepping into (E) minefields or low-health minion clusters where Ziggs can land poke safely.

Early game

Hold wave near your tower first three waves to avoid (Q) poke and punish Ziggs's last hits.
Avoid stepping up on caster minions when Ziggs has (Q) and (E) ready to punish.
Use support cooldown windows to step forward and secure (Q) stacks without risking engage.

Power spikes

Prioritize hitting (Q) stack thresholds to increase poke and execute threat, turning lane in your favor.
At level 6, use (R) to swing low-health trades and punish Ziggs's turret dives or engages.
Respect Ziggs's first completed mage poke item as his (W) cooldown enables stronger turret pressure and poke.

Win conditions

Convert safe (Q) stacking into item spikes and stronger poke to force Ziggs under tower and deny plates.
Use (R) and (W) poke to create health advantages that enable recalls and wave crashes for dragon control.
Reach late game where your execute scaling outperforms Ziggs's poke, securing teamfight DPS priority.