Sylas vs Riven MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

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Sylas

VS

Mid

Riven

Sylas vs Riven

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Sylas should leverage his high early agency and sustain to pressure Riven and deny her cooldown advantage in trades.
This is a snowball matchup where Sylas must use his skirmish healing and stolen ultimates to outplay Riven's burst and mobility.

Trading pattern

Engage or threaten with (E) to start trades, then use (W) to heal through Riven's burst and extend fights.
Punish Riven after she uses (Q) and (E) mobility cooldowns by stepping forward for trades.
Use stolen ultimates for stronger all-ins or to counter Riven's burst windows.

Danger windows

Respect Riven's full combo when all her cooldowns including (Q), (W), (E), and (R) are available as she can burst and crowd control you.
Avoid engaging when your (W) or (E) is down as you lose sustain and escape options, making you vulnerable.
Be cautious when (R) is active and you are low health due to her execute potential.

Early game

Use level 3 combo (Q)-(W)-(E) to engage trades when Riven's key cooldowns are down.
Avoid extended trades when (W) or (E) is on cooldown to prevent being punished by Riven's burst.
Maintain wave control to avoid being shoved under turret where Sylas's waveclear is weaker.

Power spikes

At level 3, use the full (Q)-(W)-(E) combo to trade aggressively when cooldowns and spacing favor you.
At level 6, track Riven's ultimate and use your (R) on valuable enemy ultimates for all-ins or defensive plays.
After your first AP skirmish item, increase pressure on waves and trades while respecting Riven's item timings.

Win conditions

Use (E) to engage or threaten, then leverage (W) and stolen ultimates to win extended trades and skirmishes.
Deny Riven cooldown windows by punishing after her mobility and stun are spent to prevent her snowball.
Pressure waves and roam when your ultimate is ready and Riven's key defensive tools are on cooldown to extend your lead.