Taliyah vs Xerath MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Taliyah

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Mid

Xerath

Taliyah vs Xerath

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Taliyah is a medium lane pressure control mage who must manage wave control to avoid Xerath's long-range poke.
Deny Xerath safe scaling by pushing when vision allows and punishing his immobility with W and E.

Trading pattern

Use Q for short poke and only commit W and E when Xerath walks into your threat zone or after he wastes Xerath E.
Avoid extended trades unless Xerath is trapped in your E slow zone or displaced by W.
Respect Xerath E stun and Xerath Q charge times to avoid getting caught in poke or crowd control.

Danger windows

Xerath's E stun is a key threat; avoid predictable forward movement to prevent getting locked down.
When Xerath charges Xerath Q, maintain safe spacing to avoid heavy poke damage.
Be cautious pushing without vision as Xerath's long range and immobility make you vulnerable to jungle ganks.

Early game

Use Q to poke and control the wave early, but avoid extended trades against Xerath's high poke range.
Hold W and E to punish Xerath if he mispositions or uses Xerath E and misses.
Prioritize wave states that let you move first for river or side-lane pressure before level 6.

Power spikes

Level 6 R grants strong map pressure and roam potential to punish Xerath's immobility.
First completed mage item improves Q poke and wave control to pressure Xerath's safe farming.
Respect Xerath's level 6 R and first mana/AP item spikes which increase his poke threat.

Win conditions

Control mid wave with Q, punish Xerath's forward movement with W and E, and turn pushes into river or side-lane pressure.
Exploit Xerath's immobility by roaming post-push with R to create map advantages.
Force Xerath to miss Xerath E or waste cooldowns, then engage short trades or shove wave to deny his poke.