Talon vs Xerath MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Talon

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Mid

Xerath

Talon vs Xerath

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Talon is a mobile assassin who wants to push the wave to create roam opportunities and avoid prolonged poke from Xerath.
Use lane pressure to deny Xerath a calm scaling lane and prevent him from freely poking with Xerath Q and W.

Trading pattern

Start trades by landing W to apply bleed and threaten Q follow-up, then disengage before Xerath can retaliate.
Punish Xerath when he misses Xerath E stun or is forced to play back after charging Xerath Q.
Avoid trading when Xerath's Xerath E is up and ready to stun, as it can prevent your engage or escape.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Xerath's Xerath E stun is available as it can lock you down for poke or follow-up.
Xerath's ultimate (Xerath R) creates a long-range threat zone; avoid extended lane presence when it is active.
Avoid staying visible and stationary in lane to reduce risk of skillshot poke and stun combos.

Early game

Avoid extended trades early since Xerath's poke and stun (Xerath E) control space and punish close approaches.
Focus on hitting level 2 for Q plus W pressure to threaten trades before Xerath can safely poke.
Use wave pushes to enable roaming with E and reduce exposure to Xerath's skillshots.

Power spikes

Talon's major spikes are level 2 (Q+W pressure), level 6 (R burst and stealth), and first lethality item.
Respect Xerath's level 6 spike with Xerath R for long-range follow-up poke and kill pressure.
Xerath's first completed mana/AP item increases his poke threat; play cautiously around this timing.

Win conditions

Push the wave to force Xerath under turret, limiting his poke and enabling your roam with E.
Use your mobility and stealth from R to flank and burst Xerath when his key defensive cooldowns are down.
Deny Xerath scaling by forcing him to farm safely and punishing missed Xerath E stuns to snowball lane control.