Varus vs Kalista ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Varus

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ADC

Kalista

Varus vs Kalista

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

Varus wins by using poke and (R) root to punish Kalista's low range and forced all-ins.
The lane favors Varus in short trades and poke setups, while Kalista wants extended fights with support engage.
Varus should control wave state to limit Kalista's hop mobility and force her into risky last hits.

Trading pattern

Punish Kalista when she commits to last hitting inside your auto range if her support cannot immediately trade back.
Use (E) slow to lock Kalista when she hops for autos, then detonate blight stacks with (Q) or autos.
Avoid charging (Q) when Kalista's support is in engage range or when (R) root is unavailable for peel or catch.

Danger windows

Kalista's support (R) engage combined with her hop mobility creates lethal all-in windows if (R) root is down.
Charging (Q) inside Kalista's hop range without support peel exposes Varus to burst and chase.
Avoid trading when Kalista's support controls brush or immediate follow-up zone, as punish windows close.

Early game

Use the first three waves to thin the wave and create angles for charged (Q) poke on Kalista's last hits.
Secure level 2 before Kalista to threaten poke and reduce her hop window.
Watch support position to punish Kalista stepping up for caster minion last hits when support cooldowns are down.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) adds pick threat and self-peel, enabling Varus to punish Kalista's immobility or support engage.
First completed damage item strengthens poke and wave pressure, allowing Varus to force recalls or crash waves before dragon.
Kalista's level 6 (R) requires Varus to hold (R) for counter-engage or disengage, respecting support follow-up.

Win conditions

Convert poke damage and (R) root catches into bot priority and dragon control by forcing Kalista off CS.
Use wave crashes after first item spikes to secure plates and deny Kalista safe farm.
Play around (R) root to create pick setups or peel for yourself in teamfights, maximizing DPS uptime.