Varus vs Zeri ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Varus

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ADC

Zeri

Varus vs Zeri

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

Varus wins short trades by punishing Zeri's predictable CS paths with charged (Q) and (E) slows.
Zeri scales better in extended fights with (R) active and wall mobility, so avoid long trades.
Control wave states that allow safe (Q) charges outside engage range to maximize poke pressure.

Trading pattern

Step forward to auto or (Q) when Zeri is locked into cannon or caster minion last hits, if enemy support cannot punish.
Use (E) to slow Zeri when she approaches for CS, then detonate blight stacks with autos or (Q) bursts.
Hold (R) to punish Zeri's lack of dash or to peel when enemy engage is committed; avoid raw all-ins without it.

Danger windows

Avoid charging (Q) when (E) dash is available near walls, as she can close gap or escape.
Respect enemy support presence that controls brush or engage zones, negating last-hit punish windows.
Missing (R) or having it down opens Varus to Zeri's extended fight with movement and poke through walls.

Early game

Use the first three waves to hold a thin wave near your side, denying Zeri safe dash angles.
Punish Zeri's last-hit attempts on caster minions with autos or (E) when support threat is low.
Avoid charging (Q) when enemy engage or support follow-up is possible; wait for safer poke windows.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) adds pick threat and peel, allowing Varus to punish immobile Zeri or stop engages.
First completed damage item strengthens poke and on-hit bursts, enabling safer wave crashes before dragon.
Objective poke setups with charged (Q) and (R) control bot priority and force Zeri to choose between CS or poke damage.

Win conditions

Convert poke damage and last-hit punishments into health leads that force Zeri recalls or reset timing.
Crash waves after item spikes to threaten turret plates and secure dragon control with bot priority.
Use (R) pick setups combined with support follow-up to isolate Zeri before she reaches item and (R) power spikes.