Viktor is a scaling control mage who must manage medium lane pressure and avoid giving Tahm Kench passive short trades to build stacks.
Focus on wave control and poke to limit Tahm Kench's ability to engage and build passive stacks, aiming for a long game where Viktor's item upgrades dominate.
Trading pattern
Trade primarily with (E) poke and (Q) shield, avoiding prolonged contact that lets Tahm Kench build passive stacks.
Punish Tahm Kench when (W) is down or if he misses (Q) stacks by stepping forward for short trades.
Place (W) carefully to zone and slow Tahm Kench's engage, but avoid bad placement that leaves you vulnerable to his all-in.
Danger windows
Be cautious when Tahm Kench reaches three passive stacks and (Q) can stun; avoid engaging or extended trades then.
Avoid fighting when (E) gray health shield is active as it absorbs burst damage.
Respect (W) knockup and (R) cooldowns; avoid committing when these are available to prevent lethal trades.
Early game
Use level 1-3 to safely farm and poke with (E) without overcommitting since early trades favor Tahm Kench's durability and stack building.
Avoid extended trades before (R) and item spikes, instead focus on spacing and using (Q) shield to mitigate damage.
Keep (W) ready to zone or disengage if Tahm Kench attempts to stack (Q) or engage with (W).
Power spikes
Respect Tahm Kench's level 6 (R) for pick potential; avoid overextending without (R) ready.
Exploit your first completed mage item and ability evolutions to pressure waves and trades more confidently.
Use level 6 (R) ultimate window for verified all-ins or defensive resets rather than forcing blind fights.
Win conditions
Scale safely through lane using wave control and poke to deny Tahm Kench's stack buildup and short trades.
Leverage your evolved abilities and item spikes to control teamfights and zone Tahm Kench out.
Use (R) ultimate and (W) zone control to create pick opportunities or disengage from Tahm Kench's all-ins, securing teamfight impact.
Tip: For Viktor vs Tahm Kench, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Top lane check.
