Viktor vs Xerath MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

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Viktor

VS

Mid

Xerath

Viktor vs Xerath

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Viktor is a scaling control mage who must manage lane pressure to avoid giving Xerath free poke and map pressure.
Focus on farming safely and using W to zone and disengage, denying Xerath a passive poke lane.

Trading pattern

Trade short with E and Q shield while keeping W ready to disengage from Xerath's poke and stun.
Punish Xerath when Xerath E is missed or on cooldown by stepping forward for quick trades.
Respect Xerath charging Xerath Q and try to dodge skillshots to reduce poke damage.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Xerath's Xerath E stun is available; it can lead to lethal trades if combined with his poke.
Avoid overextending when W is down since Viktor becomes vulnerable to Xerath's poke and potential all-ins.
Xerath's level 6 ultimate increases his threat range; play around its cooldown to avoid lethal damage.

Early game

Accept limited early agency; use Q and E to farm and poke when Xerath's key abilities are on cooldown.
Avoid extended trades when Xerath's Xerath E stun is available to prevent getting locked down.
Use W carefully to zone but avoid bad placement that leaves you vulnerable to Xerath's poke.

Power spikes

Viktor's major spikes are level 6 R and first completed mage item with ability evolutions.
Xerath's major spikes are level 6 Xerath R and first completed mana/AP item, which increase his poke threat.
Respect Xerath's power spikes by playing more cautiously and using W defensively.

Win conditions

Scale through farming and item upgrades to control space and teamfights with evolved abilities.
Use W to zone Xerath and punish missed Xerath E or Xerath Q to win short trades.
Deny Xerath a calm lane by applying pressure after his key cooldowns expire and reach your item spikes first.