Vladimir vs Gangplank TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vladimir vs Gangplank

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Vladimir must manage a low-pressure early lane focused on farming and surviving Gangplank's poke and barrel zoning.
Prioritize preserving health and using empowered (Q) trades to sustain through Gangplank's medium lane pressure and barrel control.
This is a scaling vs scaling matchup where Vladimir aims to reach mid-game teamfight power while avoiding early all-in risks.

Trading pattern

Trade only when empowered (Q) is ready and Gangplank's barrels are not primed to avoid his zone control.
Use (W) defensively to avoid barrel chains or key poke, but avoid wasting it on small trades to keep it for major threats.
Punish Gangplank's forced (W) cooldown by stepping forward for short trades or wave pressure before it returns.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Gangplank has a barrel chain set up and (W) available, as his poke and zone control peak.
Avoid engaging when (W) is up on Gangplank, as it cleanses crowd control and heals.
Vladimir is vulnerable after using (W) due to its long cooldown and health cost; avoid trades during this window.

Early game

Focus on farming safely and using short empowered (Q) trades to sustain through Gangplank's poke before level 6.
Avoid extended fights where Gangplank has barrel chains set up or (W) cleanse available.
Track (W) cooldown to punish when it's down, as he becomes more vulnerable to crowd control and burst.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks Vladimir's all-in threat; use it to force picks or reset fights while respecting Gangplank's global (R).
First completed AP item increases Vladimir's trading confidence; pressure waves and trades more aggressively while tracking enemy (W).
Respect Gangplank's level 6 (R) global slow and critical barrel item spikes by avoiding close-range fights without (W) ready.

Win conditions

Survive early lane by using empowered (Q) trades and (W) defensively to reach key AP item spikes.
Exploit Gangplank's cooldowns on (W) and barrel setups to pressure waves and force unfavorable trades.
Use (R) to amplify teamfight damage on grouped enemies and flank in mid to late game to secure kills and objectives.