Vladimir vs Riven MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vladimir

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Mid

Riven

Vladimir vs Riven

Updated Jun 3, 2026

Overview

Vladimir must manage a low-pressure early lane focused on surviving Riven's burst and scaling safely into mid-game teamfights.
Avoid giving Riven cooldown windows to engage by respecting her mobility and stun threat while farming for AP spikes.

Trading pattern

Take short trades around empowered (Q) and use (W) only to negate (W) stun or (Q) knockup combos.
Punish Riven after she spends (Q) and (E) cooldowns by stepping forward for quick (Q) trades.
Avoid trading when her mobility and crowd control are up to prevent getting locked down and burst.

Danger windows

Respect Riven's full combo window when all mobility and crowd control cooldowns are available, especially with (R) active.
Avoid extended trades when (W) stun or third (Q) knockup is ready, as these can lead to burst damage.
Be cautious after using (W) yourself, as its long cooldown and health cost leave you vulnerable to Riven's engage.

Early game

Use (Q) to sustain through Riven's early burst and avoid extended trades when her (Q) and (W) are available.
Avoid fighting early waves where you cannot match Riven's mobility and combo damage.
Track Riven's cooldowns and only trade short when empowered (Q) is ready and (W) is available to deny her engage.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) for all-in threat or teamfight impact; track (R) to avoid her lethal execute window.
After first AP item, pressure waves and trades more confidently while respecting her cooldown and shield windows.
Respect Riven's level 6 and first item spikes where she can chain combos with (Q), (W), (E), and (R) for lethal trades.

Win conditions

Survive early lane by using (Q) sustain and avoid forced (W) usage to reach key AP item spikes.
Exploit Riven's cooldown windows by punishing after her (Q) and (E) are spent with empowered (Q) trades.
Use (R) in grouped mid-game fights to maximize burst and teamfight impact, leveraging your scaling advantage over Riven.