Vladimir vs Xerath MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vladimir

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Mid

Xerath

Vladimir vs Xerath

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Vladimir faces a poke-heavy lane against Xerath and must manage sustain to survive early harassment.
Avoid giving Xerath free poke windows by minimizing unnecessary movement and using W to dodge key spells.

Trading pattern

Trade short bursts around empowered Q and only engage when W is available to dodge Xerath E stun.
Punish Xerath after he misses Xerath E or uses Xerath Q charge.
Avoid extended trades as Xerath's poke and range outclass Vladimir early without cooldown advantages.

Danger windows

Vulnerable after using W due to its long cooldown and health cost; avoid all-ins during this window.
Xerath's stun (Xerath E) and ultimate (Xerath R) create high danger zones; dodge and respect their range.
Early lane before Vladimir's sustain and cooldowns are ready is risky; play cautiously to avoid poke stacks.

Early game

Focus on farming safely and using Q to sustain through Xerath's poke.
Avoid engaging unless empowered Q is ready and Xerath's key cooldowns like Xerath E are down.
Respect Xerath's early poke range and don't force W unless to avoid stun or heavy damage.

Power spikes

Vladimir's major spikes are level 6 R and first completed AP item; use these to threaten all-ins or grouped fights.
Respect Xerath's level 6 R and first completed mana/AP item as windows of high poke and burst.
Mid-game AP and cooldown spikes increase Vladimir's kill pressure, especially post-empowered Q and R.

Win conditions

Survive early poke with Q sustain and W dodges, then scale into empowered Q and R for burst trades.
Use R in grouped fights or when Xerath is vulnerable to amplify damage and secure kills.
Punish Xerath's cooldowns, especially after W or Xerath E misses, to gain lane control and item leads.