Warwick vs Gnar TOP Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Warwick vs Gnar

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Warwick should leverage his early dueling strength and sustain to pressure Gnar and deny him a passive scaling lane.
This is a snowball-style matchup where Warwick aims to outlast trades and punish Gnar's cooldowns to dominate lane control.

Trading pattern

Engage in melee range extended trades, using (Q) to sustain and hold (E) to fear Gnar when he commits damage.
Punish Gnar's cooldowns by forcing trades when his mini form (E) is down or after he wastes rage without transforming.
Use (R) to suppress and pick off overextended or low-health Gnar, ensuring it lands after baiting movement.

Danger windows

Beware when Gnar's rage is near mega form and he can engage with (E) hop and follow up with (W) or (R) stuns.
Avoid extended trades when Gnar has mega form ready near walls to prevent getting stunned and burst down.
Be cautious if (E) is used prematurely or (R) misses, as Warwick becomes vulnerable to counter-engage or kiting.

Early game

Use early levels to take extended trades using (Q) healing and hold (E) to absorb Gnar's burst damage.
Track Gnar's health with (W) to chase low-health targets aggressively before he can transform.
Avoid fighting when (E) is down to capitalize on his vulnerability and force short trades.

Power spikes

At level 3, Warwick's full kit allows strong sustain and fear to dominate trades; use (E) and (Q) aggressively here.
At level 6, use (R) to initiate picks or extended fights from a distance, forcing Gnar to respect suppression.
Respect Gnar's level 6 mega form (R) which adds wall stun and crowd control; avoid fights near terrain during his mega window.

Win conditions

Win lane by forcing extended melee trades where Warwick's sustain and (E) fear outlast Gnar's poke.
Use (W) to track and chase Gnar when low health, punishing his inability to disengage effectively.
Leverage (R) suppression to pick off Gnar after baiting his movement, snowballing lane control and denying his scaling.