Xerath vs Ahri MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

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Xerath

VS

Mid

Ahri

Xerath vs Ahri

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Xerath is a long-range artillery mage who must maintain spacing to poke Ahri safely and avoid her Ahri E and Ahri R engages.
Prioritize lane pressure early to deny Ahri safe short trades and prevent her from setting up Ahri E windows or roaming opportunities.

Trading pattern

Trade primarily with Q poke, using W slows to land Q more easily while holding E for self-peel or guaranteed stuns.
Punish Ahri if she wastes Ahri E or uses Ahri Q on the wave by stepping forward to trade.
Respect Ahri E cooldown and Ahri R availability; avoid extended trades if her mobility is ready.

Danger windows

Ahri is dangerous when Ahri E is up and she can close distance with Ahri R for all-in.
Missing E or charging Q without E ready exposes Xerath to lethal trades or roams.
Be wary if Ahri pushes the wave to create roam pressure; hard push and take plates or ping for help if she leaves.

Early game

Use Q and W to consistently poke Ahri before she can engage with Ahri E or Ahri R.
Hold E defensively to punish Ahri E attempts or follow-up on her mispositioning.
Avoid charging Q when Ahri's E is available, as missing E leaves you vulnerable to her all-in.

Power spikes

Xerath's major spikes are level 6 R and first completed mana/AP item, increasing poke and map pressure.
Ahri's major spikes are level 6 Ahri R and her first mage item, improving her pick potential and waveclear.
Respect Ahri's level 6 power spike by playing cautiously and maximizing distance to avoid Ahri E and follow-up damage.

Win conditions

Win by using Q and W to control space and poke Ahri down before she can engage.
Deny Ahri E windows by respecting her cooldowns and punishing forward movement.
Reach level 6 and item power spikes to leverage R for long-range follow-up and map pressure, limiting Ahri's roam impact.