Xerath vs Alistar SUPPORT Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Xerath

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Support

Alistar

Xerath vs Alistar

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 8, 2026

Overview

Use long-range (Q) and (W) poke to deny Alistar's brush engage angles and pressure ADC access.
Prioritize brush denial to limit (W)+(Q) all-in windows and protect your ADC.
Control wave state to create safe poke lanes and enable post-level 6 ultimate follow-up or roams.

Trading pattern

Hold (E) stun to peel (W)+(Q) engage and protect ADC access.
Use (Q) and (W) poke to punish Alistar after he wastes engage cooldowns.
Deny brush control to reduce Alistar's flank and knockup threat, forcing him to engage frontally.

Danger windows

(W)+(Q) combo with ADC follow-up threatens burst engage, especially from brush or flank.
Level 6 (R) on Alistar enables tower dives and durable all-ins; respect this when positioning.
Brush and fog-of-war control create surprise engage angles that can isolate your ADC.

Early game

Track level 2 closely to avoid (W)+(Q) engage with ADC follow-up.
Use poke to force Alistar back before he can secure brush control or flank angles.
Coordinate with ADC to crash waves safely before roaming or vision resets.

Power spikes

Level 2: (W)+(Q) engage becomes a real threat; avoid overextending without ADC follow-up.
Level 6: (R) adds long-range pick and peel potential; use it to punish Alistar's all-ins or enable roams.
First completed mana/AP item: Xerath's poke and wave control improve, increasing lane pressure and ADC safety.

Win conditions

Convert poke pressure into denied enemy ADC positioning and forced recalls for dragon setups.
Secure river vision to track Alistar's roam timer and protect mid pressure or objective control.
Use ultimate (R) windows for picks or defensive resets, enabling safer ADC access and teamfight entry.