Xerath vs Maokai SUPPORT Matchup Guide

Champion

Opponent

Start here

Read Overview → Trading Pattern → Danger Windows first for the fastest Support lane plan.

Xerath into Maokaimedium

Overview

Use poke combined with slow to zone Maokai and enable ADC follow-up.
Hold stun defensively to peel Maokai's root or interrupt his ultimate engage.
Deny brush access before Maokai stacks saplings to reduce his engage angles and threat.

Respect Maokai's root timing when his ADC can follow up for all-in threat.
Avoid face-checking brush with saplings to prevent Maokai's vision denial and surprise engages.
Beware narrow river paths where Maokai's can root and trap your ADC.

Win the level 2 race by coordinating poke with your ADC before Maokai's + engage.
Clear Maokai's brush early to deny sapling vision and reduce his engage potential.
Crash the wave safely after poke to create roam windows while keeping your ADC protected.

Level 6 unlocks for long-range follow-up; use it to punish Maokai's committed engages.
First completed mana/AP item increases your poke damage, pressuring Maokai's engage attempts.
Track Maokai's level 2 + combo to avoid risky trades without ADC support.

Convert poke and brush control into denied enemy ADC positioning and safer ADC access.
Use ult windows to create picks or force Maokai to hold engage, enabling safer roams.
Establish river vision before dragon fights to prevent Maokai's engage and secure objective control.

Tactical tip

For Xerath vs Maokai, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Support lane check.