Zeri vs Varus ADC Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Zeri

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ADC

Varus

Zeri vs Varus

Confidence highUpdated Jun 7, 2026

Overview

This lane turns on Zeri's ability to punish Varus's last-hit paths with (W) through walls and avoid his poke angles.
Zeri wins extended fights around terrain and (R), while Varus controls short trades and wave priority through poke.
Zeri needs to preserve health and access to walls to scale safely into her stronger mid-late game.

Trading pattern

Step forward to auto or (Q) poke Varus only when enemy support is out of zone or engage range.
Use (W) through walls to punish Varus's predictable CS paths, especially on ranged minions.
Avoid trading when (E) is down or (Q) is charged, as his poke and root setup become dangerous.

Danger windows

Respect Varus's charged (Q) poke when he has space and support follow-up; avoid stepping up during charge.
Avoid trading or stepping forward when (R) root is available and enemy support can follow immediately.
Be cautious when enemy support controls brush or engage zones, as this blocks your punish windows on last hits.

Early game

Hold the wave near your side to reduce (Q) charge angles and limit poke.
Punish Varus when he steps up for caster minion last hits if enemy support can't trade back.
Use (E) to reposition near walls for safety and avoid overextending into Varus's poke and root threat.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) lets Zeri kite extended fights and punish Varus if he chases too long; use (R) to maximize damage uptime.
First completed marksman item increases Zeri's poke and all-in threat; fight around walls to leverage mobility.
Two-item spike empowers Zeri's sustained DPS in long fights; avoid fights away from walls where mobility is limited.

Win conditions

Convert poke and last-hit punish windows into health leads to force Varus off waves and deny plates.
Use wave crashes near your tower to pressure Varus and set up safer recalls and item spikes.
Leverage (R) and wall mobility in teamfights to kite and maximize DPS while avoiding Varus's root and poke threats.