Zoe vs Ryze MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Zoe

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Mid

Ryze

Zoe vs Ryze

Updated Jun 1, 2026

Overview

Zoe is a high pressure poke mage who wants to deny Ryze safe scaling by punishing his short range and mana reliance.
Use your range and pick potential to keep Ryze from comfortably farming and force him into defensive wave states.

Trading pattern

Initiate trades by landing E to sleep Ryze, then follow up with Q and R for burst damage.
Respect Ryze W root and Ryze E spread; avoid stepping into his range without your E ready.
Punish Ryze when his mana is low or Ryze W is on cooldown to prevent his follow-up spell rotations.

Danger windows

Ryze is dangerous when he has mana to chain Ryze E and Ryze Q with Ryze W root up.
Be cautious after missing E or using R poorly, as you become vulnerable to Ryze's counter trades.
Punish Ryze's lack of mobility and short range by spacing out of Ryze W and Ryze Q range.

Early game

Abuse your early game agency and high lane pressure to harass Ryze before he can safely use Ryze E and Ryze W.
Fish for E to set up burst trades and force Ryze to play behind minions or lose health.
Avoid extended trades if your E misses since Ryze can punish your cooldowns and short range.

Power spikes

Zoe's major spikes are level 6 for R to extend Q range and first AP burst item for stronger poke.
Respect Ryze's first mana/AP item spike and level 6 Ryze R which enable his sustained spell rotations and map plays.
Avoid all-ins when Ryze has mana to cycle Ryze E and Ryze Q repeatedly with Ryze W setup.

Win conditions

Win by controlling lane pressure with long range poke and pick setups using E and R+Q.
Deny Ryze safe scaling by forcing him to miss farm or take unfavorable trades.
Use your mobility and burst to punish Ryze's short range and cooldown windows, preventing him from cycling spells effectively.