
Smolder Champion Counter Guide: Best & Worst Matchups
Smolder is a scaling ADC champion who becomes increasingly dangerous as the game progresses. Here's how to effectively counter him:
Key Weaknesses:
- Vulnerable when E is on cooldown
- Susceptible to hard CC and burst damage
- Weak against early game aggression
Strong Against:
- Kog'Maw
- Yasuo
- Nilah
- Corki
- Aphelios
Weak Against:
- Ziggs
- Swain
- Jinx
- Hwei
- Zeri
Early Game Strategy:
- Deny early kills to prevent Q upgrades
- Track and exploit his E cooldown
- Apply pressure before level 6 power spike
Mid-Late Game Tactics:
- Focus him first in teamfights
- Avoid grouped combat in jungle areas
- Punish his forward positioning
- Execute quickly to prevent healing from ultimate
Power Spike Windows:
- Level 4: Significant damage increase
- Q upgrades: Enhanced damage output
- Level 6: Ultimate ability (Mom) grants sustain and damage
Tips for Success:
- Coordinate CC chains with your team
- Engage when his E is down
- Avoid extended fights post-6
- Pick champions with strong gap closers
- Build early armor to mitigate his physical damage
Remember that Smolder scales well into late game, so prioritize shutting him down early and preventing his Q upgrades through strategic pressure and coordinated ganks.
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