Top · SwiftplayMatchup guidePatch 16.20.1
Build, runes, abilities and practical pre-game checks in one queue-aware reference.
VS
Role fit
TopSamiraSamira is normally played Bot and does not currently have a reviewed Top route. Top usually needs independent laning, durable trading or reliable side-lane pressure. Treat this as a deliberate experiment, not a standard recommendation.
These patches track recommendation review, build validation and item lookup separately. Updating item data does not complete a build review.
Unreviewed route
Samira is normally played Bot and does not currently have a reviewed Top route. Top usually needs independent laning, durable trading or reliable side-lane pressure. Treat this as a deliberate experiment, not a standard recommendation.
A different lane's items are not relabelled as correct. Role income, map access and starting rules can change the whole purchase order.
Champion guide BotRunes and summoner spells
Use range to manage the wave and take measured trades without surrendering the escape route. Teleport supports the long solo lane.
Precision
Fleet Footwork
Presence of Mind
Legend: Alacrity
Cut Down
Resolve
Second Wind
Overgrowth
Flash
TeleportTeleport preserves recalls and side-lane access. Ignite is a deliberate pressure trade-off, not a universal upgrade.
Keep the defensive secondary runes when repeated poke or one committed trade can decide the lane.
Matchup notes
Track the cooldown and range of the ability that starts their safest trade. Do not treat this page as a statistical counter claim.
Treat Vex as one part of the map state. Their Jungler, nearby waves and which teammates can move determine whether the same trade or rotation is safe.
Ability reference
Ability reference Data Dragon 16.20.1
Cooldown / Cost / Range Data Dragon 16.20.1
Daredevil Impulse is an automatic part of the kit involving movement or repositioning and damage. Track when its condition is active instead of treating every fight the same way.
Flair is a ranged cast involving damage. Respect its line or target area, and avoid spending it when the opponent can simply step away before the important exchange.
Cooldown 6/5/4/3/2 · Cost 30 · Listed range 950Blade Whirl is part of Samira's W pattern. Read its listed effect first, then track the cooldown and condition that make the next use valuable.
Cooldown 30/28/26/24/22 · Cost 60 · Listed range 325Wild Rush contributes basic-attack interaction. Its value changes with cooldown, range and target access; recognise the setup before moving into its effective area.
Cooldown 20/18/16/14/12 · Cost 40 · Listed range 600Inferno Trigger is part of Samira's R pattern. Read its listed effect first, then track the cooldown and condition that make the next use valuable.
Cooldown 5 · Listed range 600Doom 'n Gloom is an automatic part of the kit involving hard crowd control and damage. Track when its condition is active instead of treating every fight the same way.
Mistral Bolt is a ranged cast involving its listed effect. Respect its line or target area, and avoid spending it when the opponent can simply step away before the important exchange.
Cooldown 8/7/6/5/4 · Cost 45/50/55/60/65 · Listed range 1200Personal Space contributes protection or sustain and damage. Its value changes with cooldown, range and target access; recognise the setup before moving into its effective area.
Cooldown 16/15/14/13/12 · Cost 75 · Listed range 475Looming Darkness creates setup or area pressure. Place it where the opponent must choose between entering its space, changing route or giving up the immediate contest.
Cooldown 12 · Cost 70/80/90/100/110 · Listed range 800Shadow Surge is a ranged cast involving movement or repositioning and damage. Respect its line or target area, and avoid spending it when the opponent can simply step away before the important exchange.
Cooldown 140/120/100 · Cost 100 · Listed range 2000/2500/3000Adapt the plan
Judge the whole lane or map state, not only personal kills. Choose the situation closest to the current game.
Hold a favourable wave, pressure the enemy away from farm and keep enough vision to survive the second opponent.
Push before moving to an objective; arrive through a known route rather than giving up the wave and your shutdown.
Use the lead to occupy space for the team. Do not chase through the entire enemy formation for one target.
Keep health and minions balanced so one poor trade does not decide the lane.
Move after the wave is handled and communicate if the opposing Top laner leaves first.
Choose between front-line duty, side pressure and carry access according to the champion kit.
Farm near safety, avoid repeating the losing trade and ask for help only when the wave creates a realistic window.
Do not follow a stronger opponent through unseen river. Signal the move and recover guaranteed resources.
Contribute control or pressure to the nearest safe target instead of trying to repair the score alone.
Pings, movement and objectives
Manage the long lane before leaving it. A useful move begins with a handled wave, a visible route and a teammate who knows you are coming.
Pings create a shared plan; they do not replace checking waves, vision and who can move.
Push, catch or communicate the wave before leaving so the opponent does not gain a free move and free income.
Use On My Way for the route you are actually taking and Danger where an unseen opponent may arrive.
Move through controlled vision with the Jungler or another ally instead of face-checking the objective alone.
Decide whether you are engaging, front-lining, flanking or protecting a carry before the fight begins.
Later objectives: Repeat the same process around later major objectives: handle nearby income, communicate the route, enter through vision and agree on the fight before committing.
Keep preparing
The matchup page is a pre-game reference. It does not predict the result or alter its recommendation from changing live match data.