The best counters for Orianna Mid, based on analysis of thousands of matches, include Fizz, Aurelion Sol, Naafiri, Vel'Koz, and Katarina. These champions often have kits or playstyles that give them an advantage against Orianna's abilities and typical lane phase.
Champions That Counter Orianna Mid
Understanding which champions have a favorable matchup against Orianna can significantly impact your pick strategy in the mid lane. The following champions are identified as strong counter-picks:
- Fizz: An agile assassin known for his burst damage and untargetability, making it difficult for Orianna to land her skill shots or escape his engage.
- Aurelion Sol: A scaling mage whose unique star-based abilities can provide consistent pressure and zone Orianna, especially in later stages of the game.
- Naafiri: An AD assassin that excels at quickly closing gaps and bursting down squishy mages like Orianna. Her pack of hounds can also absorb some of Orianna's damage.
- Vel'Koz: An artillery mage with long-range poke and true damage capabilities. His ability to out-range Orianna and deal significant damage from a safe distance can be a problem for her.
- Katarina: A highly mobile AP assassin who thrives on resets and burst damage. Her ability to dodge Orianna's ultimate (Command: Shockwave) and rapidly close distance makes her a potent threat.
Here's a quick overview in a table format:
| Counter Champion | Primary Playstyle | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Fizz | Melee Assassin | Burst, Mobility, Untargetability |
| Aurelion Sol | Scaling Control Mage | Sustained Damage, Zone Control |
| Naafiri | AD Assassin | Gap Close, Burst Damage |
| Vel'Koz | Artillery Mage | Long-Range Poke, True Damage |
| Katarina | AP Assassin | High Mobility, Burst, Resets |
Champions Orianna Mid Counters
Conversely, Orianna Mid is particularly strong against certain champions, often due to her wave clear, consistent poke, and powerful ultimate. She tends to perform well against:
- Smolder
- Corki
- Vladimir
- Yone
- Jayce
These matchups generally favor Orianna, allowing her to control the lane and potentially scale more effectively.
