Diana vs Locke Mid Matchup

Diana Mid wins 54.2% of 2,259 Low Elo games against Locke Mid, +1.3 points vs expected, 2-patch window 26.19-26.20.

Researched on LoL patch 26.20. Tips are written to hold at any rank; stats come from Low Elo ranked games up to patch 26.20.

Why Diana is favored

Diana can absorb Locke's burst with Pale Cascade (W), then use Crescent Strike (Q) to mark him and reset Lunar Rush (E) for another dash. Diana players report that this lets her outtrade Locke from level 3, especially when she dodges his nails.

How to play as Diana

Dodge at least one or two nails before engaging. After Locke finishes a Q volley, use Q-W-E to trade; if you cast Moonfall (R), keep the second E ready to follow his dash.

Pale Cascade (W) shields Diana during a trade, and both Diana players and Locke mains identify that shield as a reason she can absorb Locke's burst and trade back.

Crescent Strike (Q) marks Locke, which removes Lunar Rush (E)'s cooldown when Diana dashes to a marked target; that gives her a way to follow up after her first entry.

How to play as Locke

Do not commit into Diana's active shield. Bait out Pale Cascade (W), then look for a short trade; avoid giving her a marked Q target to dash back onto while your own E is unavailable.

Sources

These notes come from r/DianaMains and r/Locke_Mains, checked against the champions' abilities.