Katarina vs Locke Mid Matchup

Katarina Mid wins 53.3% of 3,148 Low Elo games against Locke Mid, +2.0 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 Katarina is favored

Katarina's mobility lets her dodge Locke's key Q and R skillshots, then punish him while those spells are down. Her Death Lotus(R) also applies Grievous Wounds, limiting the healing Locke can get from Soul Ignition(W) during the all-in.

Measured in High Elo: Katarina wins 2.9pp more often than expected over 1,873 games.

How to play as Katarina

Keep E available to dodge Ritual Nails(Q), then trade while it is on cooldown; save R for when Locke cannot use W to heal through the fight.

Locke's Ritual Nails(Q) is a long-range skillshot and carries much of his lane damage; Katarina can use Shunpo(E) to dodge it and enter her own trade.

Death Lotus(R) applies Grievous Wounds, reducing healing from Locke's Soul Ignition(W) if he tries to recover after trading.

How to play as Locke

Use Q to threaten Katarina before she can engage, and avoid spending it on the wave if she is close enough to punish the cooldown.

Sources

These notes come from r/KatarinaMains, checked against the champions' abilities.