Shen vs Nasus Top Matchup

Shen Top wins 52.6% of 1,687 Low Elo games against Nasus Top, +1.8 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 Shen is favored

Shen's early trades are strong, and Spirit's Refuge(W) can block Nasus's empowered Siphoning Strike(Q) while Ki Barrier(P) shields Shen's return damage. Shadow Dash(E) gives Shen another way to punish Nasus before his stacks and level 6 power spike come online.

How to play as Shen

Use Shadow Dash(E) for short trades when Nasus walks up, and place Spirit's Refuge(W) over your spirit blade before he can land Siphoning Strike(Q); back off once your cooldowns are spent.

Spirit's Refuge(W) blocks Nasus's Siphoning Strike(Q) when Shen or a nearby ally is within the refuge, while Shadow Dash(E) can taunt Nasus during his approach.

Ki Barrier(P) gives Shen a shield after casting, helping him win short trades while Nasus is still trying to build stacks.

How to play as Nasus

Do not spend Siphoning Strike(Q) into Shen's Spirit's Refuge(W); use Spirit Fire(E) to farm or trim the wave, then Wither(W) after Shen spends Shadow Dash(E).

Sources

These notes come from r/Shen and LoL Wiki, checked against the champions' abilities.