Ahri vs Zed
Skill matchup
Build vs Zed
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Ahri: Malignance, Shadowflame, Zhonya's Hourglass, Sorcerer's Shoes, Lich Bane, Dark Seal, Blackfire Torch, Rabadon's Deathcap.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Zed's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Zed's basic attacks against low health targets deals bonus Magic Damage. This effect can only occur once every few seconds against the same enemy champion.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 6s | 20s | 5s | – |
| 6 | 6s | 20s | 5s | 2m |
| 9 | 6s | 19s | 5s | 2m |
| 11 | 6s | 18s | 5s | 1m50 |
| 16 | 6s | 16s | 4s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 6s | 16s | 3s | 1m40 |
Playing as Ahri
Tips to maximize your impact
- Charm first, combo second
Land Charm (E) before your combo: it's your only CC, and a target walking toward you takes Orb of Deception (Q) both ways.
- Bring your orb back through the target
Position so Orb of Deception (Q) hits on the way out and on the way back: the return deals true damage.
- Farm to heal
To stay in lane, clear the wave with Orb of Deception (Q): Essence Theft (passive) heals you every 9 minions or monsters killed, and more after a takedown.
- Save a dash to get out
Engage with Spirit Rush (R) but save a dash to get out: you can cast it up to 3 times, and each takedown gives you another.
- Push, then roam
Push your wave with Orb of Deception (Q), then roam: the dashes of Spirit Rush (R) get you there fast and back out just as fast.
Playing against Zed
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Trade when his shadow is down
Take a trade when he has used Living Shadow (W): while it's on cooldown, he has no double shuriken and no way out.
- Don't stay in lane at low health
Back rather than staying in lane at low health against him: Contempt for the Weak (passive) adds magic damage to his autos against low-health targets.
- Get ready for his mark to pop
If you have invulnerability or a shield, use it right before Death Mark (R) pops, 3 seconds after his dash: it repeats part of the damage he dealt you.
- Watch the shadow from his mark
After his dash onto you, spot the shadow left at his starting point: if he recasts Death Mark (R), that's where he reappears.
Patch 16.21.1