Matchup

Heavy CCCountered by spell shieldHeavy AP damage

Build vs Zilean

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Ring
Health Potion
x2

Core build

Dark Seal
1
Blackfire Torch
2Mage
Shadowflame
3vs Tank

Standard

Sorcerer's Shoes
4Magic pen
Luden's Echo
5Mage

Summoner spells

41287%
466%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Zhonya's Hourglass
5vs AD

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Cryptbloom
5vs Tank
Stormsurge
vs Tank
Void Staff
vs Tank

DPS

Luden's Echo
Mage
Rabadon's Deathcap
Mage
Seraph's Embrace
Mage
Hextech Rocketbelt
Mage tank
Cosmic Drive
Mage tank
Liandry's Torment
Mage tank
Horizon Focus
Mage

Other options

Mejai's Soulstealer
Oblivion Orb
Rod of Ages
HP
100.0% WR1 games
SorcerySorcery
Stormraider's SurgeStormraider's Surge
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
TranscendenceTranscendence
ScorchScorch
PrecisionPrecision
Presence of MindPresence of Mind
Legend: HasteLegend: Haste
Attack SpeedAdaptive ForceHealth

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
OriannaOrianna
ZileanZilean
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral

Zilean's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Time In A Bottle (P)

Zilean stores time as Experience and can grant it to his allies. When he has enough Experience to finish an ally's level up, he can right-click them to impart it. Zilean receives as much Experience as he gives.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
310s14s15s
69s14s15s2m
98s12s15s2m
118s10s15s1m30
168s6s15s1m
188s6s15s1m

Playing against Zilean

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Track his R (revive): it has a long cooldown (120-60s). Engage when it's on CD.

2

If an enemy has Zilean's R (golden aura), don't burst that target — focus someone else and come back after.

3

Double bombs are his only CC: if he misses, he has nothing impactful left.

4

Focus Zilean first in fights to prevent him from R'ing his carry.

Source: op.gg + LTL Engine · Patch 16.9.1 · May 9, 2026