Matchup

Heavy AD damageDive threatStrong engageSustained DPS

Build vs Xin Zhao

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Doran's Blade
Health Potion

Core build

Statikk Shiv
1DPS
Hexoptics C44
2DPS
Edge of Night
3vs Tank

Standard

Boots of Swiftness
4vs Slow
Black Cleaver
5vs Tank

Summoner spells

421100%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Guardian Angel
5vs AD

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Anti Tank

Black Cleaver
5vs Tank

DPS

Infinity Edge
DPS
Rapid Firecannon
DPS
Bloodthirster
DPS
100.0% WR1 games
SorcerySorcery
Deathfire TouchDeathfire Touch
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
CelerityCelerity
ScorchScorch
PrecisionPrecision
Presence of MindPresence of Mind
Cut DownCut Down
Attack SpeedAdaptive ForceHealth

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
SennaSenna
XinZhaoXin Zhao
Careful
Careful
Aggressive

Xin Zhao's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Determination (P)

Every third attack deals bonus damage and heals Xin Zhao.

Cooldowns

Cooldowns by spell rank

LevelQWER
37s12s11s
66s12s11s2m
95s11s11s2m
115s10s11s1m50
165s8s11s1m40
185s8s11s1m40

Playing against Xin Zhao

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

1

Xin Zhao scales poorly into late game — if you survive his aggressive early game, you outscale.

2

His R knocks you back: if you're an ADC, you end up out of the fight. Position intelligently.

3

His E is his only gap-close: without E, he can't reach you.

4

Ranged CC counters him well since he needs to be in melee for his entire kit.

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