Matchup
Heavy AD damageDive threatStrong engageSustained DPS
Skill matchup
Build vs Xin Zhao
Build adapted to this matchup
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
80%
8%Anti AD
Anti Heal
Anti AP
Anti Tank
DPS
Other options
100.0% WR7 games
Inspiration
First Strike
Magical Footwear
Biscuit Delivery
Cosmic Insight
Sorcery
Transcendence
Manaflow Band
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
Syndra
Xin ZhaoAggressive
Careful
Careful
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
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7s | 12s | 11s | – |
| 6 | 6s | 12s | 11s | 2m |
| 9 | 5s | 11s | 11s | 2m |
| 11 | 5s | 10s | 11s | 1m50 |
| 16 | 5s | 8s | 11s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 5s | 8s | 11s | 1m40 |
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