Matchup

Heavy AD damageDive threatStrong engageSustained DPS

You are stronger late game — farm safe and avoid early trades.

Build vs Xin Zhao

Build adapted to this matchup

Starting items

Health Potion
x2

Core build

Tear of the Goddess
1
Diadem of Songs
2HP
Ardent Censer
3

Standard

Ionian Boots of Lucidity
4CDR
Dream Maker
5HP

Summoner spells

3788%
71412%

Anti AD

Plated Steelcaps
4vs AD
Knight's Vow
5vs AD

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

DPS

Imperial Mandate
Mage

Other options

Dream Maker
HP
Moonstone Renewer
HP
Mikael's Blessing
HP
Echoes of Helia
HP
Redemption
Oblivion Orb
Dawncore
100.0% WR1 games
SorcerySorcery
Summon AerySummon Aery
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
TranscendenceTranscendence
ScorchScorch
ResolveResolve
RevitalizeRevitalize
Font of LifeFont of Life
Ability HasteAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Early (0-15)
Mid (15-30)
Late (30+)
YuumiYuumi
XinZhaoXin Zhao
Neutral
Neutral
Neutral

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