Zed
Recommended Build
Most popular build path
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Anti AD
Anti CC
Anti Tank
Inspiration
First Strike
Cash Back
Triple Tonic
Cosmic Insight
Domination
Treasure Hunter
Sudden Impact
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.
| 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 |
The classic burst combo: W (shadow) then E then Q through both shadows to triple the shurikens, then R to finish if needed.
Your R (Death Mark) makes you untargetable for 0.75s — use that timing to dodge CC or enemy ults.
After using R, you can reactivate to return to your initial position — use this to dive under tower safely.
Your energy is your real limit: don't spam spells for nothing, keep enough energy for a full combo when the opportunity arises.
In teamfights, flank from the side and assassinate the carry — don't go in from the front, use R on an isolated target.
Playing as Zed
Tips to maximize your impact
The classic burst combo: W (shadow) then E then Q through both shadows to triple the shurikens, then R to finish if needed.
Your R (Death Mark) makes you untargetable for 0.75s — use that timing to dodge CC or enemy ults.
After using R, you can reactivate to return to your initial position — use this to dive under tower safely.
Your energy is your real limit: don't spam spells for nothing, keep enough energy for a full combo when the opportunity arises.
In teamfights, flank from the side and assassinate the carry — don't go in from the front, use R on an isolated target.
Playing against Zed
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
Buy Zhonya's Hourglass: it completely negates Death Mark damage if activated before the pop triggers.
After his R, Zed always reappears behind you — place your CC or skillshot at that spot to hit him as soon as he exits invulnerability.
If Zed uses his W (shadow) in lane, he loses all his trade potential for 20s — punish him aggressively.
Control Wards and Oracle Lens disable his shadow vision-wise, but his W is still a dash — focus on timing his cooldowns instead.
Stats with Zed
Your best and worst matchups
Stats against Zed
Your stats when facing this champion
Counters
Best and worst matchups
Source: op.gg · Patch 16.9.1 · Apr 29, 2026
Versus
Compare against an opponent
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Pro Players
High-elo players who play this champion.
