Zed vs Xerath

Not enough games

Heavy pokeHeavy AP damageHigh burstHeavy CC

Build vs Xerath

The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup

Starting items

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Core build

1—

2—

3—

Standard

4CDR

5—

Anti CC

4vs CC

Other options

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Strength by game phase

Passive, spells and ultimate

Mana Surge (P)

Xerath's basic attacks periodically restore Mana. Whenever Xerath kills a unit, this cooldown is reduced.

Cooldowns by spell rank

Level	Q	W	E	R
3	9s	14s	13s	–
6	7s	14s	13s	2m10
9	5s	13s	13s	2m10
11	5s	12s	13s	1m55
16	5s	10s	12s	1m40
18	5s	10s	11s	1m40

Tips to maximize your impact

Combo with two shadows
To kill, cast Death Mark (R), then Living Shadow (W), Shadow Slash (E) and Razor Shuriken (Q): with two shadows, you throw three shurikens.
Dodge with Death Mark
Cast Death Mark (R) just as the enemy casts their decisive spell: during the dash, you're untargetable.
Save the swap back to your shadow
After Death Mark (R), save the recast to get out: you swap places with the shadow left at your starting point, far from the fight.
Save your energy
Save enough energy for a full combo rather than casting your spells for nothing: Living Shadow (W) refunds energy when you and your shadow hit the same target.
Flank to reach the carry
In teamfights, go around the sides and save Death Mark (R) for an isolated target: going in from the front exposes you to the whole team's CC.

How to counter and exploit weaknesses

Stay behind your minions
Keep minions between you and Xerath: Shocking Orb (E) stuns the first enemy hit, for longer the farther it has traveled.
Change direction
Don't stand still, and change direction often: Arcanopulse (Q) hits a target moving forward or backward in a straight line much more easily.
Engage while he charges
If you can engage, go in while he charges Arcanopulse (Q): he slows down by up to 50%, and he has no dash to escape.
Interrupt his Rite of the Arcane
If you have CC and can reach him during Rite of the Arcane (R), use it: he channels the ult, and interrupting it stops his shots.

Patch 16.21.1