Zeri vs Lucian
Skill matchup
Build vs Lucian
Build adapted to this matchup
Recommended items for Zeri: Yun Tal Wildarrows, Runaan's Hurricane, Infinity Edge, Gluttonous Greaves, Lord Dominik's Regards, Stormrazor, B. F. Sword, Fiendhunter Bolts.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Lucian's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Whenever Lucian uses an ability, his next attack becomes a double-shot. When Lucian is healed or shielded by an ally, or when a nearby enemy Champion is immobilized, his next 2 basic attacks will deal bonus magic damage.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 9s | 14s | 16s | – |
| 6 | 7s | 14s | 16s | 1m50 |
| 9 | 5s | 13s | 16s | 1m50 |
| 11 | 5s | 12s | 16s | 1m40 |
| 16 | 5s | 10s | 15s | 1m30 |
| 18 | 5s | 10s | 14s | 1m30 |
Playing as Zeri
Tips to maximize your impact
- Aim every Burst Fire
Aim each Burst Fire (Q): it's your main attack, reaching 700 range and hitting the first enemy in its line.
- Fire your laser at a wall
Aim Ultrashock Laser (W) at a wall: the pulse becomes an area laser that slows and critically strikes champions.
- Vault over walls
Aim Spark Surge (E) at a wall: you vault over it, much farther than with the dash alone, and your Burst Fire pierces for a few seconds afterward.
- Hit a champion, then back off
Cast Lightning Crash (R) near a champion: hitting them gives you attack speed and move speed, and each hit on a champion extends the effect. Attack while backing off.
Playing against Lucian
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Punish his dash
Punish him after an aggressive dash: Relentless Pursuit (E) has a 16 to 14 second cooldown, only reduced when his double shots hit.
- Step back after each burst
Back off after each of his spells: Lightslinger (passive) doubles the next auto, so his damage comes in short bursts.
- Poke him from outside his range
If your attack range beats his 500 units, poke him from outside it: he then has to use Relentless Pursuit (E) to get back on you.
- Drag the game out
If you survive the laning phase, play for time: Lucian is strongest early and loses impact once everyone has their items.
Other Zeri matchups
Patch 16.21.1