Zilean vs Sona
Hard matchup
Build vs Sona
The champion's reference build, for lack of enough games in this matchup
Recommended items for Zilean: Shurelya's Battlesong, Imperial Mandate, Bandlepipes, Ionian Boots of Lucidity, Solstice Sleigh, Zaz'Zak's Realmspike, Locket of the Iron Solari, Luden's Echo.
Starting items
Core build
Standard
Summoner spells
Anti CC
Other options
Power Spikes
Strength by game phase
Sona's abilities
Passive, spells and ultimate
Accelerando: Sona gains non-Ultimate ability haste permanently for her basic abilities as she uses her abilities well, up to a cap. Beyond that cap, further successful uses reduce her ultimate's remaining cooldown instead.Power Chord: Every few spell casts, Sona's next attack will deal bonus magic damage in addition to an additional effect based on what basic Ability Sona last activated.
Cooldowns
Cooldowns by spell rank
| Level | Q | W | E | R |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 8s | 10s | 14s | – |
| 6 | 8s | 10s | 14s | 2m20 |
| 9 | 8s | 10s | 14s | 2m20 |
| 11 | 8s | 10s | 14s | 2m |
| 16 | 8s | 10s | 14s | 1m40 |
| 18 | 8s | 10s | 14s | 1m40 |
Playing as Zilean
Tips to maximize your impact
- Double bomb to stun
Place Time Bomb (Q), reset it with Rewind (W), then place the second one on the same target: the first explodes instantly and stuns enemies around it.
- Speed up an ally or slow an enemy
Cast Time Warp (E) on the ally who needs to catch up or escape, or on the enemy to slow: the same spell does both.
- Place your ult just before they die
Place Chronoshift (R) on your carry right before they die: too early and the enemy switches targets, and if they die with the rune, they revive after a stasis.
- Give your XP at the right time
Give the Time In A Bottle (passive) experience to an ally who is close to leveling up: you receive as much as you give.
Playing against Sona
How to counter and exploit weaknesses
- Don't count on your minions
Don't count on your minions against Hymn of Valor (Q): it hits the two nearest enemies, champions first.
- Back off after her spells
Back off when she has cast several spells: Power Chord (passive) empowers her next auto, which damages, weakens or slows you.
- Spread out from your allies
Spread out from your allies against her: Crescendo (R) stuns every enemy it hits, and it's her only stun.
- Target her first
If you can engage, target Sona first: she has no dash, and without her, her team loses its heals and shields.
Other Zilean matchups
Patch 16.21.1