Zilean vs Sona

Zilean
vs
40.0%

over 60 games

Sona

Hard matchup

Heavy AP damageHeavy pokeHeavy CCHigh sustain

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

Health Potion
x2

Core build

Shurelya's Battlesong
1
Imperial Mandate
2
Bandlepipes
3

Standard

Ionian Boots of Lucidity
4CDR
Solstice Sleigh
5

Summoner spells

FlashHeal64%
ExhaustFlash22%

Anti CC

Mercury's Treads
4vs CC

Other options

Solstice Sleigh
Zaz'Zak's Realmspike
Locket of the Iron Solari
Luden's Echo
Celestial Opposition
Cosmic Drive
Oblivion Orb
Dream Maker
Mikael's Blessing
Knight's Vow
Tear of the Goddess
Frozen Heart
Zhonya's Hourglass
Seraph's Embrace
Redemption
Banshee's Veil
Actualizer
SorcerySorcery
Summon AerySummon Aery
Manaflow BandManaflow Band
TranscendenceTranscendence
WaterwalkingWaterwalking
DominationDomination
Relentless HunterRelentless Hunter
Cheap ShotCheap Shot
Ability HasteAdaptive ForceHealth Scaling

Power Spikes

Strength by game phase

Sona's abilities

Passive, spells and ultimate

Power Chord (P)

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

LevelQWER
38s10s14s–
68s10s14s2m20
98s10s14s2m20
118s10s14s2m
168s10s14s1m40
188s10s14s1m40

Playing as Zilean

Tips to maximize your impact

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Target her first

    If you can engage, target Sona first: she has no dash, and without her, her team loses its heals and shields.

Patch 16.21.1