Naafiri vs Zilean MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

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Naafiri

VS

Mid

Zilean

Naafiri vs Zilean

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 10, 2026

Overview

Use (Q) poke to chip Zilean before committing to all-ins with (W) and (R).
Avoid engaging when (W) can be blocked or interrupted by Zilean's double bomb stun.
Focus on isolating Zilean or low-health targets during (R) windows for lethal pressure.

Trading pattern

Start trades with (Q) poke to apply bleed and wait for Zilean's stun cooldown before engaging.
Commit (W) dash only when Zilean's double bomb or stun is on cooldown and target is below half health.
Use (R) to enhance chase and burst on isolated targets after successful (Q) poke.

Danger windows

Respect Zilean's double bomb stun combos, especially when he controls bomb zones on the wave.
Avoid committing (W) when Zilean's stun or slow (E) is available to block or punish your engage.
Be cautious post-level 6 as (R) revive can negate your burst; bait or delay all-ins accordingly.

Early game

Prioritize landing (Q) early to build bleed and pressure Zilean's limited mobility.
Avoid using (W) before confirming Zilean's stun cooldown is down to prevent easy punishes.
Watch for level 2 timing to contest poke but respect Zilean's double bomb and speed buff.

Power spikes

Level 6 unlocks (R), increasing all-in threat and chase potential; use this window to force picks or roams.
First lethality item spike boosts (Q) poke and burst damage; pressure waves and trades more aggressively then.
Track Zilean's level 3 for his double bomb threat; punish cooldowns after he uses (W) to (W) bombs.

Win conditions

Snowball lane by landing frequent (Q) poke and punishing Zilean's cooldowns with (W) all-ins.
Use (R) to isolate and chase down targets when Zilean's crowd control is down.
Roam or reset after pushing waves post-spike to extend pressure beyond mid lane.