Neeko vs Zilean MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Neeko

VS

Mid

Zilean

Neeko vs Zilean

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 10, 2026

Overview

Use disguise and minion angles to threaten burst trades and force Zilean to respect your engage range.
Prioritize landing (E) through minions to root and follow with (Q) burst before Zilean can set double bombs.
Leverage your level 6 (R) threat to create picks or force Zilean to play cautiously around your all-in windows.

Trading pattern

Fish for (E) roots through minions and immediately burst with (Q) before Zilean can react.
Use (W) clone and disguise to bait out his double bomb or force him to waste (W) cooldown.
Avoid extended trades if (E) misses or (R) is down, as Zilean can punish your cooldown windows.

Danger windows

Respect Zilean's double (Q) stun setup, especially when bombs are placed on or behind minions.
Avoid extended trades when (R) is available, as he can negate your burst with revive.
Be cautious when Zilean uses (E) speed to disengage or kite, limiting your engage success.

Early game

Hold the wave near your tower early to avoid double bomb zones and punish Zilean's slow approach.
Look for (E) angles through minions to root Zilean when he oversteps for bomb placement.
Reset after pushing wave to deny Zilean safe bomb setups and force him to miss experience or gold.

Power spikes

Level 6 unlocks your (R) for multi-target burst and crowd control, enabling strong all-in threat.
First completed AP burst item increases your damage, allowing more confident trades and wave pressure.
Post-(R) cooldown windows give you safer opportunities to force picks or roam without risking counter-engage.

Win conditions

Convert (E) roots into full burst combos to force Zilean off the wave and deny his bomb zones.
Use disguise and (R) threat to create picks or flank in mid-lane skirmishes and teamfights.
Control wave states to enable roaming or reset timing, exploiting Zilean's reliance on ADC follow-up and positioning.