Tristana vs Zilean MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

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Tristana

VS

Mid

Zilean

Tristana vs Zilean

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 10, 2026

Overview

Use your level 2 spike with (W) and (E) to force early trades before Zilean sets bombs.
Avoid prolonged poke exchanges since Zilean controls speed and can punish overextensions.
Convert winning trades into turret plate damage by crashing waves after recalls or kills.

Trading pattern

Engage with (W) only when support can follow and enemy disengage is down.
Stack (E) fully during committed trades to maximize burst and turret pressure.
Punish Zilean immediately if he uses (W) to (W) bombs or (E) speed without follow-up.

Danger windows

Respect Zilean's double bomb stun setup around level 3 when his full kit is available.
Avoid jumping forward without support follow-up as Zilean's speed control can kite and punish.
Be cautious when Zilean holds (R) to counter your all-in or force you to waste burst.

Early game

Push to hit level 2 first and coordinate with support to jump only with follow-up.
Thin waves to avoid getting caught in bomb zones and minimize Zilean's double bomb setups.
Reset after winning trades to maximize turret pressure and deny Zilean safe poke angles.

Power spikes

Level 2 unlocks your jump and burst combo; force all-ins before Zilean gains double bomb threat.
First completed marksman item increases your all-in burst and turret damage potential.
Post-level 6, use (R) knockback to finish combos or interrupt Zilean's revive setup.

Win conditions

Snowball by winning early level 2 trades and converting wave pressure into turret plates.
Use resets from kills to reposition aggressively and threaten mid-game objectives.
Force Zilean to waste (R) early, then capitalize on cooldown windows to secure kills or turret damage.