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Overview

Role Plan

Danger Windows

Early Game

Power Spikes

Win Conditions

Xerath vs Zilean MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Xerath

VS

Mid

Zilean

Xerath vs Zilean

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 10, 2026

Overview

Use long-range poke with (Q) and (W) to control lane space against Zilean's utility setup.
Prioritize wave states that prevent Zilean from safely placing double bombs on minions.
Track (R) cooldown to avoid wasting burst when Zilean can revive his ADC.

Trading pattern

Poke with (Q) aided by (W) slow, holding (E) defensively to punish Zilean's double bomb attempts.
Avoid charging (Q) when Zilean can counter with bombs or speed (E) to reposition.
Punish Zilean when he wastes (W) cooldown or misses bombs by stepping forward for poke.

Danger windows

Respect Zilean's double bomb stun threat post level 3 when he can set up combos.
Avoid extended trades when (E) speed buff enables his ADC to kite or engage.
Be cautious if (R) is available; he can negate your burst and force you to hold damage.

Early game

Contest level 2 wave only if your ADC can follow up on your poke.
Thin the wave early to reduce Zilean's bomb zone effectiveness.
Avoid overextending before level 3 when Zilean gains double bomb threat with (W).

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks your ultimate for picks and defensive resets; use it to pressure or disengage.
First completed mana/AP item boosts poke damage and waveclear, increasing trade threat.
Post level 3, Zilean's double bomb and (W) increase his poke, so play around his cooldowns.

Win conditions

Use (Q) and (W) to force Zilean off the wave and deny bomb placement.
Leverage your level 6 (R) for picks or roams to snowball lane control.
After first item, pressure waves and trades to force Zilean's cooldowns and create roam or reset opportunities.

Tip: For Xerath vs Zilean, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Mid lane check.

Updated Jun 10, 2026New matchup