Zilean vs Maokai SUPPORT Matchup Guide

Champion

Opponent

Start here

Read Overview → Trading Pattern → Danger Windows first for the fastest Support lane plan.

Zilean into Maokaimedium

Overview

Deny Maokai brush control to limit his sapling vision and reduce enemy engage angles.
Use bomb zones and speed to enable ADC poke and kite dives.
Hold to counter Maokai's all-in engage and keep ADC safe.

Set double bombs on slowed targets or wave to zone Maokai and enable ADC follow-up.
Hold speed for ADC engage or disengage, especially against root.
Avoid overextending near brush without vision to prevent engage and knockback combos.

Respect root and knockback cooldowns before stepping forward.
Avoid face-checking brush stacked with saplings that deny vision and enable enemy engage.
Watch for ultimate in river choke points that can trap your ADC during objective fights.

Track level 2 to contest the wave with double bomb and speed if ADC can follow.
Deny Maokai brush early to prevent sapling placement and reduce his engage threat.
Use wave state to create safe poke windows and prevent Maokai from setting up engages.

Level 2 unlocks double bomb plus speed for stronger poke and ADC kite potential.
Level 3 full kit enables rewinded double bomb setups to punish Maokai sapling cooldowns.
Level 6 provides clutch revive to negate Maokai's all-in burst and secure fights.

Convert brush control and bomb zone pressure into denied Maokai ADC positioning.
Use speed and revive to enable extended ADC trades and survive Maokai engages.
Ward river for dragon setup and roam safely when wave crashes to impact mid or reset lane.

Tactical tip

For Zilean vs Maokai, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Support lane check.

Updated Jul 4, 2026