10 Best Champions To Counter Zilean In League of Legends

Zilean is a unique mage in League of Legends known for his powerful utility, time-bending abilities, and ability to revive allies with his ultimate, Chronoshift (R). With his long-range poke using Time Bomb (Q) and speed boosts from Time in a Bottle (E), Zilean can disrupt enemies and provide exceptional support in team fights. However, he has limited mobility, is vulnerable to burst damage, and is highly reliant on his positioning to land his abilities effectively. The best champions to counter Zilean can burst him down before he can use Chronoshift, dodge his skill shots, and outplay him in team fights. In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best champions to counter Zilean and how to prevent him from becoming a disruptive force on the battlefield.

#10: Lux

Lux is a strong counter to Zilean because she can poke him from a distance, prevent him from engaging, and burst him down before he can use Chronoshift (R). Zilean relies on time-based abilities and positioning to deal damage and keep his allies alive, but Lux’s long-range poke from Light Binding (Q) and Lucent Singularity (E) allows her to harass Zilean from a safe distance, making it difficult for him to play aggressively.

One of Lux’s biggest advantages is her crowd control. Light Binding (Q) can root Zilean in place, preventing him from escaping or landing key abilities, while Final Spark (R) provides massive burst damage that can eliminate Zilean before he has a chance to revive himself with his ultimate.

To win this matchup, Lux players should focus on keeping Zilean at a distance, using Q to root him when he tries to engage, and using R to burst him down when he’s low. If played correctly, Lux can neutralize Zilean’s impact and shut him down before he can revive his allies.

#9: Brand

Brand is a strong counter to Zilean because he can deal massive burst damage, disrupt Zilean’s healing potential, and prevent him from safely positioning. Zilean relies on his time-based abilities and Chronoshift (R) to heal and protect his allies, but Brand’s high burst damage from Pillar of Flame (W) and Conflagration (E) can quickly chip away at Zilean’s health, making it difficult for him to sustain or find a safe spot to cast his abilities.

Another major advantage Brand has is his ability to prevent Zilean from getting away. Brand’s crowd control with Sear (Q) can stun Zilean, preventing him from dashing away with Time Warp (E) or escaping fights, while Brand’s passive can ignite Zilean, further damaging him over time and reducing his ability to poke or heal effectively.

To win this matchup, Brand players should focus on landing Q to stun Zilean, using E to poke and set up trades, and using R to finish him off before he can revive or heal his allies. If played correctly, Brand can easily overpower Zilean’s poke and prevent him from using Chronoshift to save himself.

#8: Zyra

Zyra is a strong counter to Zilean because she can poke him from a distance, control the lane with her plants, and lock him down with crowd control. Zilean relies on positioning and time-based abilities to harass, but Zyra’s range and zoning tools from Grasping Roots (Q) and Deadly Spines (E) make it difficult for Zilean to land his abilities without taking significant damage.

Another major advantage Zyra has is her ability to shut down Zilean’s mobility. Grasping Roots (Q) can root Zilean in place, preventing him from dashing with Time Warp (E) or avoiding incoming damage. Additionally, Zyra’s ultimate, Stranglethorns (R) can disrupt Zilean’s positioning, forcing him to either stay in a damaging area or risk being knocked back, which can disrupt his attempts to revive or support his team.

To win this matchup, Zyra players should focus on keeping Zilean at a distance with poke, using Q and E to control his movements, and saving R to catch him out of position or in team fights. If played correctly, Zyra can completely neutralize Zilean’s poke and control the pace of the lane.

#7: Senna

Senna is a strong counter to Zilean because she can poke him from a safe distance, heal through his damage, and provide consistent pressure in lane. Zilean relies on long-range poke and his ability to heal allies with Chronoshift (R), but Senna’s long-range auto attacks and Piercing Darkness (Q) allow her to harass him while staying out of range of his poke.

One of Senna’s biggest advantages is her ability to provide sustain and control in team fights. Her Last Embrace (E) can apply crowd control and dealing damage over time, preventing Zilean from safely poking or healing. Curse of the Black Mist (R) also provides movement speed and a shield to her allies, allowing them to engage or disengage more effectively, making it harder for Zilean to control the fight.

To win this matchup, Senna players should focus on poking Zilean with Q and E, using R to provide utility and shield allies when needed, and keeping Zilean on the defensive. If played correctly, Senna can shut down Zilean’s poke and sustain, making it hard for him to impact the game.

#6: Morgana

Morgana is a strong counter to Zilean because she can block his crowd control, control the lane with her poke, and lock him down with her binding. Zilean relies on long-range poke and crowd control to chip away at enemies, but Morgana’s Black Shield (E) can negate Zilean’s stuns or slows, preventing him from disrupting her or her allies with Time Bomb (Q) or Time Warp (E).

Another major advantage Morgana has is her crowd control and burst potential. Dark Binding (Q) can root Zilean, preventing him from repositioning or escaping, and Tormented Soil (W) allows Morgana to apply consistent damage while Zilean is rooted. Additionally, Morgana’s Soul Shackles (R) can bind Zilean to the surrounding enemies, locking him down and dealing damage, making it difficult for him to escape or save his allies.

To win this matchup, Morgana players should focus on using Q to catch Zilean out of position, blocking his crowd control with E, and using R to control him in team fights. If played correctly, Morgana can completely shut down Zilean’s mobility and prevent him from being a useful asset in the fight.

#5: Pyke

Pyke is a strong counter to Zilean because he can quickly burst him down, dodge his abilities, and disrupt his ability to support his team. Zilean relies on keeping his distance and using Time Bomb (Q) to poke, but Pyke’s mobility with Phantom Undertow (E) allows him to dodge Zilean’s poke and close the gap to engage on him quickly.

One of Pyke’s biggest advantages is his high burst damage. With Bone Skewer (Q), he can pull Zilean or his allies out of position, preventing Zilean from safely staying behind his teammates or turret. Additionally, Pyke’s ultimate, Death from Below (R), can finish off Zilean or any low-health targets, even after he tries to revive them with Chronoshift (R), making it difficult for Zilean to save his team.

To win this matchup, Pyke players should focus on engaging aggressively with Q and E, dodging Zilean’s abilities, and using R to finish off Zilean or any low-health targets. If played correctly, Pyke can shut down Zilean’s impact in both lane and team fights, preventing him from providing effective support.

#4: Thresh

Thresh is a strong counter to Zilean because he can lock him down with crowd control, peel for his allies, and prevent Zilean from safely positioning. Zilean relies on his ability to poke from a distance and revive allies with Chronoshift (R), but Thresh’s Death Sentence (Q) can hook Zilean out of position, preventing him from staying safely behind his team or turret.

Another major advantage Thresh has is his versatile crowd control. Flay (E) can disrupt Zilean’s movements, pulling him out of range or preventing him from using Time Warp (E) to escape. Additionally, The Box (R) can trap Zilean and his allies, making it difficult for him to move or escape, and preventing him from using his abilities to save himself or his teammates.

To win this matchup, Thresh players should focus on landing Q to catch Zilean out of position, using E to control his movements, and saving R to lock him down in critical moments. If played correctly, Thresh can completely shut down Zilean’s ability to engage or support his team, keeping him from being an effective threat in team fights.

#3: Nautilus

Nautilus is a strong counter to Zilean because he can lock him down with crowd control, prevent him from escaping, and interrupt his abilities. Zilean thrives on long-range poke and repositioning with Time Warp (E), but Nautilus’s crowd control from Dredge Line (Q) and Depth Charge (R) can pin Zilean in place, preventing him from safely moving or disengaging.

One of Nautilus’s biggest advantages is his tankiness and ability to initiate fights. Dredge Line (Q) can pull Zilean out of position, while Depth Charge (R) targets Zilean and forces him to either use his ultimate or become an easy target for Nautilus and his team. Additionally, Nautilus’s stun from his Q and his ability to absorb damage allows him to dive into Zilean’s backline without fear of being easily burst down.

To win this matchup, Nautilus players should focus on landing Q to catch Zilean out of position, use R to lock him down in team fights, and absorb damage to prevent Zilean from dealing sustained poke. If played correctly, Nautilus can prevent Zilean from using his poke and utility effectively while keeping him from saving his team with Chronoshift (R).

#2: Leona

Leona is a strong counter to Zilean because she can lock him down with hard crowd control, negate his ability to poke, and initiate fights effectively. Zilean relies on his long-range poke and his ultimate Chronoshift (R) to control the pace of the fight, but Leona’s crowd control from Shield of Daybreak (Q) and Zenith Blade (E) can interrupt his positioning and prevent him from safely poking from a distance.

One of Leona’s key advantages is her ability to engage and lock down Zilean. With Solar Flare (R), Leona can stun Zilean and his teammates, rendering him unable to react or save them with his ultimate. Leona’s tankiness and hard engage style allow her to dive in and disrupt Zilean’s backline, preventing him from effectively supporting his team.

To win this matchup, Leona players should focus on engaging with E, using Q to lock Zilean down, and saving R for critical moments to interrupt his plays. If played correctly, Leona can neutralize Zilean’s poke and healing potential, making it difficult for him to impact team fights.

#1: Blitzcrank

Blitzcrank is the best counter to Zilean because he can easily disrupt his positioning, lock him down with crowd control, and prevent him from using Chronoshift (R) to revive allies. Zilean relies on staying at a safe distance to poke with his abilities, but Blitzcrank’s Rocket Grab (Q) can pull Zilean out of position, making it difficult for him to safely use his skill shots or support his team.

Blitzcrank’s high burst damage also makes him a huge threat to Zilean. With Power Fist (E), Blitzcrank can knock up Zilean and quickly follow up with Rocket Grab (Q) to finish him off before he can react. Additionally, Static Field (R) can provide an AoE silence and damage, preventing Zilean from casting any abilities if he tries to escape.

To win this matchup, Blitzcrank players should focus on landing Q to pull Zilean into range, use E to knock him up, and use R to silence him during critical moments. If played correctly, Blitzcrank can completely shut down Zilean’s ability to poke, heal, and support his team in team fights.

Conclusion

Zilean is a unique mage with strong utility, time-based abilities, and the potential to control fights with his ultimate, Chronoshift (R). However, his weaknesses—lack of mobility, reliance on positioning, and vulnerability to burst damage—make him susceptible to certain champions. Blitzcrank and Leona can lock him down and prevent him from escaping or saving his team, while Syndra and Katarina can burst him down before he has a chance to heal. Champions like Morgana and Thresh can block his crowd control and interrupt his engages, ensuring that he can’t disrupt fights effectively. By picking champions that can dodge his abilities, burst him early, and prevent him from saving his allies, you can neutralize Zilean’s impact and make it difficult for him to control the game. Choosing the right counter will be key to shutting down Zilean’s disruptive potential and securing victory.