Zed Guide: Mastering the Shadow Assassin in Season 14
Zed is a mobile assassin who excels at eliminating high-priority targets through calculated burst damage and swift escapes. As the leader of the Order of Shadows, he wields forbidden shadow magic that makes him one of League's most mechanically demanding champions.
Core Abilities
Ability Priority: R > Q > E > W
- Q (Razor Shuriken): Primary damage ability, maxed first
- W (Living Shadow): Essential mobility tool that enables combos
- E (Shadow Slash): AoE damage and slow
- R (Death Mark): Ultimate assassination ability
Key Combos
Standard Trading Combo:
- W > E > Q: Place shadow, slow target, land shurikens
All-in Combo:
- R > W > E > Q > AA: Maximum burst damage potential
- Hit all 3 shurikens for optimal damage output
Safe Ranged Combo:
- W > R > W > E > Q: Maintains safe distance while dealing damage
Extended Fight Combo (vs Bruisers):
- W > E > Q > R > W > E > Q > R: Sustained damage while kiting
Core Items
Starting:
- Long Sword + 3 Health Potions
Essential Items:
- Eclipse
- Youmuu's Ghostblade
- Serylda's Grudge
Situational:
- Edge of Night (vs CC)
- Death's Dance (vs AD)
- Maw of Malmortius (vs AP)
Laning Strategy
Early Game:
- Use Q to farm safely and poke
- Conserve energy until level 3
- Trade when W is available
- Watch enemy cooldowns
Mid Game:
- Roam to side lanes
- Look for isolated targets
- Split push when ultimate is down
- Track enemy CC abilities
Late Game:
- Focus on eliminating priority targets
- Split push to create pressure
- Use shadows for creative engage angles
- Save W for escape when needed
Tips
- Your power spikes at level 3 and 6
- W cooldown management is crucial
- Track enemy defensive summoner spells
- Use shadows to juke skillshots
- Ward enemy jungle camps for pick potential