How to Win as Zed vs Yone 84.2% of the time

Summary

In this comprehensive guide, Challenger Zed player 'ilg' breaks down the Zed vs. Yorick matchup, focusing on laning phase strategy and post-laning tactics. The video covers optimal rune choices, early game patience, and the transition to an aggressive playstyle with Eclipse. 'ilg' demonstrates key combos, including how to exploit Yorick's locked positions with Zed's abilities, and emphasizes the importance of trading safely and securing kills in the mid to late game. The guide concludes with practical tips for mastering Zed in this specific matchup.

Takeaways

• 🔹 The early laning phase for Zed against Yorick should be played safely without pushing the wave to avoid early level trades.
• 🔹 Zed players can choose from various rune setups, including Precision with First Strike, Domination with Sudden Impact and Al Hunter, or Resolve with Second Wind or Bone Plating and Overgrowth.
• 🔹 Electrocute can be an alternative rune choice, with options like Sudden Impact, Scorch, and Transcendence for additional damage.
• 🔹 Patience is key in the early game; Zed should focus on farming and waiting for his first recall and the completion of Eclipse for an advantage.
• 🔹 After getting Eclipse, Zed has an item advantage over Yorick, who typically prioritizes building Zhonya's Hourglass, allowing Zed to start winning trades.
• 🔹 Zed can use his W (Shadow Dash) to bait Yorick's abilities and then use his Q (Razor Shuriken) to hit Yorick when he is locked into place by his own abilities.
• 🔹 A common combo for Zed against Yorick involves using Zed's ultimate (Death Mark) to lock in trades, especially when Yorick uses his ultimate (Awaken).
• 🔹 Zed should avoid using his ultimate on Yorick if Yorick has his Q (Last Rites) ready, as this can allow Yorick to escape or counter-attack effectively.
• 🔹 In mid to late game, Zed can capitalize on Yorick's predictable ability patterns to land his Q and E (Razor Shuriken and Phantom Assault) for optimal damage.
• 🔹 Zed's W (Shadow Dash) can be positioned to ensure both Q hits on Yorick when he uses his E (Mourning Mist) and Q (Last Rites) combo.
• 🔹 Practice is essential for Zed players to refine their timing and positioning against Yorick, especially in reacting to Yorick's ability animations.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video guide?

The video guide focuses on how to play Zed against Yorick in the laning phase and beyond, covering strategies, rune choices, and gameplay tips for success.

What are the recommended rune choices for Zed against Yorick?

The recommended rune choices include Precision with secondary options like Domination with Sunfire and Al Hunter, Sorcery with Scorch and Transcendence, or Resolve with Second Wind or Bone Plating and Overgrowth. Electrocute is also an option.

What is the suggested early game strategy for Zed against Yorick?

The early game strategy involves playing safe, avoiding pushing the wave, and focusing on farming until Zed gets his Eclipse item, which is crucial for gaining an advantage.

Why is it important for Zed to avoid pushing the wave early in the game against Yorick?

Pushing the wave early can result in losing control over the lane, allowing Yorick to potentially zone Zed out and stack waves, making it harder for Zed to farm and trade effectively.

What is the significance of the Eclipse item for Zed in this matchup?

Eclipse is significant because it usually gives Zed an item advantage over Yorick, who typically prioritizes building Zhonya's Hourglass first, allowing Zed to start winning trades after acquiring Eclipse.

How should Zed approach trading with Yorick after getting Eclipse?

Zed should look for opportunities to trade when Yorick uses his abilities, particularly his E (Mourning Mist) and Q (Last Rites), and use Zed's abilities to their full potential, such as buffering Qs during Yorick's ultimate.

What is the recommended combo for Zed to use against Yorick after level six?

The recommended combo involves using Zed's W (Shadow Slash) to bait Yorick into using his abilities, then ulting (Death Mark), auto-attacking, and using E (Spectral Slash) and Q (Razor Shuriken) to maximize damage while avoiding Yorick's abilities.

Why is it not advised to ult Yorick when he has his Q3 ability ready?

Ulting Yorick when he has his Q3 (Last Rites) ready allows him to use the ability to escape or reposition, potentially wasting Zed's ultimate and giving Yorick an advantage.

What is the importance of side-stepping during trades with Yorick after using Zed's W?

Side-stepping helps Zed stay out of Yorick's Q (Mourning Mist) range while keeping Zed's abilities ready for a counter-attack, ensuring Zed can react effectively to Yorick's moves.

How can Zed ensure both of his Qs hit Yorick during a trade?

Zed can ensure both Qs hit by placing his W (Shadow Slash) in the direction of Yorick's expected landing after using E (Mourning Mist) and Q3 (Last Rites), allowing both the original Zed and his shadow to hit with Q (Razor Shuriken).

What is the main takeaway for playing Zed against Yorick according to the guide?

The main takeaway is to be patient early on, avoid ulting Yorick when he has his Q3 ready, and to use Zed's abilities effectively to exploit Yorick's locked positions during his ability casts.