ZileanTFT Build
Chronokeeper
Invoker
5 CostBest Zilean build for TFT Set 16 with 78.3% top 4 rate. Top items: Rabadon's Deathcap, Void Staff, and Adaptive Helm. Learn optimal components & itemization strategy.
Set 16 Zilean builds: Rabadon's Deathcap, Spear of Shojin, Void Staff (78.32% top four rate, +13.50% difference); Morellonomicon, Spear of Shojin, Void Staff (75.03% top four rate, +10.21% difference); Jeweled Gauntlet, Nashor's Tooth, Spear of Shojin (71.56% top four rate, +6.74% difference)
Zilean Component Priority Order in Set 16
When playing Zilean in TFT Set 16, prioritize collecting Needlessly Large Rod, Tear of the Goddess, Recurve Bow from the carousel and item drops. B.F. Sword and Giant's Belt are also valuable secondary components. These components build into Zilean's highest win rate items and will help you secure consistent top four placements. Focus on slamming items early using these components rather than holding for perfect items, as tempo is crucial for maintaining a healthy economy.
Why These Components for Zilean?
Needlessly Large Rod is the 1st priority component for Zilean, appearing in 7 of the top item builds. This component builds into Rabadon's Deathcap, Morellonomicon, Hextech Gunblade, which are core items for maximizing Zilean's effectiveness.
Tear of the Goddess is the 2nd priority component for Zilean, appearing in 6 of the top item builds. This component builds into Void Staff, Adaptive Helm, Spear of Shojin, which are core items for maximizing Zilean's effectiveness.
Recurve Bow is the 3rd priority component for Zilean, appearing in 3 of the top item builds. This component builds into Void Staff, Nashor's Tooth, Guinsoo's Rageblade, which are core items for maximizing Zilean's effectiveness.
Zilean Carousel & Item Drop Tips
- Early Game (Stage 1-2): Prioritize Needlessly Large Rod on the first carousel if available, as it builds into Zilean's best-in-slot items.
- Mid Game (Stage 3-4): Look for Needlessly Large Rod or Tear of the Goddess to complete your core items. Don't greed for perfect components—slam items to preserve HP.
- Late Game (Stage 5+): Use any remaining components to build utility items or complete Zilean's secondary items for maximum power.
Should You Itemize Zilean in Set 16
When Itemized (Avg)
Base Champion Stats
Key Factors for Zilean Itemization in Set 16
Zilean's best item build provides +13.5% top four rate improvement. 2 builds achieve 10%+ improvement.
Itemized Zilean achieves 3.15 average placement, consistently finishing in top positions.
Itemized Zilean achieves 32.3% first place rate, making it excellent for winning lobbies.
As a 5-cost champion, Zilean has high base stats and powerful abilities designed to scale with items.
Zilean Itemization Data Analysis
Our analysis of Zilean itemization in TFT Set 16 examines 5 item builds to determine how effectively this champion scales with items. Zilean has a base top four rate of 64.8%, and we compare each item build's performance against this baseline to measure itemization value.
The best Zilean item build achieves a 78.3% top four rate, representing a +13.5% difference from the base rate. 2 out of 5 builds show 10%+ improvement over baseline, 2 builds show 5-10% improvement, 1 builds show 0-5% improvement, On average across all analyzed builds, itemized Zilean achieves 73.1% top four rate (+8.2% vs base) with 3.15 average placement.
For players aiming to win lobbies, itemized Zilean achieves a 32.3% first place rate. This is excellent first place potential, making Zilean a strong choice when you need to win rather than just top four.
✓When to Itemize Zilean
- When you find Zilean early and can build around it as your primary carry
- When you have the optimal item components (check the Component Priority section above)
- When the lobby isn't heavily contesting Zilean's key items
✗When NOT to Itemize Zilean
- When another carry in your comp scales better with the same items
- When you're pivoting to a different composition mid-game
Best Zilean Items in TFT Set 16
The best Zilean item is Rabadon's Deathcap with a 70.81% win rate (+5.99% vs base), 14.53% first place rate, and 4.85% pick rate. The most popular is Spear of Shojin with a 12.81% pick rate and 69.31% win rate. Morellonomicon has the highest first place rate at 16.37%. The top three Zilean items are Rabadon's Deathcap, Void Staff, and Adaptive Helm.
Rank | Item | Components | Rating | Top 4 Rate | Top 4 Diff | 1st Place Rate | Pick Rate | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | B | 70.81% | +5.99% | 14.53% | 4.85% | 6,622 | ||
  | B | 70.51% | +5.69% | 15.64% | 9.92% | 13,551 | ||
 | A | 70.35% | +5.53% | 16.20% | 4.31% | 5,879 | ||
| 4 |  | A | 69.79% | +4.97% | 16.37% | 5.05% | 6,899 | |
| 5 |  | C | 69.31% | +4.49% | 14.87% | 12.81% | 17,488 | |
| 6 | | A | 69.19% | +4.37% | 15.52% | 3.22% | 4,398 | |
| 7 | | C | 68.44% | +3.62% | 13.41% | 4.63% | 6,318 | |
| 8 | | C | 67.93% | +3.11% | 13.62% | 5.38% | 7,340 | |
| 9 | | C | 67.05% | +2.23% | 13.41% | 7.44% | 10,159 | |
| 10 |  | D | 67.00% | +2.18% | 12.99% | 8.54% | 11,665 | |
| 11 | | D | 62.69% | -2.13% | 13.13% | 2.31% | 3,152 |
Best Zilean Artifact Items in TFT Set 16
The best Zilean artifact item is Aegis of Dusk with a 100.00% win rate (+35.18% vs base), 12.46% first place rate, and 0.01% pick rate. The most popular is Dawncore with a 1.47% pick rate and 75.73% win rate. Titanic Hydra has the highest first place rate at 16.20%. The top three Zilean artifact items are Aegis of Dusk, Lightshield Crest, and Aegis of Dawn.
Rank | Item | Rating | Top 4 Rate | Top 4 Diff | 1st Place Rate | Pick Rate | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 100.00% | +35.18% | 12.46% | 0.01% | 19 | ||
| B | 100.00% | +35.18% | 15.47% | 0.01% | 18 | ||
| C | 100.00% | +35.18% | 11.97% | 0.02% | 22 | ||
| 4 | C | 94.74% | +29.92% | 12.67% | 0.01% | 19 | |
| 5 | A | 91.67% | +26.85% | 16.20% | 0.01% | 12 | |
| 6 | C | 91.18% | +26.36% | 14.15% | 0.02% | 34 | |
| 7 | B | 87.18% | +22.36% | 15.85% | 0.03% | 39 | |
| 8 | C | 81.82% | +17.00% | 13.73% | 0.02% | 22 | |
| 9 | B | 80.45% | +15.63% | 15.85% | 0.16% | 220 | |
| 10 | C | 79.31% | +14.49% | 13.96% | 0.02% | 29 | |
| 11 | F | 77.90% | +13.08% | 10.77% | 0.61% | 828 | |
| 12 | D | 76.83% | +12.01% | 14.08% | 0.24% | 328 | |
| 13 | C | 76.76% | +11.94% | 14.89% | 0.14% | 185 | |
| 14 | D | 76.33% | +11.51% | 10.11% | 0.94% | 1,280 | |
| 15 | F | 75.82% | +11.00% | 11.54% | 1.28% | 1,741 | |
| 16 | D | 75.73% | +10.91% | 15.12% | 1.47% | 2,011 | |
| 17 | B | 75.51% | +10.69% | 14.81% | 0.43% | 592 | |
| 18 | D | 74.98% | +10.16% | 11.93% | 0.95% | 1,291 | |
| 19 | F | 74.56% | +9.74% | 12.29% | 0.25% | 338 | |
| 20 | C | 73.50% | +8.68% | 13.52% | 0.15% | 200 | |
| 21 | C | 72.91% | +8.09% | 13.61% | 0.52% | 716 | |
| 22 | C | 71.09% | +6.27% | 13.83% | 0.22% | 294 | |
| 23 | F | 70.17% | +5.35% | 10.67% | 0.74% | 1,009 | |
| 24 | D | 70.06% | +5.24% | 13.17% | 0.12% | 167 | |
| 25 | D | 69.10% | +4.28% | 11.64% | 0.25% | 343 | |
| 26 | D | 66.01% | +1.19% | 10.84% | 0.15% | 203 | |
| 27 | C | 65.91% | +1.09% | 14.09% | 0.13% | 176 | |
| 28 | C | 63.33% | -1.49% | 13.78% | 0.18% | 240 | |
| 29 | D | 61.11% | -3.71% | 11.87% | 0.01% | 18 | |
| 30 | - | 56.67% | -8.15% | 0.00% | 0.02% | 30 | |
| 31 | C | 56.00% | -8.82% | 14.00% | 0.02% | 25 |
Best Zilean Radiant Items in TFT Set 16
The best Zilean radiant item is Radiant Protector's Vow with a 88.89% win rate (+24.07% vs base), 13.64% first place rate, and 0.02% pick rate. The most popular is Radiant Blue Buff with a 0.37% pick rate and 67.91% win rate. Radiant Gargoyle Stoneplate has the highest first place rate at 19.65%. The top three Zilean radiant items are Radiant Protector's Vow, Radiant Sterak's Gage, and Radiant Edge of Night.
Rank | Item | Rating | Top 4 Rate | Top 4 Diff | 1st Place Rate | Pick Rate | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | 88.89% | +24.07% | 13.64% | 0.02% | 27 | ||
| S | 85.71% | +20.89% | 16.81% | 0.01% | 14 | ||
| A | 85.00% | +20.18% | 14.80% | 0.03% | 40 | ||
| 4 | D | 83.33% | +18.51% | 12.48% | 0.02% | 30 | |
| 5 | F | 77.08% | +12.26% | 13.39% | 0.21% | 288 | |
| 6 | B | 76.67% | +11.85% | 12.92% | 0.04% | 60 | |
| 7 | B | 76.47% | +11.65% | 10.57% | 0.01% | 17 | |
| 8 | A | 73.17% | +8.35% | 16.63% | 0.12% | 164 | |
| 9 | A | 73.02% | +8.20% | 13.97% | 0.28% | 378 | |
| 10 | C | 72.04% | +7.22% | 14.23% | 0.24% | 329 | |
| 11 | C | 71.43% | +6.61% | 14.29% | 0.01% | 14 | |
| 12 | B | 71.36% | +6.54% | 13.01% | 0.32% | 440 | |
| 13 | B | 70.83% | +6.01% | 17.85% | 0.07% | 96 | |
| 14 | B | 70.00% | +5.18% | 14.26% | 0.01% | 10 | |
| 15 | F | 69.97% | +5.15% | 10.23% | 0.26% | 353 | |
| 16 | D | 69.92% | +5.10% | 14.90% | 0.19% | 256 | |
| 17 | C | 67.91% | +3.09% | 13.02% | 0.37% | 511 | |
| 18 | F | 67.71% | +2.89% | 13.79% | 0.35% | 477 | |
| 19 | D | 67.46% | +2.64% | 11.39% | 0.09% | 126 | |
| 20 | B | 66.32% | +1.50% | 12.34% | 0.21% | 288 | |
| 21 | D | 62.85% | -1.97% | 9.09% | 0.24% | 323 | |
| 22 | D | 60.53% | -4.29% | 11.96% | 0.03% | 38 | |
| 23 | D | 57.78% | -7.04% | 10.17% | 0.03% | 45 | |
| 24 | D | 53.85% | -10.97% | 11.82% | 0.01% | 13 | |
| 25 | B | 52.17% | -12.65% | 13.73% | 0.10% | 138 | |
| 26 | B | 50.00% | -14.82% | 16.76% | 0.02% | 30 | |
| 27 | A | 40.00% | -24.82% | 19.65% | 0.01% | 10 | |
| 28 | D | 33.33% | -31.49% | 12.22% | 0.01% | 18 | |
| 29 | D | 31.58% | -33.24% | 13.61% | 0.01% | 19 |
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Zilean Set 16 Build - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zilean's best build in Set 16?
The best Zilean build in TFT Set 16 features Rabadon's Deathcap, Spear of Shojin, and Void Staff as core items. This build has a 78.32% win rate and is picked 1.24% of the time. First place rate: 41.29%, avg placement: 2.77.
What is the best item for Zilean?
Rabadon's Deathcap is the best item for Zilean with a 70.81% win rate and 4.85% pick rate across 6,622 matches.
Which item is most popular on Zilean?
Spear of Shojin is the most popular item on Zilean with a 12.81% pick rate. It has a 69.31% win rate across 17,488 matches.
What are the top 3 items for Zilean?
The top 3 items for Zilean are Rabadon's Deathcap, Void Staff, and Adaptive Helm. These items provide the best stats and synergies for Zilean's kit.
How many matches do the Zilean item builds have?
The Zilean item build data is based on 93,471 matches analyzed in TFT Set 16. This sample size provides statistically significant results for item recommendations.
Should I always build Rabadon's Deathcap on Zilean?
Rabadon's Deathcap is a great choice but not always mandatory. Consider your lobby and available components. It has a 70.81% win rate on Zilean.
What components should I prioritize for Zilean in TFT Set 16?
Priority components for Zilean are Needlessly Large Rod, Tear of the Goddess, and Recurve Bow. These components build into Zilean's best items and should be picked early on carousel and from PvE rounds.
What should I pick on carousel for Zilean in TFT?
On carousel for Zilean TFT builds, prioritize Needlessly Large Rod. These components are essential for Zilean's optimal items and may be contested so have backup plans.
Should I itemize Zilean in TFT Set 16?
Yes, Zilean is a strong item holder with a 78.3% win rate when properly itemized. Zilean should be a priority for your items in Zilean comps.
Is Zilean a good item holder in TFT Set 16?
Yes, Zilean is a great item holder because items significantly increase their win rate from 64.8% to 78.3%. Zilean scales well with items.
What is Zilean's top 4 rate with items in TFT Set 16?
Zilean's top 4 rate when itemized is 73.1%. With proper items, Zilean significantly exceeds the average champion top 4 rate of 50%.
What is the best Zilean emblem?
The best emblem for Zilean is Defender Emblem with a 77.55% win rate. This emblem activates the Defender trait on Zilean, providing additional bonuses.
What is the top Zilean radiant item?
The top radiant item for Zilean is Radiant Warmog's Armor with a 100.00% win rate. Radiant items are stronger versions of base items and should be prioritized when available.
What is the best Zilean artifact?
The best artifact for Zilean is Aegis of Dusk with a 100.00% win rate. Artifacts provide unique effects that synergize with Zilean's kit.