Zedvs Karthus
Zed vs Karthus is a decisive matchup in LoL patch 26.11. Karthus wins with a 53.9% win rate (+7.7%) over Zed based on 13 games. Karthus wins the early laning phase while Zed scales better into the late game. Below you'll find the best Zed build, runes, laning stats, and strategies for the Zed vs Karthus matchup.
Zed Matchup Breakdown
Use the dropdown to select an opponent and see a detailed breakdown of how Zed performs against them. You'll get head-to-head win rates, laning stats, the best build and runes for the matchup, and early vs late game analysis — all based on real ranked data.
Who Wins the Zed vs Karthus Matchup?
Zed vs Karthus Matchup Summary
The Zed vs Karthus matchup is a decisive matchup in League of Legends ranked play. Based on 13 recent matches analyzed, Karthus wins with a 53.9% win rate compared to Zed's 46.1%, giving Karthus a 7.7 percentage point advantage. Game phase dynamics play a critical role here: Karthus controls the early laning stage, but Zed outscales as the game goes longer. The matchup shifts dramatically depending on game length — Karthus needs to press advantages before Zed reaches their power spikes, while Zed should focus on safe farming and hitting key item breakpoints. The most significant statistical gap is in crowd control, where Karthus leads by 0.3s CC/min — a difference that heavily influences the outcome of trades and skirmishes. Karthus has a strong advantage in this matchup. Zed players should play defensively, prioritize safe farming under tower, and look for opportunities created by jungle pressure or Karthus overextending. Avoid prolonged trades and wait for team fights where positioning and coordination matter more. Understanding these matchup dynamics is essential for champion select decisions and in-game strategy when facing this lane opponent.
Zed vs Karthus Laning Phase Breakdown
Karthus is favored during the laning phase against Zed, winning 3 out of 5 key stat categories. Karthus holds advantages in farming, damage and crowd control, making them the stronger laner in this matchup.
Best Zed Build Against Karthus
Gluttonous Greaves is the optimal boots choice against Karthus, providing the mobility and stats Zed needs most in this matchup. The top-performing core items for Zed against Karthus are Voltaic Cyclosword, Hubris and Axiom Arc. This combination gives Zed an effective balance of damage, survivability, and utility for the matchup. This build performs exceptionally well, achieving a 66.7% win rate across 3 games — well above average and making it the top item path against Karthus. Adjustments may be needed based on team compositions and game state, but this build provides the strongest foundation for the Zed vs Karthus matchup.
Early Game vs Late Game
Zed25.0%
Karthus75.0%Zed55.6%Karthus44.4%Karthus dominates the early game (first 15 minutes) with a commanding 75.0% win rate — a 50.0 percentage point lead over Zed. This lopsided early game means Karthus can dictate the pace of the lane from level 1, controlling trades, wave state, and river priority.
Zed is far superior in the late game (25+ minutes), boasting a 55.6% win rate — 11.1 points above Karthus. Extended games heavily favor Zed, whose kit and scaling make them a dominant force in team fights and objective control.
This matchup features a dramatic power shift: Karthus must aggressively press their early advantage and close out the game before Zed reaches their scaling breakpoints. If Zed survives the laning phase without falling too far behind, the matchup flips in their favor. Dragon and Rift Herald control are pivotal — the team that secures early objectives can snowball or buy time to scale.
Best Zed Runes Against Karthus
Inspiration
Precision
The Inspiration and Precision rune setup gives Zed the best tools to compete against Karthus in this difficult matchup, compensating for the statistical disadvantages with optimal rune synergies.
Zed matchup data for League of Legends patch 26.11. The table below shows Zed's win rate, gold difference, and performance stats against every champion in the current meta. Click any champion name to see a detailed head-to-head breakdown including the best Zed build, runes, laning stats, and early vs late game analysis for that specific matchup.
Opponent | Win Rate | Matches | CS/min | DMG/min | Gold/game | Early WR | Late WR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43.95% | 248 | 6.3 | 967 | 12,803 | 41.3% | 46.0% | |
| 51.67% | 240 | 6.1 | 1,006 | 13,452 | 46.7% | 54.7% | |
| 50.47% | 214 | 6.0 | 924 | 13,044 | 40.5% | 56.9% | |
| 45.18% | 197 | 6.3 | 872 | 12,463 | 43.2% | 47.1% | |
| 47.64% | 191 | 5.8 | 999 | 12,397 | 44.9% | 49.6% | |
| 54.55% | 154 | 5.0 | 872 | 12,767 | 50.7% | 58.2% | |
| 51.63% | 153 | 5.9 | 947 | 13,136 | 48.4% | 53.9% | |
| 53.59% | 153 | 6.2 | 1,094 | 13,913 | 55.2% | 52.6% | |
| 44.97% | 149 | 6.2 | 940 | 12,737 | 37.1% | 50.6% | |
| 50.75% | 134 | 6.2 | 1,021 | 13,250 | 59.3% | 45.0% | |
| 47.37% | 133 | 5.0 | 967 | 12,197 | 35.9% | 58.0% | |
| 44.09% | 127 | 6.1 | 870 | 12,519 | 46.3% | 42.5% | |
| 44.17% | 120 | 5.2 | 941 | 13,425 | 33.3% | 51.4% | |
| 52.21% | 113 | 5.1 | 979 | 13,308 | 48.9% | 54.5% | |
| 45.05% | 111 | 6.4 | 943 | 12,765 | 44.2% | 45.8% | |
| 45.87% | 109 | 6.3 | 1,042 | 13,097 | 47.1% | 44.8% | |
| 46.23% | 106 | 5.7 | 920 | 12,896 | 40.5% | 49.3% | |
| 52.69% | 93 | 5.9 | 914 | 12,984 | 63.2% | 45.5% | |
| 51.69% | 89 | 4.7 | 937 | 13,302 | 53.9% | 50.0% | |
| 45.45% | 88 | 4.3 | 933 | 12,596 | 41.3% | 50.0% | |
| 54.02% | 87 | 5.8 | 1,005 | 13,894 | 58.6% | 51.7% | |
| 43.53% | 85 | 6.1 | 949 | 13,750 | 51.7% | 39.3% | |
| 38.75% | 80 | 5.8 | 867 | 12,149 | 39.5% | 38.1% | |
| 43.04% | 79 | 6.4 | 983 | 12,442 | 33.3% | 54.0% | |
| 44.30% | 79 | 6.1 | 1,000 | 13,065 | 51.4% | 38.1% | |
| 57.53% | 73 | 6.2 | 929 | 13,344 | 54.2% | 59.2% | |
| 52.11% | 71 | 6.0 | 1,000 | 13,214 | 56.7% | 48.8% | |
| 47.83% | 69 | 6.1 | 873 | 12,552 | 41.9% | 52.6% | |
| 51.47% | 68 | 6.7 | 1,069 | 14,090 | 59.3% | 46.3% | |
| 50.77% | 65 | 6.1 | 979 | 13,381 | 66.7% | 39.5% | |
| 40.68% | 59 | 5.9 | 948 | 13,796 | 47.6% | 36.8% | |
| 53.45% | 58 | 6.2 | 1,125 | 12,828 | 57.7% | 50.0% | |
| 46.55% | 58 | 6.4 | 935 | 13,097 | 40.9% | 50.0% | |
| 44.83% | 58 | 1.1 | 736 | 13,001 | 38.7% | 51.9% | |
| 45.61% | 57 | 5.8 | 927 | 12,844 | 37.5% | 51.5% | |
| 29.63% | 54 | 6.2 | 949 | 13,048 | 23.8% | 33.3% | |
| 42.00% | 50 | 1.5 | 872 | 13,104 | 39.1% | 44.4% | |
| 48.98% | 49 | 5.7 | 968 | 12,494 | 43.5% | 53.9% | |
| 59.18% | 49 | 6.2 | 1,015 | 12,589 | 56.0% | 62.5% | |
| 52.08% | 48 | 1.5 | 769 | 12,778 | 38.9% | 60.0% | |
| 46.67% | 45 | 6.4 | 1,076 | 13,472 | 52.9% | 42.9% | |
| 50.00% | 42 | 5.4 | 912 | 12,967 | 43.8% | 53.9% | |
| 48.65% | 37 | 1.4 | 734 | 12,636 | 68.8% | 33.3% | |
| 38.89% | 36 | 6.2 | 1,081 | 13,419 | 50.0% | 31.8% | |
| 37.14% | 35 | 3.4 | 908 | 13,516 | 37.5% | 36.8% | |
| 42.86% | 35 | 6.0 | 1,164 | 13,214 | 53.9% | 36.4% | |
| 47.06% | 34 | 1.4 | 799 | 13,748 | 30.8% | 57.1% | |
| 48.39% | 31 | 6.3 | 870 | 12,654 | 60.0% | 37.5% | |
| 29.03% | 31 | 6.8 | 898 | 11,155 | 40.0% | 9.1% | |
| 41.94% | 31 | 5.5 | 1,105 | 13,340 | 23.1% | 55.6% | |
| 43.33% | 30 | 6.2 | 1,055 | 14,184 | 57.1% | 39.1% | |
| 63.33% | 30 | 5.4 | 945 | 13,277 | 86.7% | 40.0% | |
| 51.72% | 29 | 6.1 | 915 | 12,774 | 33.3% | 71.4% | |
| 58.62% | 29 | 1.4 | 886 | 12,947 | 60.0% | 57.1% | |
| 58.62% | 29 | 5.2 | 1,081 | 13,826 | 33.3% | 76.5% | |
| 37.93% | 29 | 6.3 | 1,093 | 14,019 | 46.7% | 28.6% | |
| 42.86% | 28 | 6.1 | 1,001 | 14,076 | 45.5% | 41.2% | |
| 60.71% | 28 | 2.6 | 812 | 13,199 | 50.0% | 68.8% | |
| 71.43% | 28 | 6.5 | 1,090 | 13,329 | 87.5% | 50.0% | |
| 60.71% | 28 | 5.6 | 1,103 | 14,420 | 77.8% | 52.6% | |
| 62.96% | 27 | 1.3 | 794 | 14,242 | 70.0% | 58.8% | |
| 55.56% | 27 | 1.8 | 1,046 | 15,045 | 70.0% | 47.1% | |
| 22.22% | 27 | 3.1 | 735 | 12,247 | 23.1% | 21.4% | |
| 46.15% | 26 | 6.0 | 874 | 12,726 | 14.3% | 57.9% | |
| 36.00% | 25 | 6.6 | 862 | 11,322 | 30.8% | 41.7% | |
| 34.78% | 23 | 4.8 | 923 | 11,895 | 54.5% | 16.7% | |
| 31.82% | 22 | 6.0 | 1,036 | 13,820 | 20.0% | 41.7% | |
| 42.86% | 21 | 1.1 | 895 | 14,128 | 33.3% | 50.0% | |
| 76.19% | 21 | 6.6 | 1,089 | 12,783 | 66.7% | 88.9% | |
| 25.00% | 20 | 5.4 | 875 | 12,911 | 25.0% | 25.0% | |
| 40.00% | 20 | 3.2 | 901 | 13,642 | 33.3% | 42.9% | |
| 25.00% | 20 | 6.3 | 908 | 12,839 | 33.3% | 21.4% | |
| 42.11% | 19 | 0.9 | 932 | 13,686 | 30.0% | 55.6% | |
| 52.63% | 19 | 1.4 | 941 | 14,666 | 25.0% | 72.7% | |
| 55.56% | 18 | 1.4 | 859 | 15,987 | 50.0% | 57.1% | |
| 50.00% | 16 | 5.7 | 948 | 14,727 | 40.0% | 54.5% | |
| 50.00% | 16 | 3.2 | 756 | 11,847 | 37.5% | 62.5% | |
| 75.00% | 16 | 3.8 | 1,050 | 11,640 | 66.7% | 85.7% | |
| 68.75% | 16 | 1.3 | 886 | 14,619 | 100.0% | 58.3% | |
| 60.00% | 15 | 2.3 | 686 | 11,143 | 57.1% | 62.5% | |
| 33.33% | 15 | 5.0 | 1,073 | 13,860 | 20.0% | 40.0% | |
| 50.00% | 14 | 5.0 | 853 | 9,646 | 45.5% | 66.7% | |
| 57.14% | 14 | 2.9 | 1,011 | 14,843 | 80.0% | 44.4% | |
| 50.00% | 14 | 5.8 | 979 | 12,877 | 37.5% | 66.7% | |
| 71.43% | 14 | 6.6 | 1,140 | 15,692 | 100.0% | 60.0% | |
| 53.85% | 13 | 1.1 | 935 | 13,957 | 40.0% | 62.5% | |
| 46.15% | 13 | 1.9 | 884 | 12,327 | 25.0% | 55.6% | |
| 61.54% | 13 | 6.8 | 1,080 | 14,160 | 85.7% | 33.3% | |
| 46.15% | 13 | 2.5 | 1,015 | 16,601 | 50.0% | 45.5% | |
| 53.85% | 13 | 5.8 | 1,015 | 12,670 | 40.0% | 62.5% | |
| 58.33% | 12 | 1.6 | 1,068 | 17,783 | 100.0% | 54.5% | |
| 16.67% | 12 | 1.1 | 645 | 12,153 | 20.0% | 14.3% | |
| 50.00% | 12 | 5.5 | 1,035 | 11,550 | 66.7% | 33.3% | |
| 16.67% | 12 | 4.0 | 689 | 10,293 | 25.0% | 0.0% | |
| 45.45% | 11 | 7.1 | 1,058 | 15,203 | 25.0% | 57.1% | |
| 18.18% | 11 | 6.4 | 915 | 14,378 | 0.0% | 25.0% | |
| 50.00% | 10 | 5.3 | 903 | 14,145 | 75.0% | 33.3% | |
| 50.00% | 10 | 5.5 | 944 | 12,499 | 60.0% | 40.0% | |
| 60.00% | 10 | 2.6 | 948 | 16,526 | 66.7% | 57.1% | |
| 60.00% | 10 | 3.6 | 1,028 | 13,733 | 100.0% | 50.0% | |
| 77.78% | 9 | 4.9 | 919 | 12,628 | 60.0% | 100.0% | |
| 44.44% | 9 | 2.0 | 776 | 14,596 | 33.3% | 50.0% | |
| 77.78% | 9 | 4.6 | 909 | 12,732 | 80.0% | 75.0% | |
| 55.56% | 9 | 6.5 | 1,136 | 14,032 | 40.0% | 75.0% | |
| 44.44% | 9 | 5.9 | 921 | 10,319 | 0.0% | 100.0% | |
| 25.00% | 8 | 5.6 | 981 | 13,771 | 0.0% | 28.6% | |
| 37.50% | 8 | 6.2 | 1,097 | 11,166 | 40.0% | 33.3% | |
| 37.50% | 8 | 0.8 | 826 | 12,442 | 66.7% | 20.0% | |
| 62.50% | 8 | 4.8 | 1,031 | 15,656 | 66.7% | 60.0% | |
| 25.00% | 8 | 6.8 | 1,066 | 15,413 | 0.0% | 28.6% | |
| 37.50% | 8 | 5.8 | 976 | 14,484 | 33.3% | 40.0% | |
| 75.00% | 8 | 4.8 | 916 | 10,488 | 50.0% | 100.0% | |
| 37.50% | 8 | 6.2 | 867 | 13,774 | 0.0% | 42.9% | |
| 37.50% | 8 | 2.3 | 753 | 14,640 | 0.0% | 42.9% | |
| 50.00% | 8 | 5.3 | 1,000 | 15,885 | 50.0% | 50.0% | |
| 57.14% | 7 | 1.8 | 893 | 14,784 | 0.0% | 57.1% | |
| 57.14% | 7 | 1.0 | 866 | 15,430 | 66.7% | 50.0% | |
| 28.57% | 7 | 6.2 | 834 | 10,417 | 25.0% | 33.3% | |
| 42.86% | 7 | 5.7 | 1,117 | 16,405 | 0.0% | 60.0% | |
| 14.29% | 7 | 6.7 | 971 | 10,761 | 0.0% | 50.0% | |
| 57.14% | 7 | 6.0 | 955 | 12,390 | 66.7% | 50.0% | |
| 57.14% | 7 | 1.2 | 876 | 13,759 | 50.0% | 100.0% | |
| 33.33% | 6 | 5.7 | 1,143 | 16,947 | 0.0% | 40.0% | |
| 16.67% | 6 | 0.9 | 833 | 13,266 | 0.0% | 33.3% | |
| 83.33% | 6 | 1.9 | 882 | 15,330 | 100.0% | 75.0% | |
| 50.00% | 6 | 7.0 | 784 | 13,301 | 100.0% | 0.0% | |
| 33.33% | 6 | 5.7 | 1,059 | 11,173 | 50.0% | 0.0% | |
| 20.00% | 5 | 6.0 | 1,409 | 12,836 | 50.0% | 0.0% | |
| 80.00% | 5 | 5.4 | 1,335 | 16,301 | 50.0% | 100.0% | |
| 40.00% | 5 | 3.0 | 939 | 15,007 | 100.0% | 25.0% | |
| 60.00% | 5 | 2.2 | 963 | 14,528 | 0.0% | 60.0% | |
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Zed vs Karthus - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Zed do against Karthus in League of Legends?
Karthus wins the Zed vs Karthus matchup with a 53.9% win rate compared to Zed's 46.1%, a 7.7 percentage point difference. This data is based on 13 recent ranked games in patch 26.11.
How does Zed do against Karthus in the early game?
In the early game, Karthus has the advantage against Zed with a 75.0% win rate versus 25.0%. Karthus players should look to press their lane advantage through aggressive trades and wave control during the first 15 minutes.
How does Zed do against Karthus in the late game?
In the late game, Zed takes over the Zed vs Karthus matchup with a 55.6% win rate compared to 44.4%. Zed scales better into team fights and objective contests after 25 minutes.
Who wins the Zed vs Karthus matchup?
Karthus wins the matchup against Zed with a 53.9% win rate in League of Legends patch 26.11. The 7.7 percentage point advantage means Karthus is significantly favored in this lane matchup based on 13 games analyzed.
What is the best Zed build against Karthus?
The best Zed build against Karthus includes Voltaic Cyclosword, Hubris, Axiom Arc with Gluttonous Greaves. This build achieves a 66.7% win rate in the matchup. Check the matchup breakdown above for the full item path and build order.
What are the best Zed runes against Karthus?
The best Zed runes against Karthus use the Inspiration primary tree with Precision secondary. This rune setup achieves a 100.0% win rate in the Zed vs Karthus matchup. See the full rune breakdown in the matchup comparison above.
Does Zed counter Karthus?
No, Zed struggles against Karthus with only a 46.1% win rate. Karthus has the advantage in this matchup. Zed players should focus on safe farming and avoiding extended trades to minimize Karthus's lead.
How do I play Zed against Karthus?
When playing Zed against Karthus, play cautiously and avoid Karthus's power spikes. Focus on safe farming — you outscale Karthus in the late game. Use the matchup-specific build and runes above to optimize your chances.