Xin Zhao Build Guide by iRemjeyX

Introduction

Hi, I'm iRemjeyX.... This is my first guide, so I really hope you all will like it.

Ok, this guide is about the new and remade Xin Zhao, which I really think that this is a buff for him.... I will explain in further detail throughout this guide.

Pros / Cons

PROS :)

• IMBA ARMOR PENETRATION AT EARLY GAME WITH Challenge.
• Three Talon Strike is more painful than ever!
• Very good laning sustainability with Battle Cry, as well as bonus attack speed when activated.
• Chasing / Fleeing abilities such as Audacious Charge and Crescent Sweep :)
• More C.C. than the old Xin Zhao!
• One of the champions which have 175 attack range.
• All of his skills are combo-based: Use them one after another!
• A very good early game and late game.
• Best solo top or jungler.
• Break turrets like a boss!

CONS :(

• Dead if CC'ed.
• Very hard to own a game if he's underfarmed.

Runes

Well, for runes....

You think that I'm joking right? Getting full attack speed runes?

NO. I'm not joking.

Xin Zhao needs a lot of attack speed to make sure that his Three Talon Strike knocks up enemies faster, and also reduce all skills' cooldowns.
Battlecry is also one of the reasons he needs attack speed. For every 3 attacks, he heals himself BY A LOT.

"But I have Battlecry!!!"
Still not enough attack speed. If possible, make your attack speed 2.5!

Other viable runes I recommend are:
Greater Mark Of Penetration or any other armor penetration runes.

With these runes, you can build painful and tanky at the same time!

Masteries

Self-explanatory.
Just the normal damage masteries, and some utility for that quick farming.

Well, if you're scared of "couldn't farm early game", go 21/9/0.

It depends on you. Farm better, or play safe.

Abilities

• Challenge:
  THIS IS THE PASSIVE THAT ALLOWS YOU TO PLAY WITHOUT ANY ARMOR PENETRATION RUNES.
  Some people prefer the old passive, which is now Battle Cry, but I kinda like this one.
  Use basic attacks or Audacious Charge to penetrate his armor by 15%! (A lot for early game)
  
• Three Talon Strike (Q):
  This skill can be your main poking ability. Since it has been buffed ( from +1 Total attack damage to +1.2 attack damage), it is much more painful!!!!
  Also, for every hit of Three Talon Strike, you reduce all skills' cooldown by 1 second!
  Since it applies when you attack, this skill acts as a basic attack.
  
• Battle Cry (W):
  This skill is your main survival ability. Every 3 hits, you heal yourself for up to 54 health! (Without ANY ability power)
  Activate it to give yourself a temporary attack speed boost for a short time.
  
• Audacious Charge (E):
  Your escaping/ chasing ability! The slow percentage has also been buffed.
  
• Crescent Sweep (R):
  His ultimate = Buffed!!!!
  Now it ALSO deals based on 100% of your total attack damage, and knocks back EVERY enemies, except the challenged one.
  Use this skill to your advantage when there are clumps of enemies in your way.

Summoner Spells

[teleport]: Personally, I prefer this. It allows you to get back to your lane quickly whenever you're in trouble.

space

[Ignite]: Secure kills with this bad boy!

space

[Exhaust]: Exhaust is another viable option. It allows you to chase that b**** to the ground!

Items

• : For that early health, lifesteal and damage. Added with your attack speed and Three Talon Strike, you deal insane early game damage at a short time!
  
• : For that EXTRA attack speed. If the enemy team has a very heavy C.C., get Mercury Treads instead.
  
• : Free ward, some damage and armor, AND allows you to deal bonus damage to minions. Farming like a boss! Also, lifesteal mixes with Battle Cry, giving you an infinite health source.
  
• : I will explain further later.
  
• : Crazy damage, crit chance and critical damage! Who doesn't want this item?
  
• : Damage, Perma-Slow with attacks, and a big health boost!
  
• : Converts from Health to Damage, some armor and Critical chance that synchronizes with infinity edge.
  
  

• : Some bonus lifesteal and damage.... This will be a good replacement if you don't want Atma's Impaler.
  
• : If you are as soft as jelly. Replace it with Frozen Mallet.
  
• : If you don't want attack speed runes. I don't really recommend this, but it's okay if you build this.
  

Why Trinity Force?

Sheen

Three Talon Strike

Infinity Edge

Challenge

Battle Cry

Phage

Xin Zhao

Infinity Edge

Frozen Mallet

Zeal

Early game

Xin Zhao is very good at early game, mid game and late game. He is best played as a solo top , or a jungler... If you're playing him as a jungler, take Smite.
(Jungling is not included in this guide, I focus him as a solo top)

Xin Zhao has incredible early damage, so constantly poke your enemy with Three Talon Strikeat level one. It's easy to get a first blood when he gets most of his skills. Focus on last hits and keep poking the enemy with your abilities!

If you have already farmed a Wriggle's Lantern, place a ward at the brush near the river to look out for ganks.

Mid Game / Late Game

This is where you start to break towers and kill some maggots...

Combo:
Use Audacious Charge for that element of surprise and turn on Battle Cry and Three Talon Strike to maximize your damage output. After you knock your enemy up in the air and he drops back, immediately use Crescent Sweep, followed by some basic attacks. ( He should be dead by then)

During late game, always stick. Without your team, you are damn jelly. Let your tank initiate, then followed by your devastating combo.

BOOM...... You should have a victory in your hands.

VERY VERY USEFUL TIPS ( You might be waiting for this)

• Three Talon Strike now works on turrets. ( Not sure whether it's a bug, or it's like that). Now breaking turrets is no sweat on Xin Zhao!
• Three Talon Strike does not work on inhibitors. :(
• Time Three Talon Strike as it reduces cd on your skills.
• Audacious Charge near a minion to an enemy if the enemy is not in your range. The slow will still proc on him. *Trollface* U mad, runner?
• Katarina tries to kill you with Death Lotus? Don't worry, don't you have two knocking away/ knocking up abilities?
• And lastly, don't dive when you don't think you can't kill.

Summary