Greetings! I'm Siah, a passionate Azir player with a good amount of experience, I have over 300,000 mastery points across multiple accounts. While I may not be a renowned influencer or a high-ranking player (Currently high Plat), I'm eager to share my insights and provide a concise guide on how I approach playing Azir, hoping it proves valuable to fellow enthusiasts of the Emperor of Shurima.

A quick note and warning, I do not reccomend using Azir to climb unless you have the ability to practice him frequently, or one trick him in low elo. It's much better to play champions with simple mechanics so that you can focus on learning other concepts in the game without focusing on your champion's abilities. Azir has many micromanaging aspects to him that can make him difficult.

Recent updates:
(As of patch 13.22, Azir's W can now apply 50% ON HIT from items!)

The guide below will not include basic champion knowledge such as:

- Abilities
- Combos
- Item Optimization

This guide is for players that already have a basic grasp on Azir as a champion. If you'd like a good guide describing his basic functions, Youtube will explain things better than a text guide will.

Early Game Overview:

Azir, a late-game burst/control mage. With the recent shift towards maxing his W over Q, his damage output has become more consistent, favoring all-out assaults rather than mere poking.

As with any champion, your early game strategy should adapt to your opponent. Generally, Azir aims to scale up and prepare for his most impactful phase: the late game. However, it's essential to note that Azir can also be a potent force in the early game. His ultimate ability allows him to unleash unexpected bursts of damage and set up ganks with undeniable precision alongside your jungler.

How to Excel in the Early Game:

Take into account your lane opponent and the enemy jungler, and ponder the following questions to devise an early game plan:

Can I win trades against my lane opponent?:

If yes, consider taking Ignite for added kill pressure.
If no, opting for Teleport and Crown might be wiser to prioritize safer play.

Can the enemy jungler effectively gank me?:

If yes, strategically place control wards near your side of the jungle and keep the wave closer to your tower for added safety.
If no, actively look for opportunities to roam and assist your jungler in skirmishes, enabling more aggressive play in lane.

These considerations hold tremendous importance, particularly when playing Azir. Practice formulating personalized plans like these, and witness the significant impact they can have on your performance.

After adapting your strategy to the game, it's crucial to understand Azir's core objectives. As a burst/control mage, your primary goal is to scale securely and become a formidable threat as the game progresses. By default, you should adopt a safer playstyle compared to most champions, capitalizing on trades and opportunities that offer guaranteed success.

Note: When learning Azir or any champion, it's advisable to engage in as many lane fights as possible during draft matches. Only through experience can you grasp your damage potential and survival capabilities in different matchups.

In Summary:

- Devise a personalized game plan based on the situation.

- Prioritize guaranteed fights during Azir's early game.

- Play cautiously in lane to grant yourself ample time to scale up.

- Utilize your R ability to assist your jungler in ganking your lane.

- Poke out your lane opponent to prevent them from securing CS without a trade.

Late Game:

Azir, the late-game powerhouse, thrives in the final stages of the match when his potential reaches its zenith. To truly unlock his immense power and carry your team to victory, it's crucial to understand and execute the following strategies in the late game.

Splitpush the hell outta em:

Azir excells at shoving in side-lanes late game by himself due to his powerful siege damage late game, and his unique passive. Use your ult to play around this passive whenever someone walks to contest you for their tower, and you should end up with free kills and CS if done correctly.

Utilize Your Soldiers:

Azir's soldiers are the core of his kit, and in the late game, they become even more critical. Maximize their potential by constantly repositioning them to control the battlefield. By manipulating their placement, you can zone enemies, peel for your carries, and create opportunities for your team to engage or disengage. Remember to maintain proper spacing between your soldiers to cover more ground and maximize their damage output.

Engage and Disengage with Shurima Shuffle:

Azir's signature move, the "Shurima Shuffle," can single-handedly turn the tide of a team fight. This maneuver involves using your ultimate ability, Emperor's Divide, in combination with your E, and Q ability, to reposition enemies and disrupt their formation. Mastering the Shurima Shuffle allows you to catch out-of-position enemies, isolate priority targets, divide the enemy team, or save your team from imminent danger. Practice the timing and precision required for this combo to unleash its full potential. Click here to see an example!

Siege and Zone Control:

Azir's ability to command vast areas of the battlefield makes him an exceptional siege and zone control mage. Utilize your soldiers to create impassable barriers, denying enemy entry and setting up objectives for your team. As the late game progresses, focus on securing key objectives such as Baron Nashor or Dragon, using your zoning potential to force the enemy team into unfavorable positions. Coordinate with your team to capitalize on the opportunities your zone control provides.

Remember, the late game is Azir's realm of dominance. By positioning yourself correctly, utilizing your soldiers, executing the Shurima Shuffle, controlling zones, selecting targets wisely, maintaining vision, and coordinating with your team, you can harness Azir's immense power and guide your team to victory in the decisive moments of the match. Practice, adapt, and refine your skills, and become a true emperor of the late-game battlefield.