Azir is a very fragile champion and starts off very squishy. After experimenting with him for over dozens of games, I learnt that it is best to avoid joining any skirmishes until much later on. Azir is strong at harassing enemies but do not over extend and put yourself in a vulnerable position. You can start poking when you reach level 2 and obtained Q.

I focus on getting attack speed instead because his soldiers' attack speed are based on Azir's attack speed. More speed = more damage. Since Azir needs to reposition soldiers often, it is wise to have to soldiers land a few more jabs before enemies get out of range. You will notice attack speed is crucial to Azir's damage output. The rest is to give Azir some clothing so he isn't fully naked in battle and die too easily.

R => Q => E => W

Explanation:

R is no brainer

Q is your bread and butter skill. It sends your soldiers flying to your target location and this is the move to slow people down and deal damage, as well as repositioning your soldier. Absolute must.

E is next, why not W you ask? W only offers a decrease in recharge time of the soldier. It does not increase the damage of the soldiers. Maxing E next is more beneficial because the radius of which you can cast E also increases.

W to build more sand soldiers

PROS
Very powerful late game
Lots of CC in his kit if done right (1 slow, 2 knock up)
Free flash over walls
Can fight at a safe range
Ultimate can be used offensively as well as defensively

CONS
VERY VERY SQUISHY
Weak early game
Relies on soldiers to output damage
Pretty much no mobility escape tool if your E or W is on cool down/recharge

http://matchhistory.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/#match-details/NA1/1617507711/33555357

http://matchhistory.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/#match-details/NA1/1619882742/33555357/