While Zilean is known for his hard-to-hit BOMB STUN and a ****ty revive ability that allies never seem to know they are ulted, I discover a better and extremely viable build for that old dude. The build itself is fun to play and does not requires high personal skill.

The TANKY 40%CDR SUPPORT ZILEAN build.

FAST & FURIOUS

Start with Q to harass. W or E on lvl 2 is fine. W is for Q+W+Q stun combo. Or E is for speeding the ADC if the other team has CC you want to dodge. Max E first, this is your secret weapon.

: Use the PASSIVE on the ADC or the JG. This is the role that might not get enough experience, due to the fact that ADC is in a 2v2 lane and JG have to gank a lot.


: Max Q last. You don't have AP for Q to hurt. The lower CD on higher lvl of Q is not that significant as you are building CDR as well.


: Max W second. Lower its CD so you can Q+W+Q more often.


: Max E first. E give/ reduce 99% movespeed without any scaling. It is also a point and click ability so you will not miss. The build revolve around this ability.


: Upgrade at 6, 11, 16.

: Even though he can be super fast with his constant speed boost. Flash can still be helpful for the early game.


/ : Although, Exhuast is a more in-meta choice for a support and it can work wonderfully. Ignite only when you need Grevious Wound. I personally like Heal. The healing affect and movespeed allow Zilean to use it defensively or even aggressively.

/ : The COIN is what I always go for. The sustain it gives is what you really need early as you are not a natural tank but might have to act like one when body blocking for your ADC. The other item is when you feel like the other botlane is easy to deal with. The gold earned from it can be massive if used well.

Finish the support item.

: To save your ADC when needed. Super effective against big AOE champ in teamfight.


/ : For the 20% and AM. The Gauntlet gives an extra aa slow that can work well against high movespeed champ. Frozen Heart reduce aa speed that can be used against on hit champ.


: More movespeed for the whole team. The healing passive allow Zilean to sustain in prolonged teamfight and does not get oom as quick.


: Because you have 3 activatable item so this scales so good. Tanky and cheap.

From this on, you can build anything. Preferably more tankiness rather than any form of damage.

Pros

.Provide constant movespeed for allies at max rank
.Reliable point-and-click slow
.An ok AOE stun
.Kinda tanky (at least will not die from any full assassin combo burst)
.Game-changing ult with low CD

Cons

.Strongly rely on teammates
.Provide absolute no damage
.Require great positioning
.Demand quick hand movement due to low CDR in order to maximize skill set

1. The ****TIEST STUN COMBO: Q+W+Q

This is an AOE stun that can be use aggressively to get in or defensively to get out. Most of the time you will have enough time to get the combo out even if you get cc as you are tanky.

Tips: If you have no Q or E on cooldown. Spamming Q+W+Q really quick can help you acquire a stun.

2. The speed-in-stun-speed-out combo: E+Q+W+Q+E

You E yourself to get in, try to stun anyone and get out. This is when you try to engage for your team but do not want to stay for the fight to break out, or hold off the other team so teammates can escape.

3. The 2v2 (2v3) engage combo: E+Q+W+Q+E

Instead of putting the last E on yourself, speed up another teammate. This is best used when the JG comes for a gank.

4. The SUPER FAST combo: E+W+E

For a teammate to engage or escape.

5. The ROAMING combo: E+W+E+W+E+W+E+W+E+W+E+W+E+W+E+W+E

ROAMMM. ROAMM. ROAMMMMMMM.

6. The DEFINITELY A STUN combo: E+Q+W+Q(+E)

Slow the enemy and stun. Then speed up another teammate or keep it for another slow.

EARLY GAME:

Pre 6: You have to play safe and just let the ADC farm. Harass with Q or maybe Q+W+Q but pay attention to your MP. Try to aa if you feel save.

Hit 6: You can be more aggressive. Try to body block for the ADC and use a good ult to win the team fight.

MID/ LATE GAME:

You have 40%CDR and a bit TANKINESS. Constant speeding up teammate or slowing the enemy down. Try to stay in the middle of your team where you can take a bit of damage for your frontline with Bond of Stone but can still reach your back line so you can provide utility.

Tips: Enemy assassin at time still think you are squishy that will try to burst you down. Bait them.

After a tired day of supporting, try this fun build that you will fall in love with.

To all the support main. Great job.