Just to say, Xin Zhao is a melee dps fighter. He can be played as an assasin, or tank. However when I am using xin, I tend to play him as a fighter-tank, but more of a fighter, a fairly tanky fighter. However, it is important to know that if xin is played as an 100% assasin, he can be really powerful, but also squishy as well. That is why I use this build to increase both his survivability, and damage output.
Before going in to the build, lets see the good things and bad things about xin
Advantage
- Outstanding damage output
- A great chaser (with his 'e' ability)
- Excellent at destroying the squishy champions
- Passive help you stay in lane for a longer period of time( and it also piss the enemy off)
- Great Farmer (if played skillfully)
Disadvantage
- Slow and a weak lane farmer in level 1 and 2 ( will be explained later)
- Only two escape mechnaism : Flash and Run ( maybe a little bit of your audacious charge)
- Easy to get focus ( most of the time you initiate a fight)
- Too awesome

XIn Zhao can be a squishy champion in a lane, therefore, it is really important to make him tankier in early game. This is why I grab a doran's shield, and start farming. Always try to get last hit on minions with your basic attacks or your 'q' ability, since xin zhao needs lots money to own the other team. Next item will be berserker's greaves, boots up atk speed, which is what Xin needs. However if the enemy team is nooby as hell, you should change the order of this build so yo can dominate your lane like getting B.F sword first. But if today, your playing a ranked game which seldom has nooby players in it, make sure the next two items after boots are dagger and rubby crystal