After the tease a few weeks ago, the newest League of Legends Champion, Zaahen, is finally here. He arrived alongside the LoL Patch 25.23 update, and we are about to take a look at everything he has.
Zaahen’s build path is centered around sustain and extended trades, so your rune setup needs to complement his skirmishing playstyle.
If you want a full breakdown of every balance change that arrived with this update, you can also check our League of Legends Patch 25.23 Preview.
Contents
Who Is Zaahen in League of Legends? (Champion Overview)
Zaahen is a lethal brawler capable of skirmishing with pretty much everyone. The champion has sustained damage, mobility, and solid auto attacks, making the Darkin warrior a formidable opponent.
All Zaahen Abilities Explained (Patch 25.23)
Zaahen’s abilities are an interesting mixture of offensive and mobility. Here’s an overview of each one.
- Passive – Cultivation of War – This ability allows Zaahen’s attack and abilities against enemies to grant him Determination stacks. These things give him bonus Attack Damage until he reaches full power. This ability has another effect – When he gets full stacks, he doubles the bonus AD from Cultivation of War, and if he dies, he will revive after a few seconds with around 50% of his max HP.
- Q – The Darkin Glave – After casting his next attack, Zaahen will slash twice. This will allow him to do bonus damage and heal himself. What’s more, he can recast the ability within 4 seconds and have his subsequent attack deal bonus damage and knock up his target.
- W – Dreaded Return – When used, Zaahen stabs in a given direction and damages any enemies he hits. Moreover, those who are hit are pulled towards him. This also allows him to stack his passive and hit multiple enemies at once.
- E – Aureate Rush – Zaahen will dash to a given location and slice all enemies around him. Those who are unfortunate to be at the end of his sweeping strike will take even more damage than the rest.
- R – Grim Deliverance – This is Zaahen’s ultimate ability. When used, he will take flight and slam down on the ground. Doing this will increase Determination for every enemy champion in the area he hits.
How to Play Zaahen – Best Combos, Trading Patterns & Lane Tips
As seen from his abilities, Zaahen is definitely a champion you should not underestimate. He can do some severe damage and can chase or run away when needed.
Since he poses a significant threat to his enemies, those who play against him must try to disengage from the fight early. This is not one of the champions you want to trade hits with because you will most likely not win the combat.
Zaahen players who know how to stay on top of their enemies will thrive and use their offensive capabilities to their full potential. From our experience, the champion feels similar to the likes of Darius, Jax, or even Illaoi.
Best Zaahen Runes, Skill Order & Summoner Spells
Here’s a quick Zaahen combo guide to help you execute his burst windows efficiently. Combos, they is usually good to start with a Q, followed by an auto attack, Q, and then W. If you want to engage, however, use W and E, followed by your ult when possible. Once again, attack, then use Q, then attack again, and use Q after that. Keep in mind that he is one of those champions that can be kited, so you should be careful who you’re facing.
Regarding runes, we prefer getting Conqueror. Our skill build usually starts with Q, E, and W, after which we max Q, E, and W. Of course, you also have to get the ult when possible.
Flash and Teleport appear to be the most effective flash spells for Zaahen. Keep in mind you’ll almost always be a top laner, so make sure to take advantage of your harassing potential.
Zaahen Closing Thoughts – Is He Strong in Patch 25.23?
Zaahen definitely feels like a solid pick in League of Legends, at least when it comes to PUB games. He has the offensive capabilities of bringing down pretty much everyone, and it will be interesting to see if pro teams will use him to their advantage. Only time will tell, so make sure to follow us for more details.
