Nautilus vs Zilean SUPPORT Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Nautilus

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Support

Zilean

Nautilus vs Zilean

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 8, 2026

Overview

Control brush to threaten (Q) hooks and limit Zilean's bomb zones.
Enable ADC follow-up by layering your passive root and saving (R) for dodgeable targets.
Use engage pressure to force Zilean's ADC into vulnerable positions, denying their speed buffs.

Trading pattern

Threaten engage from brush with (Q) and hold (R) to lock targets who can avoid your hook.
Avoid engaging into large minion waves to prevent your hook from being blocked and losing follow-up.
Save peel cooldowns for Zilean's double bomb stun and enemy ADC's speed-enhanced trades.

Danger windows

Respect Zilean's double (Q) bomb stun when combined with his ADC's speed for burst trades.
Avoid standing near brush or fog where Zilean can bait your hook and punish missed engages.
Track (R) revive to avoid committing burst too early or losing focus on his ADC.

Early game

Win the level 2 race by coordinating (Q) hook with your ADC's damage for early kill pressure.
Thin the wave quickly to reduce Zilean's bomb setup and improve your engage angles from brush.
Establish river vision before roaming to secure safe mid pressure and protect ADC during your absence.

Power spikes

Level 2 unlocks your (Q) hook plus passive root, enabling strong kill setups with ADC follow-up.
Level 3 grants (W) shield and (E) slow, enhancing your burst trades and peel potential around brush control.
Level 6 (R) secures all-ins or disengage, forcing Zilean to play cautiously and enabling objective fights.

Win conditions

Convert brush control and hook threat into denying enemy ADC positioning and access to trades.
Roam after crashing waves with your ADC safe, using river vision to pressure mid and secure dragon.
Use (R) to start fights around objectives, ensuring your ADC can follow up on locked targets for kills.