Vladimir vs Zilean MID Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Vladimir

VS

Mid

Zilean

Vladimir vs Zilean

Confidence mediumUpdated Jun 10, 2026

Overview

Focus on surviving early by using (Q) sustain to outlast Zilean's poke and bomb zones.
Avoid extended trades without empowered (Q) ready to prevent losing health to double bomb stuns.
Scale safely into mid-game where your burst (R) and item spikes outvalue Zilean's utility.

Trading pattern

Trade short with empowered (Q) and avoid using (W) unless denying a critical double bomb stun.
Punish Zilean after he uses (W) or misses bombs by stepping forward for quick (Q) trades.
Keep spacing to dodge double bomb setups and avoid standing near slowed minions.

Danger windows

Respect Zilean's double (Q) stun combos, especially when minions cluster for bomb placement.
Avoid extended trades when your empowered (Q) is down and (W) cooldown is unavailable.
Be cautious of (R) revive, which forces you to hold burst or swap targets in fights.

Early game

Use early waves to farm under tower and avoid standing in minion bomb zones.
Avoid fighting at level 2 when Zilean gains speed and bomb combo threat.
Back off when (W) cooldown is up to punish his reduced poke potential.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) unlocks your all-in threat; use it around grouped targets or confirmed follow-up.
First completed AP item increases your short trade damage; pressure waves and trades more confidently.
Mid-game AP and cooldown spikes improve your burst and sustain, allowing safer contest of lane and river.

Win conditions

Survive early lane with (Q) sustain and avoid forced (W) usage to keep cooldowns for key fights.
Scale into mid and late game where your (R) burst and AP items enable strong teamfight impact.
Use empowered (Q) trades and (R) windows to force resets or picks, controlling mid priority and objectives.