Zilean Top build for patch 16.11, generated from current-patch ranked Emerald+ games. Below: comp-aware build path, runes, top 10 bans for the matchup, and how Zilean wins.
Zilean is an enchanter in the top, and on patch 16.11 they grade out as a strong pick — a 54.3% win rate, 0.1% pick rate, 1,587 ranked games sampled. On the power curve, Zilean is a scaling champion: comparatively weak early, but one of the strongest picks on the map once core items come online — so the plan is to survive the laning phase and take the game over late.
How Zilean wins: peeling and disengaging to grind out the extended fight, and grouped 5-v-5 teamfights, where Zilean tips the fight. The kit grades 9/10 disengage, 7/10 teamfighting. Zilean's soft spots are engage and split-push (3/10, 1/10) — avoid fights that hinge on them.
The most-played core build is Archangel's Staff, Cosmic Drive, Shurelya's Battlesong, which holds a 66.7% win rate across 51 games this patch. Pick the enemy team to adapt each item slot to the specific matchup.
And on the team side, Zilean gains the most from a Thresh (+7.2% pair win rate).
The build Zilean Top players run most on patch 16.11, shown with its live win rate. Choose the enemy team up top to tailor it to the comp you are facing.
Champions whose presence raises Zilean's win rate most as Top, by pair WR delta over Zilean's solo performance.
Zilean is also played in these other roles this patch.
Take Zilean into the Team Builder to plan around every pick, or check the Tier List to see exactly where Zilean ranks this patch.