Naafiri vs. Zed Mid Lane Matchup
In the ever-evolving world of League of Legends, champions rise and fall in terms of popularity and power. One of the freshest contenders to hit the Rift is Naafiri, the ferocious Darkin-contender with her loyal Packmates. On the other hand, Zed, the Master of Shadows, remains a fan favorite, especially in the mid lane. But how do these two champions stack up against each other? In this article, we will explore the dynamics of a Naafiri vs. Zed matchup, discussing strategies, strengths, weaknesses, and more.

Table of Contents
1. Champion Overview:
Naafiri: Naafiri boasts a diverse skill set, focusing on her synergy with her Packmates. Key abilities include her passive “We Are More,” which offers additional damage and sustain, and her ultimate “The Call of the Pack,” which allows her to become a late-game powerhouse. Her ability to deal damage, engage, disengage, and sustain makes her a formidable opponent.
Zed: Zed is an AD assassin, renowned for his ability to burst down squishy targets. With his “Living Shadow” and “Death Mark,” Zed can traverse distances quickly, making him a deadly opponent in the right hands. His kit revolves around his shadows, which replicate his abilities for added damage and utility.
2. Laning Phase:
Zed’s Advantage: In the early game, Zed’s poke with his Q, “Razor Shuriken,” combined with his “Living Shadow,” can keep Naafiri at bay. If Naafiri mispositions, a well-timed combo from Zed can chunk her health significantly. Zed’s mobility also allows him to dodge Naafiri’s “Darkin Dagger” with relative ease.
Naafiri’s Strategy: However, Naafiri isn’t defenseless. With the sustain from her Q and the added pressure of her Packmates, she can trade with Zed. Properly timing her W, “Hounds’ Pursuit,” to dodge Zed’s skill shots can give her favorable trades. Additionally, utilizing her E, “Eviscerate,” for quick wave clear can keep Zed on the defensive.
3. Roaming Phase:
Naafiri’s Edge: Her mobility gives Naafiri the potential to roam effectively post-laning phase, aiding side lanes and securing objectives. By working in tandem with her team, she can establish vision control and catch Zed off-guard.
Zed’s Game Plan: Zed’s strength lies in his pick potential. Lurking in the shadows and targeting Naafiri’s allies can tilt the game in his favor. Warding and shadow tricks can provide Zed with multiple angles of engagement, catching enemies by surprise.

4. Late Game & Team Fights:
Zed’s Focus: In team fights, Zed will aim to burst down key targets, especially ADCs or mages. If Naafiri hasn’t built any defensive items, she could also be on his radar.
Naafiri’s Counterplay: With her ultimate, “The Call of the Pack,” activated, Naafiri becomes a menace. If she manages to secure takedowns, the sustained benefits from her ultimate make her a lasting threat in prolonged fights. Protecting her Packmates and utilizing them for both damage and sustain is crucial. Naafiri can also use her E to reposition and ensure she isn’t an easy target for Zed’s “Death Mark.”
5. Itemization:
Zed: Building items like Youmuu’s Ghostblade or Edge of Night can give Zed both lethality and a spell shield, respectively, to navigate fights against Naafiri.
Naafiri: Defensive items such as Sterak’s Gage can help her withstand Zed’s burst. Guardian Angel can also be crucial, providing a second chance if she falls victim to Zed’s all-in.
6. Conclusion:
The matchup between Naafiri and Zed is a dance of shadows and pack prowess. Both champions have the tools to outplay the other. While Zed might have the upper hand in early poke and burst potential, Naafiri’s versatility and late-game presence can overshadow the Master of Shadows. The key lies in understanding each champion’s strengths, capitalizing on opportunities, and most importantly, adapting to the ebb and flow of the game.
No matter who you favor in this matchup, one thing’s for sure: with the right strategy and game sense, both champions can shine on the Rift.
Playing against Yone as Naafiri? Learn to dominate the matchup.
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