How to Counter Zhuangzi — Best Picks & Strategy

How to approach Zhuangzi (Tank, Roaming Support):

• Zhuangzi is a frontline tank/fighter. Don't waste your burst on them — kill their teammates first.
• Build penetration items to shred through their defenses. A tank that melts in 3 seconds can't do their job.
• Kite them. Ranged champions that can keep Zhuangzi at distance neutralize their threat entirely.

Statistically, Zhuangzi struggles vs: Allain, Wukong, Musashi.

These heroes have favorable win rates vs Zhuangzi:

• Allain: Has a mechanical advantage over Zhuangzi. Click for full guide.
• Wukong: Has a mechanical advantage over Zhuangzi. Click for full guide.
• Musashi: Has a mechanical advantage over Zhuangzi. Click for full guide.

Pick based on your champion pool and team needs. A comfortable pick in a slightly losing matchup outperforms an uncomfortable "counter" pick every time.

Itemization vs Zhuangzi (Tank):

Damage Dealers:
• Build penetration items to kill Zhuangzi faster. Shadow Ripper or Void Staff depending on damage type.
• Anti-heal if Zhuangzi has sustain mechanics.

Tanks/Warriors:
• Stack dual resists + HP. Prioritize defensive stats matching the most fed enemy carry.
• If Zhuangzi isn't the only threat, build for the enemy team's primary damage profile.

Core strategy when laning against Zhuangzi:

• Levels 1-3 are your best window. Most heroes are weakest before their ultimate. Trade aggressively early.
• Track cooldowns. Bait out Zhuangzi's key ability, then punish during the cooldown window.
• Control wave position. Don't mindlessly push — a frozen wave near your tower sets up easy jungle ganks.
• Ping your jungler. Let them know when Zhuangzi's Flash or escape is on cooldown for guaranteed kills.
• Vision is life. Ward the river brush. If you don't see the enemy jungler, assume they're coming for you.

How to handle Zhuangzi in teamfights:

• Deny comfortable positioning. Control vision around flank routes so Zhuangzi can't find an easy angle.
• Save hard CC for Zhuangzi specifically. Don't waste stuns, knockups, or suppression on the enemy tank — Zhuangzi is the real threat.
• The moment Zhuangzi uses their mobility/escape cooldown is your kill window. Call for immediate focus fire.
• If Zhuangzi hasn't shown yet, don't hard commit. Wait for them to reveal before fully engaging.
• Spread your formation. Clumping together lets Zhuangzi hit everyone with AoE. Keep some distance between teammates.

Ban Phase:
• If your team lacks reliable ways to shut down Zhuangzi and the enemy might pick it — ban it.
• Zhuangzi's ban priority increases at higher ranks where players can maximize the champion's potential.

Pick Phase:
• Don't first-pick Zhuangzi. It invites counter-picks.
• If the enemy has already locked a known Zhuangzi counter (e.g. Allain, Wukong, Musashi), seriously reconsider picking Zhuangzi.
• Zhuangzi shines with specific team compositions. Communicate with your team about playstyle before locking in.