Why ziggs is never played, and needs a buff

Short and simple, xerath is a better version of ziggs. Only reason ziggs should ever be played is if xerath has been banned.

Xerath and ziggs both serve exactly the same purpose on a team, long range siege type mids designed to pressure and poke.

Notice how they have almost exactly the same kits: Xerath Q and ziggs Q are both long range skill shots, the difference being xerath has a much larger AoE hitting everything in front of him, while ziggs bombs can miss easier and have a slightly wider circular range on location of hit.

Xerath's W is a larger and faster cast slow than zigg's E, while zigg's E leaves a lasting field.

Xerath's E is only a single target stun while Zigg's W hits anyone in the area, major difference being xerath has a much longer duration on his stun while zigg's W has a slight knockback and is best used as an escape for him.

Xerath's R is much harder to land over a smaller area, but comes with 3 shots and when hit deals much more damage than zigg's ult.

What xerath does better than ziggs: Better farming in lane due to mana passive More damage Larger AoE More CC Mana regen for longer sieges Better sustained damage

What ziggs does better than xerath: Immediate Escape Damage towers Burst

The reduction on cost of Q was a good QoL change to start, but ziggs still isn't on the same level as xerath.