I think the best way we could balance zed is to alter some of the items associated with or against him. Lowering the cost of zhonyas or Making hexdrinker more expensive could make him a bit more balanced vs the struggling ap mids.
AyRe CoNteMpT2 votesyeah but make it so these items are more expensive for HIM only
Zero Skill Tank1 votesWell we have passives that grant you free crit but reduce your crit damage, so since Zed has most free farming in the game we can make
INNATE NEW I'm farming champions anyways: Zed gains 80% creep gold.
AyRe CoNteMpT1 voteswell it would be much easier to make his shurikens deal 50% damage to minions or so
Zero Skill Tank1 votesIt would be much easier to make his shurikens deal reduced damage to minions but here in Riot when we make change to a champion we are all about preserving their identity (just check out our latest Poppy rework!) so since reducing Zed's creep damage would make him to actually require some skill we just can't have it - instead we reduce his gains for spamming Qs.
AyRe CoNteMpT1 votescan we buff shyvana?
Zero Skill Tank1 votesWe have pretty good idea of Shyvana's identity here in Riot - she doesn't really fit the role of a tank, nor a buiser. That's her identity and to emphasize that we are currently experimenting with reworking her into a mage.
3ofGot40ve1 votesRIOT PLEASE :D
Nanuk Pihoqahiak2 votesLet's nerf the cost of Hexdrinker because Zed is problem. Let's buff Zhonya's because Zed is a problem.
WalkingInACircle1 votesEh, the spot where Zed is too strong is his harass in early game. I think any nerf needs to be directed his WEQ spam. It's too fast, too long range, and no actual cost to Zed.
3ofGot40ve1 votesno actual cost?
From that one combo he has basically no energy and no escape for the next 15 or so. Howeevr, I just thing the damage is a bit to high with no early counterplay.
SwapShadows1 votesso mages get their counter item earlier and zed gets his later lol
btw mages are literally and always will be #1 in midlane, there are numerous champions and counters that destroy or beat zed in midlane or any other AD midlaner.