Xin Zhao rework ideas

As of now, Xin Zhao is probably the most simple and generic champion in League. Since his W and ultimate are the only abilities in his kit that aren’t autoattack empowers, Xin Zhou lacks depth as a champion. Although simpler champions are good for new players, Xin Zhao’s lack of depth in his gameplay not only makes him boring to play, but also does not reward newer players for improving mechanically. Not only that, but Xin Zhao does not feel unique as a champion. His reliance on autoattacks and attack speed make him very similar to Jax. However, Jax has arguably more gameplay depth and is therefore more interesting to play.

Balance-wise, Xin Zhao is not a bad champion. Because of his simplicity, he dominates the lower elos. However, the lack of originality and over-simplicity in his gameplay mark him as a prime candidate for a rework. The following list gives my ideas for a good rework for Xin Zhao, including reasons for the change.

Xin Zhao rework ideas:

Passive: Cannot get atk. speed from items, but instead gets armor penetration and crit chance Attacks can go through enemies (similar to Azir soldiers)

I like this passive idea because it fits Xin Zhao’s character design. Spears can be unwieldy to use (hence the slow attack speed), but excel at piercing armor and penetrating weak points (armor pen. and crit chance). The autos should go through enemies to help him clear jungle camps, since he cannot get attack speed from items. Overall, this passive will drastically change Xin’s playstyle and encourage Xin players to play more strategically.

Q Passive: all autoattacks against enemy champions and epic monsters reduce cooldowns by 1 sec Short range knockup skillshot (similar range to a Poppy Q)

Since Xin’s autoattack speed will be significantly slower, the passive replaces the old 3-hit active’s cooldown reduction. Also, the active knockup will require a little bit more skill to land than the previous version.

W Passive: every other autoattack heals Autoattack empower that slows enemies (can auto reset)

This ability gives a similar passive to the older version (again, tweaked to allow for Xin’s slower attack speed). The active auto reset ability will work well with his passives, and will also be a great way to teach newer players about auto resets, since Xin’s slow attack speed will make it easier to do.

**E ** Same as before

Xin’s old E is good, since he needs a gap closing ability in his kit.

R Passively marks enemies, same as before

Xin Zhao's ultimate should be preserved because it is a unique, defining feature of his kit.