[Hourglass Second Item & Exhaust/Barrier are viable]
Zed is an interesting matchup. Typically, if you don't die pre 6, you will win the lane. His ult is super telepathed and if you play around your tower, you can just ult him under the moment he comes out of his ultimate. Just respect his level 3, and always aim to dodge his Q over anything else. If he uses W in lane, he cannot contest you for nearly 20 seconds. This is a massive window to pressure him and do damage to build a resource lead. If you let him snowball early lane, it will be a miserable experience for the rest of the game.
Zoe
[Banshee's Second Item (only if you are behind) & Barrier is viable]
It's either dodge the bubble or dodge the game. If you can't reliably dodge the bubble against Zoe, don't play the matchup. I would put her in extreme threat, but the amount of Zoe players that can land their bubble reliably is miniscule. If you can dodge the bubble, you will win lane beyond that. She's all one shot, and if she doesn't one shot you can run her down with autos to win the trade or kill her.
Ziggs
Ziggs has a hard time hitting you due to your long range and you have a hard time hitting him due to his long range. It's a relatively even matchup, but you have higher DPS in teamfights and duels, making you the better champ. If you see him use W, that's your window to just dash into him and do damage. Just play around his cooldowns and it's a free lane. Additionally, remember to keep the wave pushed out, because Ziggs wants to get to your tower to destroy your plates and eventually get first tower gold. That's his entire identity.
Yone
[Hourglass second item & Exhaust is viable]
Yone is one of the few champions I will put under extreme threat. There is never a point in the game where you will out trade the Yone if he is in his E (Soul Unbound). Also with dshield + secondwind being so strong in the meta right now, it's nearly impossible to shove him out of lane (especially after the 14.18 nerfs).
Your best bet is to just farm and hope he makes a mistake. Respect his Q3 and his W. Play around your tower and ult him under if he steps up too far in a trade. Remember he can buffer your ult with his ult and his E. Play safe and wait for a mistake, that's how you win.
Yasuo
[Hourglass Second Item & Exhaust is viable]
This can be a tough matchup if the Yasuo player is good. Typically, post 6 you will win, because Yasuo players refuse to play safe. They will almost always put themselves in a position to be ulted under tower.
Some tips to keep in mind: You can buffer his Q3 knock up with your ult to prevent him from ulting (you are both airborne at the same time). His windwall can block your ultimate (unbelievable interaction) and it can block your Q as well. Keep your distance from the wave to prevent him from dashing on you early.
Lastly, if you ult him under tower keep your distance from him so he doesn't dash to you over your wall right afterwards.
Xerath
[Recommend Fleet]
Xerath is only a threat if the Xerath can poke you out consistently. Early boots are not a bad buy into this matchup for the extra move speed to dodge abilities. Don't be afraid to use E to dodge his stun. If he stuns you, he will full combo with W+Q to do massive damage. If you ever see him, use 2 of his abilities on the wave post 6, don't be afraid to all in him and just burn your ult to do damage (be ready to dodge the E). Even if he lands his E, he doesn't have abilities to do damage anymore. If you can burst him down, he will be fearful for the next dive you do, creating a tempo advantage on him.
Vladimir
[Buy Orb first back = easy win]
Vladimir is generally an easy matchup, you just need to be conscious of his power spikes. Be aware of first item power spike, and post 6 ult+flash+E burst. Besides that, just first buy oblivion orb and you will win lane easily.
Viktor
[Recommend Fleet]
Viktor used to be an even matchup for Azir, but after the changes back in season 13 for his W on-hit, Azir no longer stands a chance in this lane. Your goal in this lane is to survive laning phase, if possible. You need to take priority in dodging his E, early boots can help with this. Notable tips for the lane: Level 1 his Q wins the trade, respect the early damage from it. The range for his Q and auto are slightly different. When he Q's you, you have a chance to out run his empowered auto. If you decide to ult him make sure you do it when he is down both his Q and E. Even if you do ult him, be ready to run from his ult right away.
Vex
There is a place where Vex is a good champion, but I don't think I've ever seen that situation in my life. Vex is a burst mage, but her abilities are extremely telepathed and slow. You have plenty of time to react and dodge the ability. If you can dodge the fear, you automatically win the lane. If you are struggling to dodge the fear, buy an early boots to help with laning phase.
Vel'Koz
[Barrier is viable for his ult, however I recommend Teleport]
Vel'Koz does outrange you as a champion, but your mobility has the advantage to win lane. If uses Q & W in lane, you have a chance to go in and ult him. If he does lane the E when you go in be ready to be ulted right away. I recommend that you play around your Jungler since he's an immobile mage into an Azir shuffle. It will guarantee a flash at minimum.
Veigar
Veigar would be considered a minor threat, but his E alone makes him a major threat. His gank setup is one of the easiest in the game. Be very conscious of where the Jungler is on the map and almost always expect him to be hovering mid. Veigar can not match your DPS, especially with Conq+Nashors. Don't let him free poke you and look for opportunities to ult him into your jungler.
Varus
Varus counters Azir. If they are playing Varus mid, it's probably an AP Varus. All they want to do is farm up and one shot you with ultimate. There is really no way to counter it besides just not getting hit with ultimate. This is one of the very few lanes I would suggest barrier to counteract his entire identity. Merc treads + Banshees second item helps this lane. It makes his one shot less potent. Without his ultimate, you stand a chance against him. If you notice him using E or Q on the wave, that's your chance to do some damage to him and secure a resource advantage. Typically, he is all one shot and no dps with the build. So, if he uses ult and walks away, you have a window to kill him.
Twisted Fate
[Teleport is mandatory] Azir can win this matchup, but most of the time Twisted Fate is going to be playing around his team rather than playing to win lane. Your DPS and range will win you the lane overall. Be very conscious about ganks with a flash+stun card set up. Active ward where Twisted Fate will walk and remember you can cancel his ult with your ultimate if you have the given opportunity.
Tristana
[Steelcaps & Hourglass Second Item]
Tristana is considered a major threat. Her early level damage is oppressive and prevents you from stepping up. However, if you can survive till Nashors, you win the mid game fights. If you can understand how to farm safely without getting into her W range, you will win the lane. Notable tips, farm near tower to prevent her from running you down. *Tristana's W has a reset mechanic for when she receives a takedown or a max E blows up.* If she decides to jump on you (near tower), just shuffle her under and try your hardest to prevent a reset on her W. It will guarantee a summoner spell at the minimum.
Talon
The problem with Talon is not the lane, but the roaming capabilities that his kit offers. Be careful of the level 2 all-in from his flash+Q. If he sees you get hit by both parts of his W, he will almost always go in level 2. If you can survive the all-in, you win the rest of the lane. Be conscious of his roams and ping your teammates aggressively. It's hard for Azir to roam with him when there are thousands of ways for him to jump on you out of vision. Just try to keep the wave in on him and actively ward where he'll path. A notable interaction, he can in fact jump over your wall with his E. Be careful of ulting him. He will jump right over afterwards!
Taliyah
It's been forever since I played this matchup. All I can say is don't dash into her E and bait her W. If you can do that, you win the lane.
Syndra
[Barrier is viable for her ult & Banshee's second item can work if you are far behind her]
The problem with Syndra is that her level 1 is stronger than yours, and her lane game is stronger than yours. Depending on the Syndra player, you might be in a world of pain or having a free lane. Post 6, if she decides to use her E, you have a window to jump on her and DPS her down. At the end of the day, she is still an immobile mage who is vulnerable to ganks from the Azir R. Look for opportunities with your jungler to ult her and if you manage to burn her flash, she is extremely vulnerable to being solo killed for the next 5 minutes. Just watch cooldowns and play it smart.
Sylas
[Orb before Nashors goes a long way]
For Sylas, there are two main versions right now, Electrocute or Conqueror. The electrocute is burst Sylas and Conqueror is DPS Sylas. I fear the electrocute one more due to the early game damage he can put off. If he manages to land an E on you at level 3 you will lose 60-70% of your hp. You have to respect the early damage on this champ. If you can get away without dying pre 6, your chances of winning are greatly increased. Conqueror Sylas is much more effective in the mid-late game, but at that point you should be stronger. I've found that Sylas players will sometimes miss their E, but still use their W aggressively in fights, hence why I take orb in this lane. It just tunes down the oppressive healing in fights, especially the close fights.
Swain
Swain mid is a sad existence against Azir. Dodge E = win lane. Even if you get hit just dash into him and take the long trade, you will win 99% of the time after level 6. If he decides to ult you, just ult him back and walk out of his range to deny his ult. Beyond that, it's an easy free matchup.
Smolder
I have a fair share of experience with Smolder to say that he could be considered a major threat, but NOBODY knows how to truly play him. Smolder can poke you out early, but if the smolder doesn't realize that, punish him for walking up by W+Q+W poking him out of lane. Your range is significantly higher than his and eventually he'll be burning resource to even have a chance to farm against you. Once you have Nashors, he cannot fight you ever, even after he gets 225 stacks, it still difficult for him.
Sion
I was questioning putting this here, but I've seen it enough to merit making the list. Just don't tank a Q for no reason and you'll win lane. You can dodge his Q and his ult with your dash and if he steps up too far you can just ult him under tower. This is usually the Baus tech with inting Sion. Don't be afraid to ult his passive away from the tower to deny gold, it's worth it I promise :)
Seraphine
You counter Seraphine mid. All she does is Q farm and W shield and run away. You can't lose lane unless you make a huge mistake. She has no kill threat on you without a Jungler camping. Seraphine mid is usually a duo pick.
Ryze
Ryze is a minor threat for Azir. Your range is significantly longer than his range, and your DPS is better than his once you have Nashors. Ryze will land most of his damage on you when you are near the wave, be careful of any splash damage ricocheting onto you. Utilize your range advantage to win the lane.
Qiyana
You need to understand her different types of elements. Notably, her stun ability compared to the others. If she has stun up, her combo is 10x more lethal in lane. Qiyana is similar to Zed in the fact that if she snowballs early the lane is miserable, but if you can survive to post 6. The lane is much easier. Most of her trade potential in lane comes from her dashing through minions onto you. So be conscious about your positioning next to the wave and respect the range of her dash. Additionally, respect walls and even your own tower for her ult. If the Qiyana is a good player, you don't stand a chance. Notable interaction: she can ult off your wall and stun you. If you ult and she ults, you need to step back IMMEDIATELY to prevent yourself from being stunned.
Pantheon
Super unplayable lane for Pantheon. Your range is unbearable for him and if he manages to get into range to jump on you, you just ult him the other way and now he's under tower. Just be careful for his Q crit at 25% hp, and his gank setup.
Orianna
Orianna is a skill matchup. If the Orianna player is good, they will deny you greatly early game since you cannot match her damage or her poke. However, if that doesn't happen, you win the lane. The later the lane goes on the easier it gets. Your damage will eventually be much stronger than hers. Just respect the ball and play around your ultimate.
Neeko
You counter Neeko mid. Dodge her E and then all in her with W+E+Q. Your DPS is higher than her at almost all points of the game. If she ults, just dash out before it happens or flash, then she's just a cannon minion.
Naafiri
Overall, Naafiri is a very linear champ making it almost impossible for them to outplay you. Keep your range in lane, dodge the Q poke, and if they decide to W or ult you, just ult them mid dash. It completely denies the damage and puts them in a bad position. If you want to be extra, bait the dash, and then dash under your tower to pull them in deeper, then ult to stop the dash and kill them. Once you get ahead, it's hard to lose to Naafiri.
Malzahar
I would say Azir counters this matchup. Once you have Nashors, it's unplayable for Malzahar. Your high waveclear prevents him from shoving you under the tower, and it's easy to proc his passive with your Q poke. I only put him as minor threat rather than tiny threat because of his easy gank setup. There is really no way to counter his flash+R, but he can only do it every 5 minutes. Just be conscious of the whereabouts of the Jungler. Try to time your recalls with either Malzahar, cannon waves or teleport to maximize your xp and gold consumption in lane. He could build an xp advantage early solely for a bad recall you did.
Malphite
You counter Malphite mid. Don't let him Q poke you for free and never let him farm for free. Watch out for his ult (be ready to flash it) and play around your tower. If you are near tower, he cannot ult you and win the trade.
Lux
[Fleet is a viable option here, I recommend Conqueror]
Lux can be a challenging lane for Azir if the Lux can land her Q. If she decides to use her Q on the wave that's your opportunity to dash in on her and DPS her down. Early boots helps with the kiting of her Q.
Lissandra
Lissandra has limited range, and she is forced to burn her abilities on the wave to match your waveclear. You could bring cleanse into this lane, but it would be used only for her ult. Her entire identity is to ult you for the jungler to come in and kill you. Be conscious about the jungler. Besides that, you win lane easily.
LeBlanc
[Banshee's Second Item if you fall behind on her]
Generally, this is a difficult matchup for Azir. One of the most important things is to keep a good range on her so she doesn't get a free W on you without having to step up too far. If you can manage that, she's forced to use her W to engage on you, which feels awful for her. Play around the minion wave to dodge the E (chain). It's good to note that her W + E level 1 have a 15 second CD. That gives you some time to poke her. Notable tips: If she does W you, immediately place a soldier (W) on you, E into her (shield proc), and then when she recalls Q her on the back followed by an auto. In quick succession its: W+E+Q+auto, and it should make the trade relatively even, but you have greater DPS on the back in if she continues to fight you. Watch out for her roams and be careful of her jumping out of vision on you.
Katarina
Katarina struggles into Azir. However, her roam potential is significantly better than yours. You have to be mindful of her roam timers and you have to be responsible for pinging aggressively to your teammates. If you can manage to keep her in the lane, you win the long run. Typically, when fighting Katarina, do not stand near the wave. Her Q dagger will sometimes bounce and hit you, and if it does, she will immediately dash to you and burst you quickly, in and out. If you can manage that, she has a terrible time against your W+Q+W poke. Do not let her farm for free, and do not touch the dagger! :) Notable tip: Save your ultimate for her ultimate, it counters it!
Kassadin
I absolutely despise this champion. He is my current permaban and it's been like that for over a year now. To start off, his early game is almost impossible to screw up if the Kassadin player doesn't run it down in lane. He just takes Fleet + Dshield + Secondwind (passive + Q shield) and just sits back and farm. If you don't secure a kill pre 6 it's pretty much impossible to win. Then, on top of all that, he scales infinitely harder than you and eventually turns into a 1v9 machine at level 16. There is a way to win this matchup, but personally, I'd rather just ban it than having to worry about a level 16 Kassadin eventually.
Jayce
[Hourglass Second Item if even/behind]
The issue with Jayce is that he is a better melee and range champ than you. If you let him Q poke you out of lane you will be miserable, but if you get too close to him, he will chunk you out. An underrated difficult matchup, but not impossible. If you can minimize the early game, and gather gold and xp for Nashors you should be able to win the mid game. Notable tips: Its crucial you try to keep yourself behind the minion wave to press an empowered Q hitting you. That's how he pokes you out of lane. If he does manage to jump onto you with melee form, be ready to E (shield) into him to prevent some of the damage you receive. If you can manage to play around tower, he might be too aggressive with melee and be forced under tower with your ult.
Irelia
[Hourglass Second Item, highly recommended, Exhaust viable spell]
Irelia can be a tricky matchup, solely for her early game and her ability to jump from one side of the lane to another. When playing against an Irelia, be very conscious of your minions and which one are low HP. Irelia players usually will prep caster minions as a way to dash onto you from far away. She will always win the fight if she has max passive up, and especially if she has Conqueror. She can only acquire max passive if she lands her E on you, or she receives from the minion wave. If she misses her E (early game), she cannot go in on you and win. Its good to know that her E is a 16 second CD level 1. If you can play around your tower and minimize the number of trades you take with her early, you will win lane. Notable tips: When she acquires BOTRK, she can one shot caster minions, be careful and be ready for this! If you find yourself in a duel, and she ults you she will immediately Q you or E you, be ready to either dash the E or dodge it. If/when you decide to ult her, she will Q you right after to jump the wall. To prevent this, you need to dash into her with your E. This is especially important if you are making a play under your tower. It prevents her from escaping the situation.
Hwei
Hwei can be a difficult matchup for Azir due to his high wave clear, high range, and high burst. The only saving grace in this lane is that he is an immobile mage that is vulernable to ganks. Ideally, if you can get him to waste his abilities on the wave or bait them out (especially his E), you can go in to DPS him down to gain a resource advantage. Do not go in on him unless his Q or E are down. You will lose the trade. Try to play around your Jungler, and call for ganks with your ult.
Heimerdinger
You counter this matchup. Azir has the range advantage, and you can break his turrets with your soldiers. Just dodge his E and the lane is unplayable for him.
Gangplank
You counter this matchup. Azir has the range advantage on gangplank. You can break his barrels with your soldiers. If you want to be an extra jerk to him, the most soldiers you have hitting the barrel, the more procs. TWO soldiers will proc TWO hits on the barrel, and THREE soldiers will proc THREE hits on the barrel, completely denying the barrel before he even has a chance.
Ekko
I would put Ekko in even matchup, but his noncommittal trades make the lane quite difficult. E + Auto + Q and out (with his passive move speed). If you can, play outside the range of his dash. If he can not dash on you, he can't proc the passive on you. Be wary of his dive potential. He can take a very unfavorable trade, but then ult out immediately to turn it into a favorable trade. Additionally, if he roams be careful about his W stun. It is a 2.25 sec stun and almost always guarantees a kill on you. If you think it's going to stun, just immediately dash out of it or flash if needed. It's not worth dropping a kill for eating his stun.
Diana
[Hourglass second item if you are behind]
Similar to Leblanc, you need to keep your spacing consistent throughout the lane. Make sure you never put yourself in a position that gives her a free Q. If she lands Q, she will follow it up with an E and W. She will primarily use her Q to help clear wave, so try to maintain a healthy distance away from minions to minimize her hitting you as well. Again, if you manage to keep the wave near your tower she can never really go on you without being in a position to be ulted under tower. Besides that, just remember to punish her for stepping up on minions and watch her cooldowns effectively.
Corki
The only things that can screw you over in this lane is level 1. His level 1 damage with his E can easily half health you if you do not respect it, and if that happens you will be behind lane for the next couple levels. Beyond that, all you need to do is dodge his Q and R's as much as possible, and if he decides to take a trade with you post 6 you should win.
Cassiopeia
Cassiopeia can win lane if you let her close the gap on you. However, since Azir has so much range you should be able to win. Dodging her Q is high priority, this gives her the ability to close the gap on you with the boost movement she receives. If you can maintain your distance and just W+Q+W poke her out that's the ideal play. She will always win the 1v1 in close range due to her low cooldowns. After you have Nashors, its a close fight, but you can win the 1v1. If Cassio lands Q or W, her E (Twin Fangs) does increase damage and heals her. Ideally, your best bet is to just dash away by W+E+Q. Be mindful that her W will prevent you from dashing. Besides that, you can win lane easily if you space her correctly.
Aurora
Aurora is weak into Azir due to her short range and telepathed abilities. You should never let her get into range to free Q you without out trading her. Early game, her Q will proc electrocute for some hefty burst. If you manage to keep your distance and poke her down, she'll stand no chance into you.
Aurelion Sol
Asol is a minor threat for Azir. You can dash out of his E, you can stop his Q with your ultimate and you can even outrange his Q with your max range W. If you play it smart you should not die to Asol. Be careful of his W having the ability to run you down in lane. Once you have Nashors, he doesn't stand a chance in a 1v1 against you. Don't be afraid to flash out of his ult in a tight situation. His late game is the problem. I'd recommend coordinating with your Jungler to keep him down for a majority of the game, preventing his lane game powerspike.
Annie
[Banshee's Second Item if you are shutdown]
Annie has a miserable time against Azir. Azir has too much range for Annie, and you should never be in a position where she can stun you for free. Very similar to Malzahar, be careful for the flash+R for a gank, or if she catches you out of vision. Those are the only opportunities for her to turn this lane around.
Anivia
Anivia is an even matchup for Azir. There is really no situation where you can kill the Anivia. Your best bet is to just farm and look for a good gank with your jungler. She is still an immobile mage who is vulnerable to an Azir ult. In the pre-6, if she misses Q, you have an opportunity to all-in her to DPS. Look for good quality pokes with your Q and play for the team.
Akshan
Akshan is a minor threat for Azir. Akshan is strong level 1-3 against Azir, but once you get Nashors, it's completely unplayable for Akshan. Notable tips: Tower will block his ult. His Q can travel through the wave and hit you. If you dash into Akshan while he is grappling, it will stop him (and you as well). If you can survive to post 6 without dying, you will win the lane.
Akali
Akali is a very tricky lane for Azir. The biggest issue with Akali is that her W can pressure Azir without him having the chance to respond. You goal in this lane is to farm and poke when you can. Focus on dodging her E as much as possible. If you tank an E from her, it will be focused up by auto+q+auto+q and you will lose a minimum 60% hp from it. Also, if it's post 6, she will just ult immediately forcing you to dash away or burn your flash. Just play around your tower and try to prevent any unnecessary damage if possible. RESPECT THE W!
Ahri
I find the Ahri matchup quite easy. It's similar to most of the champs on this list, dodge the E or dodge the lane. If you can't dodge the charm reliably you will struggle greatly in this lane. That is Ahri's only opportunity to hurt you in lane. Notable tips: Her ult has 3 charges, and if she receives a takedown, she gains another charge. Most Ahri's will ult than immediately charm, so be ready to either dash away or step out of the way. Her W level 1 is than yours.
Fizz
[Hourglass Second Item in case you are behind, barrier is a viable option here]
I would consider putting Fizz in an even matchup, but if you don't die early, it's quite miserable for Fizz. If you can keep your spacing against Fizz, he can't damage you consistently in lane. A potential Fizz trade is him dashing (Q) followed by an auto+W (reset) into E (Untargetable flip) away. If you can keep your distance on him, he will be forced to use E (flip) to engage onto you, and that's the last thing he wants to do. If he does flip on you and misses, you win the trade in the long run. Early game this trade could lose him the lane. The CD on his E is 16 seconds level 1, which is a massive window for you to punish and force him off the minion wave. Never let him farm for free, especially if he is down on abilities. For the Fizz ult, most fizz players will ult almost on cooldown. I find fizz players with Q to a minion to close the gap and ult at the same time (it hides the animation for ulting), so be ready to dash away if you see them Q towards you post 6. His ult is a 100 second CD, but for safety, I'd recommend just approaching lane thinking he has ult up all the time. It saves you the trouble of getting one shot. If you do go hourglass second item, save it to dodge the damage from the ult. Additionally, Fizz ult increases in strength based on how far he threw it (slow, size, and damage).
Galio
This is and Zac mid are the only matchups I would recommend Liandry's Torment before Nashors. You don't get an opportunity to really have a good trade with Galio all lane, so the Q poke from Liandry's does significant damage against him, especially when all he builds is HP/MR into you. Try your best to keep your distance from his E (Dash), and if he goes in for a taunt, be ready to dash away with a simple W+E behind you. Save the Q for the return trade. Once you get Liandry's the lane becomes much easier, but for the early game your goal is to just not die to ganks, and farm up well. Be conscious of jungle fights, because Galio can ult in to turn the fight immediately. Be ready to inform your jungler of potential roams from him. However, if he does decide to ult, it's a massive CD of 180 seconds.
Hi there reader! Thank you for reading! I am still working on this guide and I plan for it to be a massive project, but I wanted to publish some of work now for anyone who is interested in learning Azir. If you have any comments positive or negative I will be happy to receive those. This is a rough draft, hence the grammar and spelling errors. Be of luck on the rift!
[14.18] [Masters] Azir Guide: In-depth Guide for SoloQ
Build Guide By Tamikaze
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