Predecessor Builds > Zarus > Jungle / Offlane Zarus [0.15]

Multiple builds with focus on scenarios

Things to note -
When going jungle we choose Ortus over Mantle to take advantage of the speed buff and pressure the use of blink on enemy laner's while ganking. You should also be trying to use it near the middle to end of on-going fights, not to catch up, to take advantage of the scaling nature of the item.

We use Mantle in offlane as usually, your laner will rush some sort of armour item or something to make them stronger. The goal here isn't to kill your laner, as without core items, Zarus is very weak. The goal is to consistently duel within the lane, staying healthy and attempting side objectives, (side camp, jungle pressure). While we duel, we slowly let the passive scale our health up, whilst in the back you build your damage items, once you have the Mutilator and Draconum combo, alongside with the bonus health, fighting will become easier. At this point most games tend to result in you roaming, however if it is a decent quality game, at this point can you begin fighting and truly attempting to kill your laner.

Your character has insane duelling capabilities. You must time your shield and parry, alongside making sure every single Q hits your target. Again, remember your character has by game design, been made weak in the early game, to offset the fact that you gain permanent damage through your ultimate, you must be patient, with either Jungle or Offlane, and allow for some scaling to occur before playing riskier.

Always buy a damage item when beginning the game. Allows you to last hit minions easier and poke with your spear throw more effectively.

Most important note, your character may not be objectively difficult, however compared to Khaimera or Greystone, it is objectively easier for them to do the same damage as you, meaning you must play smart and time everything, even making use of your slightly longer range auto attacks with the spear, and waiting for your scaling to occur.