Xin Zhao vs Locke Counter Pick

With 1,045 games logged on patch 16.13.1, this is one of the better-supported readings either champion has, and it lands on 57.8% for Xin Zhao.

Locke brings the larger body on paper: 655 base health rising to 2,508, against 620 and 2,422. His armor is the softer number, 32 growing to 103.4 where Xin Zhao reaches 109.8, and his damage arrives split. Silver Stake adds magic damage on hit that increases with the target’s missing health, so the physical listing understates how much of his output bypasses armor entirely. Against a duelist who heals through Determination, that execute pressure is his cleanest route.

Reach and commitment are the problem. Ashen Pursuit teleports and then dashes to the next target, excellent as an opener and worth little once Xin Zhao is already attached through Audacious Charge with a Challenged mark from Wind Becomes Lightning. Soul Ignition costs Locke health to gain attack speed and movement speed, so entering a skirmish below full is routine, and Purgatory rewards him only for sealing enemies away. Xin Zhao moves at 345 against 340 and asks for nothing more than a straight extended duel, where Determination heals him on every third connected attack and quietly outlasts a self-damaging opener. Difficulty ratings of 2 and 5 point toward the simpler pattern holding up.