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Choose one of these boots - I tend to go Magi 90% of the time, but Focus if I need that extra pressure early on with the faster ability cooldown.
Most people go Bancroft's Talon here, but I prefer to go with something that helps the team as well as myself. I don't like relying on an item that wants you to go low health to get the most out of it - by that point, for instance if you're being bursted down, lifesteal isn't going to do much for you. The extra health is nice for solo lane too.
Soul Gem is a nice alternative if you want a bit more early burst yourself..
This is your main defensive item. You should choose this based on the enemy team and what kind of fights you're coming up against. Celestial Legion Helm is a good choice for the extra power/mp5. But in solo role you're going to want to focus less on magical power and more on staying in the fight.
Spirit Robe great for if you're being CC'd a lot (i.e. against a Khepri or Cthulhu). Mantle of Discord is the better pure defence option. Both options have 10% CDR as well which is much needed on Zhong Kui.
Take your pick! All options are solid. I like Ethereal Staff, but Gem of Isolation works really well with your 1 so definitely a great option. Rod of Tahuti great choice if you want that extra bit of burst.
As a solo laner I like to start with no relic and only buy one on my first back, that way I can judge whether I need teleport or not.
Don't underestimate the power of Heavenly Wings on Zhong Kui, great for chasing enemies while you're ulting and also good for saving your team.
Obviously as solo go into Teleport Glyph if you need to return to lane quickly after a back, but try to time it so that you don't need to. You can actually use Wings to get you there if it's not that urgent, and they come in useful later in the game.
Blink Rune is great on Zhong Kui because he doesn't have any escapes, so it really can save you. If you prefer, you can go into Aegis instead and this can be used while ulting, but bear in mind it's only 1.5 secs, it goes very quick in game, if you're being focused and not already escaping then you're still going to die.
Beads always a solid choice if you're against CC heavy gods.
I like to build Book of Demons earlier than some, because it gives you extra damage against objectives as well as minions/players.
Tap each threat level to view Zhong Kui’s threats
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Something to try out too is Sundering Axe instead of hero's axe. Gives you more damage than you would realise at first glance and is essentially an overtuned The Sledge.