The Dual Role Hero   


Ask anyone who has used Zatanna how they play her. How do YOU play her? Introduced as a support-blaster champion, most players choose to play her as a blaster or as a support, and never both. Finding that balance between the two roles is difficult since she doesn't have the natural tankiness of Arcane Green Lantern or Poison Ivy nor does she have the raw blaster power and kit that Joker and Green Lantern have. You have to build one way or another to be successful... or do you?

The Build Fate

This build was created to not only be the perfect balance between offense and defense, but to also turn Zatanna into a long-lasting commando capable of pushing and protecting points in both solo and group situations. Using special item effects from [[Abin Sur's Lantern (4)]], the Helm Of Fate (3), and Zatanna's passive ability Stage Presence, most items will now provide buffs across the board which maximizes character and credit management.

The mechanics of why this build works (this is all you need to read really)



The entire reason this build is so powerful and versatile is because of the Helm of Fate's ability Mystical Conversion. Mystical Conversion adds 25% of your attack armor to your power armor (It does NOT subtract from your attack armor AT ALL, it is a pure buff) which makes items like Neron's Contract and Helm of Fate add Power Damage, Attack Armor, Power Armor, and special abilities all into one neat little package. Now thanks to Abin Sur's Lantern's ability Will Force you also get bonus damage off of Will.
The perfect example of these abilities working together in perfect synergy is with the item [[Steel's Breastplate (3)]]. For 2,500 credits Steel's Breastplate provides 300 Will, 60 Attack Armor, and 20 move speed (plus the ability Iron Will). But thanks to the Lantern, the Helm of Fate, and Zatanna's passive, that item would then provide 300 Will, 60 Attack Armor, 18 Power Armor, 10 Power Damage, 20 Move Speed, and the ability Iron Will. For the best items to get after you buy the Lantern, Helm, and Neron's Contract, check out the list below.


The First 5 Minutes


Using the Blaster Endgame amplifier you will be able to purchase [[Abin Sur's Lantern (1)]], Nil Cloak, The Medusa Mask (1), a health potions, and a will potion. I'd like to note that the Medusa Mask is just a throwaway item , you can sell it back at any time you need that last push of credits to purchase the next tier of Abin Sur's Lantern.
Until you get the Helm of Fate (which is soon) you will be playing Zatanna in the standard support and Skewer-poke way. At the beginning of the match you will want to join your team in the move for the top points, so don't bother taking the bottom lane. After you capture your top point and you start moving towards the top (Wayne Tower, Point 1), use your Dash/Dazzle buff on any assassins or bruisers who are along side you. If there aren't any of those champions, save your Dash/Dazzle for the battle for the top, just in case you need to slow any escaping enemies. I can't quite recommend what to do in the beginning battles since skill management is mostly related to your skill and reaction speed, but as a general rule you should use Punish and Skewer in team fights instead of using Protect on allies. You also shouldn't run into the middle of battles until later in the game.
Remember, Zatanna is very competent at escaping bad situations. If you're face to face with an opponent and you think you won't win 1v1, just run back to a tower you control. Midgame you will be able to engage in 1v1 successfully with enemies, but don't attempt it now unless you have an obvious chance to win.


You want to max out Abin Sur's Lantern before you start purchasing other items, however if you are being harassed by a team of Marksmen you can pick up Helm Of Fate (1) after getting Abin Sur's Lantern to tier 2.
Abin Sur's Lantern is the foundation of ANY good Zatanna player. The item was basically made for the character and provides bonuses to Will, Will Regeneration, Power Damage, and Power Armor.


Remember to stay stocked up on health and will potions. Once you get Abin Sur's Lantern to tier 3, put credits toward a Tektite Vial.


  Mid-Game

Here is where Zatanna takes off. Once you start buying levels of Helm Of Fate (1) you are solid and in a good spot. You can now play a little bit more aggressive and get more up close and personal. Use your Dash and The Flash's Super Speed to get to any points that need to be recaptured or to assist any allies who are in a fight.



As soon as you max Helm of Fate you can now start to solo capture, defend and 1v1 most enemies (see below for character match ups). Helm of Fate provides +90 Power damage and +50 Attack Armor, and the vital Mystical Conversion ability. Use your high power damage, Skewer+Punish, armor, and debuffs to defeat any enemy who attacks you. My preferred combo order is Dazzle, Be a Rabbit, Punish+Skewer, then continue to Skewer. If you're dealing with a power damage champion, use Mystical Conversation to gain power armor.



The next item you want is [[Neron's Contract]]. It comes with a decent power damage bonus, attack armor bonus (which, thanks to Helm of Fate, also buffs your power armor), movement speed, and a great stall ability.

The End of the Line

I have provided a list and description of useful items to look into buying. Abin Sur's Lantern, Helm of Fate, and Neron's Contract are the only staples of this build and you can feel free to choose whichever items fit your playstyle for the rest of the match.


Optional Items



[[Steel's Breastplate (3)]]
This item provides bonuses across the board and gives the Iron Will ability that allows you to deflect 25% of damage towards your will. This is perfect for a Zatanna who is mostly doing solo work.



[[Metallo's Heart (3)]]
A great item for close matches. You get strong bonuses, cooldown reduction, and of course the Dampening Aura that slows basic attack speed for enemies. Get this item if you find yourself regularly engaging in team battles or if you need that last bit of strength to caputure the Orbital Cannon.


Oa Gambit (4)
If your team is competent and cleaning up well without you, buy the Oa Gambit to provide defensive bonuses to your allies.


Atlantean Royal Seal (4)
Neither good nor bad. You're better off putting credits towards armor instead of health, and the slow you get at tier 4 isn't exactly worth it since you have a strong chase and far reach. Still, if you want this item go ahead and get it.


The Book Of Eternity (2)
If you want more power damage, choose The Book of Eternity over the Starheart. The Blaster Endgame amplifier adds additional damage to the maxed out Book and it is much cheaper, so you'll have more cash to spend on other items.


------------------------------------------------------------------------