Talk:Zyra/@comment-25223119-20160507032003

Just here to talk about DFT vs. TD on Zyra. After a few more games, I think Zyra is still suited to run TD. Even though DFT amplifies her plant damage and is basically the most optimal way to play her as an AP Carry, her early and mid game isn't as strong as it used to be, mostly due to Q being nerfed quite a bit, and her passive seed spawns being a bit too randomized given its huge range. And how almost all AP Mids need CDR for their ultimate for playmaking...

So... Thunderlord is still ideally the best way to play Zyra for a couple of reasons, first being it closes the gap that she has in early game with her damage, by supplying her with an extra burst. With thunderlord, you trade equally with all mid laners. You could argue if you play safe and hold it out on to late game, DFT Zyra is stronger, but the problem with that is having no late game at all. Zyra's early game is weak now that it's rather impossible to play stall to late game, a good mid laner will rush you down and make sure you have no means of getting back up.

Then, the 5% CDR is what makes her ideal too. Since you want to have your ult up almost everytime a teamfight happens, the 5% can be the difference of a life or death for some teamfights. With W no longer granting CDR, it's even more crucial that you spec in that 5% of CDR. Before Zyra's rework, she could easily cap at 35% cdr and perform effectively. 5% from masteries, 20% from Morello, another 10% from W, and another situational 10% from Blue Buff. Right now, without W, she only gets 25% and that causes her to be in need of CDR even more.

So Cunning tree. Also, because of how the first tier of Cunning tree provides additional damage to minions, last hitting minions is easier. Outside of that, DFT is much more attractive to me :x. But since Zyra's late game is now strong regardless, it's better to focus on smoothening her early-mid game, so she has easier time going in to late.