PSA: Please stop buying Shadowflame (2nd)
TL:DR: Shadowflame is one of Zoe's most popular items that is losing you games. Please do not buy this item until your 3rd purchase.
Shadowflame is the only popular Zoe item with a negative win rate when purchased 2nd. That means that if you are buying this second, you are decreasing your chances of winning the game, period.
Statistics - it's all red
- The most popular second item for Diamond and below players.
- The worst performing (of commonly built) second items in all elos.
- Is 5~7% lower WR than popular alternatives (actually insane)
- Is the only popular item with a win rate lower than Zoe's average (thank you for helping us dodge nerfs)
- if you want to look yourself go on lolalytics
Most people justify their purchase with "I play Zoe for the one shot". This item does less than both Stormsurge and Lichbane for that purpose. This is the worst item for EQR AUTO combo. It only does anything if you don't auto and are forced to ignite for the electrocute proc.
The item - paying more for less
- 400 gold more expensive than Stormsurge alternative
- the gold difference means you can buy an Amp Tome and they will both give you 110AP
- same 15 mpen but no 6% move speed as Stormsurge
- 20% damage @ under 40% HP is useless in mid game on a champion with no execute
- Zoe is front loaded so 80% of her one shot damage is unaffected by Shadowflame
- Will contribute half of the damage of a Stormsurge proc unless you use ignite.
- If you hit E Q on a target under 40% HP they're dead with or without the passive. (Unless they're a tank which is not why you're building the item in the first place)
Buy it third - if they're squishy
- positive WR (congrats you can read)
- people will have more HP and base resistances so you can get more value from the passive
- it can be useful for finishing targets in team fights with just Q or something
- it can be useful if you want to spike a game winning fight and can't afford Deathcap
If you want a pure burst build please build Lichbane or Stormsurge. They're not only cheaper but also do more damage than Shadowflame. They also provide 6% movement speed which is also a very desirable stat for roaming and increasing q damage.