So this build is "theoretical" and it works great in concept and in AI games, but I don't know how well it will work in a real game and I'm not really familiar enough with this hero to really give it a try. I may have to rigorously play Zeus for 2-3 months to get a feel of him and then get a fair accessment to this build. If any pro zeus out there would give it a try, greatly appreciate it.
Theoretical Guide to Zeus:
So the main thing I noticed missing in most Zeus plays is exploiting his 3rd ability, the passive. It takes % damage per cast and abilities that do that are always considered "tank killers." This is why I build Wyvern on the Arctic Burn and why Naix can destroy tanks. Though Zeus only gets it from cast and not attack, many overlook this as a viable option to build around. However, he has one massive advantage, actually 2. One, his is AOE, that makes this completely OP if you can exploit it. 2nd, because he cast it, you can get 6 quick hits with it within a couple of seconds if you have a refresher. This instantly destroys any opposing team in a team fight.
In a real game with SB and Spectres hunting Zeus, most Zeus end up in the back line and hiding often, which is why I don't know if this would actually work in a real game.
Theoretical Strategy:
Play him like Earthshaker. Get a blink at some point, or lothar. When your team is engaged in a 5v5, you blink in and cast ult first (no targetting required), then your subsequent 2 nukes. Then you refresh and repeat. That's 6 cast in 1-2 seconds. Aside from the nuke damage, the passive itself is 11% 6 times (granted it is based on current hitpoint, so reduces damage as enemy gets weaker). That is one scary AOE if done correctly and is effective even lategame b/c it is % damage. The greatest part is that the AOE is 1200, which is twice the range of average range hero at 600-700, so it will get everyone even their range heroes in a teamfight.
Theoretical Item Build:
The build should make most standard players happy as you still need the scepter and refresher. The 2 ideal item recommendation is blink to engage and mjolnir. Cast the mjolnir on yourself before you blink in and the 200 damage return lightening stacking with your abilities is massively dangerous to the enemy. That gives you 5 items with the 6th item up for grabs. Theoretically a Shiva is the suggested item b/c it gives you that extra mana for your combo, nuke to stack more AOE damage, and then armor to help you tank.
But of course, you can also get Skadi if you want more bulk or heart, or situational like euls, guinsoo, linken, etc...
Theoretical Build List: BoT, Blink, Agh, Refresher, Mjolnir, Shiva
Conclusion:
Like I've said, this is great on paper, may not work so well in the game. But even if you can't get it exactly to turn out perfectly, it should still be quite effective as it is merely the same strategy as standard Earthshaker. Like standard ES, you will require a strong frontline, hopefully something like a Skeleton King or Axe or SB to hold so you can blink in with your combo. Basically there isn't much item changes except for lategame, but it is about the mentality, not playing like a fearful weak support in the back, but aggressively as a crowd controller. Basically like an Earthshaker.
Preciate it if some pro-Zeus would give it a try and report on the effectiveness in a real match up.
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)