So You Wanna Jungle in S13? Buckle Up, Buttercup, It's a Wild Ride
Ah, the jungle. A land of mystery, monsters, and questionable fashion choices (looking at you, Kha'Zix players). It's also the role that separates the keyboard warriors from the true masterminds, the shadow puppeteers, the smite-stealing gods. But before you grab your machete and dive headfirst into this glorious chaos, let's unpack some S13 jungle wisdom with a healthy dose of sarcasm and maybe a sprinkle of bad puns.
1. Choose Your Weapon (Wisely or Not):
-
The Early Game Aggressors: Think Xin Zhao, Hecarim, Olaf. These guys clear camps like they're on a coffee-fueled rampage, and their ganks hit harder than a dropped burrito in a mosh pit. Just remember, ganking isn't just about screaming "YEET" and hoping for the best. Be strategic, opportunistic, and don't forget the warding. Don't be that jungler who shows up to a gank like a surprise tax audit - nobody likes those.
-
The Farmville Fanatics: Master Yi, Kayn, Kindred - these champions live for that sweet, sweet jungle gold. They clear like greased lightning, stacking their camps like pancakes at a lumberjack breakfast. But remember, farming isn't everything. Look for opportunistic ganks, secure objectives, and don't be afraid to throw a wrench in the enemy's plans. Nobody likes a jungler who's more interested in their CS than their teammates' welfare (unless that teammate is Yasuo, then maybe let him suffer).
-
The Off-Meta Maniacs: Ivern, Fiddlesticks, Teemo - these are the champions that make enemy laners question their life choices. They may not be the strongest, but they have the surprise factor of a mime at a rave. If you're good at mind games and enjoy tilting the enemy team, these could be your jam. Just remember, playing off-meta isn't a free pass to troll. If you pick Teemo and just farm under your tower all game, you're not a genius, you're just a glorified mushroom farmer.
2. Pathing: A Dance with Dragons and Scuttles:
There's no one-size-fits-all path in the jungle, my friend. It's a constant tango between farming efficiently, securing objectives, and ganking lanes that look ripe for the picking. Pay attention to enemy jungler location, lane matchups, and the ever-so-precious scuttle crab (seriously, that little guy can turn the tide of a game). Remember, flexibility is key. Don't be a stubborn mule stuck on one path just because Mobalytics told you so. Adapt, improvise, overcome! (And maybe steal that enemy blue buff while you're at it.)
3. Objectives: More Than Just Krugs with Dreams:
Dragons, Rift Herald, Baron Nashor - these are the shiny jewels of the jungle. They're worth more than your entire champion inventory combined, so naturally, everyone wants them. But securing them requires timing, coordination, and maybe a well-placed smite. Don't just mindlessly rush a dragon while your bot lane is getting tower dove. Remember, objectives are a team effort. Communicate, ping like a madman, and get your team on the same page. A dragon secured with five teammates alive is far more valuable than one stolen at the cost of your entire bot lane.
4. Mental Fortitude: When Smites Go Wrong and Lanes Rage:
Jungling is a stressful job. You're the scapegoat for everything from a failed gank to a burnt toast in mid lane. But here's the secret: don't let it get to you. Mute the flamers, focus on your own game, and remember, everyone makes mistakes. Even Faker misses CS sometimes (probably, I haven't checked). Laugh at your own misplays, learn from them, and move on. A tilted jungler is a useless jungler, so keep your head up, jungle fam.
5. Have Fun! (Seriously):
At the end of the day, League is a game. It's meant to be enjoyed. So throw on some funny music, experiment with new champions, and don't be afraid to make some bad decisions (unless it involves diving a fed Yasuo, then maybe hold off on that). Remember, the best junglers are the ones who can laugh at themselves, tilt their enemies, and most importantly, have a blast in the process. Now go forth, smite
