So You Wanna Wrestle With Wyrms and Befriend Buff Buffs? A Slightly Unhinged Guide to Jungling in 2023
Gather 'round, fledglings! Ready to trade the farm life for the thrilling, chaotic symphony of the jungle? Buckle up, because I'm about to drop some wisdom hotter than a dragon's breath on how to navigate this verdant wonderland (and not get eaten by its permanent residents).
Picking Your Weapon: From Cuddle Bears to Chain-Saw Maniacs
First things first: champions. You're not here to plant virtual daisies, sunshine. You're a predator, a master of the shadows (or a giant, fluffy bear who punches things. No judgment). So, who do you pick?
- The Gank Gods: Hecarim, Evelynn, Rek'Sai – these guys zoom around the map like caffeinated squirrels, striking unsuspecting laners with the fury of a thousand pinged "OMG JUNGLER?!". Prepare for high-octane action and the occasional ragequit from your teammates who swear you didn't just teleport from Raptors to top lane.
- The Farm Fiends: Master Yi, Shyvana, Amumu – these junglers are like kudzu vine, steadily spreading their tendrils across the map, devouring camps like bottomless pits. You'll be a walking gold mine, but don't get caught napping with your smite key on cooldown. Naps are for the scuttle crab, my friend.
- The Objective Ogres: Ornn, Sejuani, Lillia – these big boppers love nothing more than a good ol' dragon/baron/elder scuttle crab brawl. They're the bouncers of the Rift, the wardens of the neutral objective buffet. Just remember, sharing is caring, unless it's the enemy jungler trying to steal Elder Drake. Then, sharing is smiting.
The Art of the Clear: From Baby Krugs to Big Bad Baron
Now, you've got your claws (or tentacles, or fluffy paws), time to learn how to use them. Clearing camps is your bread and butter, the rhythmic dance that fuels your ganks and objective dominance. But remember, efficiency is key! You're not auditioning for the Ballet of the Birds, you're a jungle piranha, stripping camps bare with ruthless precision.
- Leash of Fury: Don't be afraid to ask your laner for a quick leash on your first camp. It's like a pre-workout shake for your farm, getting you primed to pummel those pixelated monsters. Just don't take all the glory – they deserve a nibble too (unless they're Yasuo, then all bets are off).
- Smite and Switch: Use your smite wisely, my friend. It's not just for stealing dragons (although, that's always a bonus). Learn how to optimize your clears with smite to shave off those precious seconds and leave the enemy jungler wondering why you're already ganking bot while they're still fiddling with Krugs.
- Gromp Before Grump: This isn't just a Dr. Seuss quote, it's jungle gospel! Prioritize the big monsters in camps. They give you more gold, more XP, and most importantly, they heal you. A healthy jungler is a happy jungler (and a terrifying one for the enemy team).
Ganking: From Surprise Snuggles to Savage Smites
Ah, the gank. The moment you transition from farmer to assassin, striking fear into the hearts of unsuspecting laners. But ganking isn't just about diving headfirst into a 1v3. It's a delicate dance of timing, vision, and a healthy dose of "did I just see that?".
- Vision, Glorious Vision: Wards are your best friends, not those creepy tentacle things in the river. Place them intelligently, like tiny, digital sentries whispering enemy movements in your ear. Knowing where the enemy jungler is, is like having X-ray vision for gank opportunities.
- Ping Pong of Doom: Don't be a silent predator. Ping like a possessed woodpecker! Let your laners know you're coming, like a bad rom-com with really good timing. A coordinated gank is a beautiful thing, a symphony of CC and damage that leaves the enemy team feeling like they just stepped into a blender.
- Objectives Over Ego: Remember, dragons and barons are worth more than a million Yasuo kills (though, that kill would be pretty satisfying). Prioritize securing objectives whenever possible. They offer buffs, gold, and most importantly, bragging rights.
Bonus Round: Jungle Wisdom Nuggets for the Discerning Predator
- Scuttle Crabs are Spicy: Don't underestimate the scut
