Maokai is a strong jungle champion who excels at ganking and team fighting. This comprehensive guide covers the most effective builds and strategies for playing Maokai in the jungle.

Popular Build (50.3% WR, 1,178 matches)

• Summoner Spells: Flash, Smite
• Runes: Phase Rush, Nimbus Cloak, Transcendence, Waterwalking, Cosmic Insight, Magical Footwear
• Core Items: Liandry's Torment → Ionian Boots → Unending Despair
• Full Build: Add Spirit Visage, Thornmail, Locket of the Iron Solari
• Skill Order: Q > W > E

Alternative Build (50.8% WR, 559 matches)

• Runes: Aftershock, Font of Life, Conditioning, Overgrowth, Legend: Haste, Triumph
• Core Items: Liandry's Torment → Plated Steelcaps → Unending Despair
• Full Build: Add Spirit Visage, Thornmail, Sunfire Aegis

Key Tips:

• Use R effectively in team fights, then protect carries
• Place Saplings (E) in bushes before first camp
• Focus on early ganks using point-and-click W

Best Matchups:

• Teemo (64.3% WR)
• Gragas (59.5% WR)
• Talon (55.9% WR)

Worst Matchups (Avoid):

• Bel'Veth (31.8% WR)
• Taliyah (37.2% WR)
• Rek'Sai (38.5% WR)

Synergizes well with:

• Zeri (59.7% WR)
• Draven (55.8% WR)
• Tristana (53.5% WR)

Situational Items:

• Spirit Visage (vs AP)
• Thornmail (vs Healing)
• Randuin's Omen (vs Crit)
• Abyssal Mask (AP team)

Adjust your build based on team composition and matchups. Focus on ganking lanes early and transitioning into a frontline tank for your team in the mid to late game.

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