Nocturne is a fearsome assassin jungler, known primarily for his darkness-inducing ultimate ability that creates chaos across the Rift. His straightforward kit and strong dueling potential make him an effective choice for both new and experienced players.

Core Strengths:

• Powerful ultimate for map-wide pressure
• Strong 1v1 duelist
• Fast and healthy jungle clear
• Simple to learn, with only one skill shot

Basic Abilities:

• Q: Fast-moving projectile that leaves a trail, granting bonus AD
• W: Spellshield that blocks abilities and provides attack speed
• E: Fear tether that causes enemies to flee
• R: Global darkness followed by a long-range targeted dash

Skill Order Priority:

1. R (Ultimate whenever possible)
2. Q (Maximized first)
3. E (Maximized second)
4. W (Maximized last)

Early Game Leveling:

• Level 1: Q (Duskbringer)
• Level 2: W (Shroud of Darkness)
• Level 3: E or Q (situational)
  • E if planning to gank/fight
  • Q if focused on farming

Optimal Build Path:

Starting Items:

• Hailblade
• Refillable Potion

Core Items:

• Stridebreaker
• Blade of the Ruined King
• Death's Dance

Situational Items:

• Guardian Angel (vs balanced teams)
• Maw of Malmortius (vs heavy AP)
• Black Cleaver (vs tanks)

Playstyle Tips:

1. Farm efficiently between ultimate cooldowns
2. Time W (Spellshield) to block key enemy abilities
3. Use ultimate to create pressure and force defensive plays
4. Look for isolated targets for guaranteed picks
5. Combine Q trail with ultimate engage for maximum damage

Best Matchups:

• Immobile ADCs
• Squishy mages
• Champions without reliable escape abilities

Counter Tips:

• Group when ultimate is available
• Track ultimate cooldown
• Build armor early
• Save CC for post-ultimate engage

Remember: Nocturne's strength lies in creating map pressure through his ultimate and converting that pressure into objectives. Focus on efficient farming and calculated ultimate usage rather than forcing early ganks.

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