Maokai is a versatile jungler with strong ganking potential and team fight presence. Here's a comprehensive guide to playing him effectively in the jungle:

Most Popular Build (50.3% Win Rate)

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

Key Tips

• Place Saplings (E) in bushes before camps spawn for efficient clear
• Use point-and-click W for guaranteed ganks
• Cast Ultimate (R) to initiate team fights, then protect carries
• Maximize bush control with Sapling placement

Strong Against:

• Mel (60.7% WR)
• Lux (56.4% WR)
• Brand (54.8% WR)
• Tahm Kench (54.4% WR)

Weak Against:

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

Best ADC Synergies:

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

Alternative Build (55.4% WR)

• Core Items: Unending Despair → Mercury's Treads → Spirit Visage
• Full Build: Thornmail, Randuin's Omen, Abyssal Mask
• Same runes and skill order as popular build

Situational Items: Adjust build based on enemy composition:

• Heavy AD: Prioritize Thornmail and Randuin's
• Heavy AP: Focus Spirit Visage and Abyssal Mask
• Mixed damage: Balance resistances accordingly

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