Nidalee is a high-skill jungler who excels at early game dominance and snowballing advantages. As a shapeshifter with both human and cougar forms, she requires significant mechanical skill and game knowledge to play effectively.

Core Strengths:

• Powerful early/mid game presence
• High mobility and map control
• Strong burst damage potential
• Excellent dueling capabilities
• Form-switching versatility

Key Weaknesses:

• No hard crowd control
• Highly skill-shot dependent
• Poor scaling into late game
• Squishy and vulnerable to burst
• Requires lead to remain effective

Ability Overview:

Passive - Stalk:

• Gains 10% movement speed in brush
• 30% speed boost when moving toward visible enemies
• Marks targets hit by human Q/W for enhanced cougar abilities

Q - Javelin Toss/Takedown:

• Human: Long-range spear that deals more damage at distance
• Cougar: Enhanced auto attack, bonus damage to low health targets
• Max first for primary damage source

W - Bushwhack/Pounce:

• Human: Trap that reveals and damages enemies
• Cougar: Leap that deals AoE damage, resets on kills
• Max last as cooldown reduces naturally

E - Primal Surge/Swipe:

• Human: Heals target and grants attack speed
• Cougar: AoE slash attack for burst damage
• Max second for increased damage output

R - Aspect of the Cougar:

• Transforms between human and cougar forms
• 3-second cooldown between transformations

Core Combo: Human Q -> R -> Cougar W -> E -> AA -> Q

Optimal Matchups:

• Strong against carry junglers (Lee Sin, Nocturne, Viego)
• Weak against heavy CC tanks (Rammus, Sejuani, Zac)
• Synergizes with AD assassins and fighters

Build Priority:

• AP focusing on burst damage
• Ability haste for form switching
• Magic penetration for scaling

Success with Nidalee requires excellent mechanical execution, proper form management, and the ability to secure early advantages. Players must consistently hit skill shots and understand when to engage or disengage using both forms.

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