In patch 10.13, while many champions like Yuumi are plummeting in power, there are also many powerful champions “soaring like a kite in the wind”. Notably, in the Korean Challenger rank, a multitude of old jungle champions are being brought back due to significant buffs from Riot.
Here are the old jungle champions making a comeback in the current meta:
Nocturne
Previously, Nocturne was already a fast jungle clearer with Tiamat, but in patch 10.13, Nocturne will clear even faster as the passive Dark Blade’s cooldown reduction is applied to monsters, decreasing it by 2 seconds. This allows Nocturne to clear the jungle more quickly and with significantly less health, reaching level 6 faster, and spending more time ganking.
For Nocturne, ganking is quite simple; just run around to the back of the enemy, throw a Q to approach quickly, and then hit E directly on the enemy. If the target wants to avoid being rooted by the fear effect, they often need to use Flash, and Nocturne can Flash in aggressively or simply retreat to wait for another opportunity.
In the later stages of the match, Nocturne can help teammates split push or pick off enemies, and can also join team fights as a “suicide soldier” diving straight into the enemy’s key damage dealer. With the combo R+E+W, very few targets can escape Nocturne’s pursuit, at which point teammates can assist Nocturne in finishing off the ensnared target easily.
Nunu
Nunu is the champion that received the most buffs in patch 10.13, with the Q ability’s damage increase (from 50% AP to 65% AP) and healing increase (from 70% AP to 90% AP) significantly enhancing Nunu’s ganking and jungle clearing capabilities. Moreover, the ultimate Absolute Zero now grants a shield based on a percentage of bonus health and 150% AP, making Nunu a very sturdy “tower” in team fights.
When ganking, Nunu’s playstyle is also not complicated; just aim to hit W, and once you knock up or reach the target, continuously slow and root with E while dealing damage with Q.
In patch 10.13, with “Riot’s assistance”, Nunu can even build Mejai’s Soulstealer, as AP stats greatly enhance Nunu’s survivability. Once equipped with a few tank items, this snowman can easily initiate fights with W, charging straight into the enemy team and channeling his ultimate, making it very difficult for Nunu to be taken down instantly.
Vi
While not buffed as much as the two champions above, Vi is still making a strong resurgence among the top players in Korean rank.
Essentially, the early jungle farming phase remains familiar with the skill upgrade order of W>E followed by maxing Q. In terms of items, Vi will go straight for Trinity Force after completing the Warrior jungle item, which provides massive damage in the mid-game. When ganking, Vi’s typical combo will be Q+A+E combined with Smite, while also continuously ‘hit and running’ to leverage the Keystone Rune, Conqueror.
From the mid to late game, Vi can choose to split push, pick off enemies with 1-2 allies, or engage in team fights. With Vi’s diverse skill set offering crowd control, area damage, single-target damage, and armor penetration, she can fulfill many strategic needs of her team.
