Hello there, summoners. I want to present you how I play Nidalee. This is my main character I am playing for a long time, and I want to show you my guide to her :)

Pros:
- Very good escape mechanism (cougar, pounce)
- Good damage output while still being a bit support
- Can chase well
- Fun to play
- Can be counter to wide range of champions

Cons:
- Very hard to master (in my opinion)
- Missed javelin can make you don't get kill and your team RAGE :P
- You will be often flamed like 'Nidalee useless pick' etc.

For start I take Doran's Ring. This is just best starter item for Nidalee as it gives you everything you need: AP, mana regen and some hp for more lane staying power. The next item im going to build is Sheen. Some AP, Mana and it's GREAT passive that helps you get more and more damage in cougar form. This is a must. Next I'm going for boots = Mercury's Treads or Ninja Tabi, but I do prefer the first ones. Next item is Guinsoo's Rageblade. This item is great for Nidalee, not only it gives AP and some AD, but also great passive. With your non cost skills as Cougar, you can keep the stacks all time you want. This item also helps much with pushing. Then, I am going for Rylai's Crystal Scepter. This gives you HP for more survivalibity, Ability power and additionaly slow from your skills. Now you have two choices. Rabadon's Deathcap or Aegis of the Legion. I usually get the first one when the game is actually easy, I do not have problems with dieing. The second gives you more survivalibity, and if you're dieing too much, you should take it. For my last item, I take Lich Bane.

Runes are a bit personal preference, by myself I use:
Greater Marksof Desolation (ArPen)
Greater Sealsof Clarity (ManaReg/lvl)
Greater Glyphsof Clarity (ManaReg/lvl)
Greater Quintessences of Fortidude (Flat HP)
Why these runes? Why not Magic Penetration marks? Armor penetration gives you much better early game harrasment, as most of it is based out of your basic attacks. Additionaly, later in the game, Lich Bane/Sheen procs works with ArPen also. Not to mention your Takedown deals physical damage. Seals and Glyphs for mana regen, to have great lane staying power. The health quintessences gives you great early game advantage.

For masteries I go standard 9/0/21 build, this is preety self-explanatory. You get some additional AP, cooldown reduction and magic penetration, to makes your skills hit harder. Utility gives you some mana regen, additional buff duration, a lot of cooldown reduction for both skills and Summoner Spells. It also boosts your Spells: Flash and Ghost.

Actually, skill sequence is thing that changes almost every game on Nidalee. For first skill, I usually grab Primal Surge, but sometimes also bushwack, when we're going to counter jungle. If you want Javelin Toss as first skill, feel free to grab it. Important thing is, until lvl 6, you must have all of your skills, because, if you won't take Bushwack for example, you won't be able to use Pounce in Cougar form. After lvl 6, I usually max out Primal Surge, but if the game is going easily/you need some additional damage, it is good idea to max out Javelin Toss.

NOTE
Level of your human form skills does NOT affect your Cougar skills. Only level of your 'R' skill boosts your cougar skills.

There is not much to say about these. I prefer Flash and Ghost, as it makes you less vulnerable to ganks, and gives you additional escape mechanisms. I also like to get Cleanse. If you want to get any other spell, feel free to grab it, these are your OWN preference, just do not forgot to change your masteries then.

Spells I recommend: Flash, Ghost, Cleanse
Spells OK to have: Exhaust, Ignite, Clairvoyance, Clarity, Teleport
Spells I would not reccomend: Fortify, Heal
Terrible spells: Smite, Rally, Revive

For this point, this is the end. I will be still working on the guide, say what you think about it, your thoughts, what you like/don't like, what should I change, etc. I count on you! :)