Hello! I previously achieved Challenger rank on my server playing Xin Zhao. I decided to write this guide because I believe Xin Zhao is an excellent entry point for reaching high elo through the jungle role.

Why Choose Xin Zhao?

Simple Mechanics Mastery

You'll better understand jungle mechanics, get used to timings, and adapt to various game scenarios. No need to break your head over complex combos like Lee Sin or wait for the perfect Evelynn charm timing. Instead, you'll focus on strategy and match flow, which is paramount for a jungler.

Accessibility

This champion allows you to climb the ladder without deep mechanical knowledge in mid-tier elo. Basic understanding of jungle positioning, timings, and ganking fundamentals is sufficient.

Xin Zhao's Strengths

1v1 Dominance

Xin excels in both dueling and teamfights. His strong early game damage allows you to control neutral objectives and dominate skirmishes for territory.

Easy Ganking Mechanics

Simple mechanics for executing ganks
Not limited by long cooldowns after unsuccessful ganks
Interesting yet straightforward crowd control and gap-closing mechanics

Ally Protection

You can protect your ADC during teamfights using your ultimate (R). You can also bait enemies into wasting their ultimates on you, but timing your R activation is crucial.

Advanced Techniques

Lee Sin-Style Initiation

If desired, you can execute a flash behind + ultimate combo similar to Lee Sin. The closer you are to your target, the further they'll be knocked back. Additionally, you'll gain temporary invulnerability to ranged attacks and create chaos in the enemy team.

Mobility Through Monsters

To quickly exit teamfights, escape on low health, or rapidly traverse obstacles to help an ally, use W on a jungle monster and execute E dash with increased range.

W Extension Technique

To extend W to maximum range, hold W and immediately flash. This gives you instant W range extension equal to your flash distance. This trick allows you to:

Finish off unsuspecting enemies
Land W when opponents thought you couldn't reach
Quickly dash with extended E range, even if the enemy flashes afterward

Gameplay Versatility

Xin is relatively simple in the jungle and has no severe counters with proper item choices in late game. You can:

Try any strategies
Play aggressively at all game stages
Contest neutral objectives
Invade enemy jungle
Lane sit and provide support
Set up ambushes and counter-ganks

Additional resources used (stats, builds): https://champsight.com/

Xin Zhao is the perfect champion for learning the jungle role and achieving high rank. His ease of learning and versatility make him an excellent choice for players who want to focus on macro gameplay rather than complex mechanics.