Darius vs Xin Zhao JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Darius

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Xin Zhao

Darius vs Xin Zhao

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Overview

Darius must leverage his strong early dueling and pull threat to contest Xin Zhao's river control and invade attempts.
Focus on denying Xin Zhao jungle tempo by aggressive counter-jungling and objective control to snowball early leads.

Jungle Plan

Contest the first Scuttle aggressively only when nearby lanes can assist or move first to avoid isolated fights.
Invade Xin Zhao's jungle camps before his level 3 spike to force him into unfavorable fights and deny camps.
Prioritize early dragon and Rift Herald control by leveraging superior dueling and vision around river objectives.

Danger windows

Xin Zhao's level 3 with (E) and (Q) up creates high threat for early river duels; avoid isolated fights without lane support.
Be cautious during low-health clears or forced smite fights where Xin Zhao can capitalize on Darius's low mobility.
Avoid fighting objectives when Xin Zhao's ultimate (R) is active, as it zones out ranged follow-up and isolates Darius.

Early game

Prioritize a fast, healthy first clear to hit level 3 and contest the first Scuttle crab before Xin Zhao arrives.
Avoid full clears without lane priority or vision, as Xin Zhao can punish greedy paths with early duels.
Use early river vision and lane priority to safely invade or counter-invade Xin Zhao's jungle camps.

Power spikes

Level 6 unlocks Darius's execute (R), enabling lethal extended trades and reset potential; stack passive before committing.
Completing first bruiser item increases durability and damage, allowing longer fights and better survival against Xin Zhao's burst.
Respect Xin Zhao's level 3 spike with (E) and (Q) by only contesting Scuttle with lane priority or avoiding direct 1v1 fights.

Win conditions

Convert early jungle tempo into securing first dragon and Rift Herald by controlling river vision and denying Xin Zhao's access.
Use superior dueling to invade and steal camps when Xin Zhao overextends or lacks lane priority.
Leverage level 6 execute and passive stacks to force kills or summoner spells, snowballing side lanes and enabling objective control.