Karthus vs Volibear JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Champion

Opponent

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Karthus

VS

Jungle

Volibear

Karthus vs Volibear

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Prioritize full clears to leverage Karthus's superior clear speed and avoid early river confrontations with Volibear.
Focus on scaling through efficient camp cycling and avoid early duels where Volibear's early pressure and durability dominate.

Jungle Plan

Cycle camps quickly to hit level 6 and item spikes before contesting objectives or river control.
Contest Scuttle Crab only when lanes have priority and Volibear is not nearby to force fights.
Use (R) to influence fights globally after skirmishes lower enemy health, rather than direct early fights or invades.

Danger windows

Early levels, especially around level 3, when Volibear can force fights with his stun and healing; avoid isolated river fights during this window.
Low-health clears or forced smite fights near dragon or Scuttle Crab where Volibear's early objective control and dueling power can overwhelm.
When Volibear has (R) available, avoid defending low-health lanes alone under tower to prevent lethal dives or forced recalls.

Early game

Start with a full clear path away from river entrances vulnerable to Volibear's early invade and level 3 fight potential.
Avoid contesting first Scuttle Crab unless nearby lanes have priority and can assist in counter-ganks.
Use wards to track Volibear's path and ping lanes to prepare for counter-ganks or avoid early river skirmishes.

Power spikes

Level 6 (R) grants global damage; maintain farming tempo and use (R) to finish low-health enemies after fights.
First AP item spike enhances clear speed and objective damage; use this to cycle camps faster and reach objectives before Volibear.
Respect Volibear's level 6 (R) dive threat and his first bruiser item spike that increases his durability and fight sustain.

Win conditions

Convert fast full clears and item spikes into early objective control by arriving first and using vision to avoid Volibear's early river pressure.
Use (R) to punish low-health enemies after skirmishes and secure kills or assists without direct confrontation.
Focus on scaling into late game where Karthus's global damage and objective-area sustained DPS outvalue Volibear's early brawl strength.