Use (R) to protect side-lane allies and convert pressure into map advantages while avoiding prolonged river fights against Xin Zhao's strong early dueling.
Prioritize controlled jungle pathing to contest river objectives and respond quickly to Xin Zhao's early pressure without overextending.
Jungle Plan
Fight for early river Scuttle when lane priority favors you, using (E) taunt to disrupt Xin Zhao's invade or counter-jungle attempts.
Use (R) to convert side-lane pressure into objective setups around dragon or Rift Herald when Xin Zhao commits to extended fights.
Track Xin Zhao's pathing to anticipate gank angles and be ready to counter-gank or force him off camps with empowered (Q) trades and taunts.
Danger windows
Xin Zhao's level 3 with (E) and (Q) ready creates a high-risk invade and river fight window; avoid isolated 1v1s without lane support.
Forced smite fights around early dragon or Rift Herald are dangerous when (R) is active; respect his zone control and avoid overcommitting.
Low-health clears or pathing far from lanes increase vulnerability to Xin Zhao's early dueling and counter-jungling pressure.
Early game
Start with a three-camp clear that allows early Scuttle contest while preserving health to avoid Xin Zhao's level 3 invade spike.
Avoid full clears that leave you vulnerable; path near lanes with priority to enable counter-ganks.
Contest first Scuttle only if nearby lanes have priority to support river control and reduce risk of Xin Zhao's aggressive engages.
Power spikes
Level 3 unlocks your full short trade kit; use empowered (Q) and (E) taunt to punish Xin Zhao's early river moves.
Level 6 (R) enables global plays and objective control; prepare side-lane waves before using (R) to avoid losing tempo.
First tank item spike increases durability, allowing you to absorb Xin Zhao's burst and engage more confidently in short trades.
Win conditions
Convert successful (E) taunts and empowered (Q) trades into objective control by coordinating with lane priority around dragon and Rift Herald.
Use (R) to shield key allies and turn skirmishes into numbers advantages, then leverage map tempo to counter-jungle Xin Zhao.
Track Xin Zhao's pathing to deny him free farm and punish overextensions with quick taunts and disengages, limiting his early snowball potential.
Tip: For Shen vs Xin Zhao, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Jungle lane check.
