Darius vs Zed JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Darius

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Jungle

Zed

Darius vs Zed

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Overview

Darius's early agency and lane pressure allow him to bully Zed before level 6 and deny his free farm.
This matchup is a snowball race where Darius must force extended trades to stack passive and punish Zed's lower mobility.

Jungle Plan

Prioritize full clears that enable early Scuttle crab contest when nearby lanes have priority.
Look to counter-invade or contest camps when Zed shows on opposite side or after his first clear.
Use river control and lane priority to set up ganks and force Zed into extended fights where passive stacks and (E) pull can be applied.

Danger windows

Avoid isolated river fights or forced Smite contests when Zed has lane priority or level 6 ultimate available.
Be cautious during low-health clears where Zed can capitalize on Darius's low mobility and burst potential.
Watch for Zed's all-in window immediately after his (W)+(E) combo and ultimate availability.

Early game

Focus on early jungle clears that allow quick pathing to river for Scuttle control before Zed can contest.
Avoid fighting Zed directly before level 3 when his combo unlocks, instead prioritize counter-ganking lanes with priority.
Use vision control around river to secure Scuttle and deny Zed early objective access.

Power spikes

Level 6 unlocks (R) execute, enabling Darius to turn extended trades into kills; stack passive before committing.
First bruiser item completion increases Darius's durability and damage, allowing longer fights and better punishment of missed (E).
Respect Zed's level 3 combo unlock and level 6 (R) to avoid lethal burst windows.

Win conditions

Convert early jungle tempo and Scuttle control into objective pressure around dragon and Rift Herald.
Use superior dueling and extended trade potential to deny Zed farm and force him off camps.
Leverage gank pressure and counter-ganks to snowball lanes and secure side-lane dominance for Darius's all-in resets.