Karthus vs Jarvan IV JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Karthus

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Jungle

Jarvan IV

Karthus vs Jarvan IV

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Prioritize full clears and avoid early fights to leverage Karthus's superior clear speed and scaling potential.
Manage vision and path away from Jarvan IV's early gank angles to reduce risk of early disruption.

Jungle Plan

Focus on cycling camps efficiently to reach level 6 and first AP item faster than Jarvan IV.
Track Jarvan IV's pathing and be ready to counter-gank when he commits to early ganks.
Use vision control around dragon and Herald to contest objectives safely and punish Jarvan IV's engage attempts.

Danger windows

Early game before level 6, (E)+(Q) combo enables strong gank threat; avoid isolated river fights.
Post-level 6, (R) can trap Karthus in objective pits; maintain vision and avoid overextension.
Low-health clears or forced smite fights are risky due to Jarvan IV's engage and frontline presence; back off when vulnerable.

Early game

Start with a full clear toward safe camps to maximize tempo and avoid early Jarvan IV invades.
Contest first Scuttle only if nearby lanes have priority to support and Jarvan IV's engage combo is on cooldown.
Avoid river entrances without vision to prevent Jarvan IV's level 2-3 gank setups.

Power spikes

At level 6, use (R) to influence fights globally and finish low-health enemies after skirmishes.
After first AP item, leverage faster clear speed and stronger damage to pressure objectives and force Jarvan IV to play cautiously.
Respect Jarvan IV's level 2-3 engage combo ((E)+(Q)) and level 6 lockdown (R) to avoid lethal ganks or forced fights.

Win conditions

Convert faster full clears and item spikes into early dragon and Rift Herald control with vision denial.
Use (R) to secure kills or assist skirmishes after Jarvan IV commits, punishing his overextensions.
Maintain tempo by counter-ganking and tracking Jarvan IV's engages to deny his early snowball and scale into late-game global damage.