Prioritize full clears early to leverage Karthus's superior clear speed and avoid early river fights where Nocturne's dueling and gank threat spike at level 6.
Focus on scaling through efficient farming and using (R) to influence fights globally rather than early skirmishes.
Avoid early invades unless lanes have priority to support, as Karthus is vulnerable to Nocturne's level 6 all-in and spell shield.
Jungle Plan
Full clear camps efficiently to hit level 6 and item spikes before contesting objectives or fighting.
Contest Scuttle only when lanes can support and avoid direct fights in river without vision to prevent Nocturne's spell shield and fear advantage.
Use (R) to punish low-health enemies after skirmishes and leverage global damage to assist lanes and secure objectives.
Danger windows
Early game river fights and invades before Karthus completes full clear are high risk due to Nocturne's dueling and spell shield.
Forced smite fights on dragon or Rift Herald without vision control can lead to losing objectives.
Low-health clears or overextended camps increase vulnerability to Nocturne's level 6 all-ins and counter-jungling attempts.
Early game
Start with a full clear path that avoids early river entrances to minimize risk from Nocturne's medium invade resistance.
Delay contesting first Scuttle unless nearby lanes have clear priority and vision control to prevent multi-lane collapse.
Track Nocturne's pathing to anticipate his level 6 and prepare for potential cross-map ganks or objective plays.
Power spikes
Level 6: Use (R) to impact fights globally and finish low-health enemies; avoid extended fights before this spike.
First AP item: Cycle camps quickly to convert farming lead into stronger objective damage and teamfight presence.
Respect Nocturne's level 6 spike when he gains (R) for cross-map picks and increased gank threat; avoid isolated river fights post-6.
Win conditions
Convert fast full clears and item spikes into objective control by securing vision and avoiding risky river fights.
Use (R) to assist lanes and punish overextended or low-health enemies after skirmishes.
Deny Nocturne early tempo by tracking his path, counter-ganking effectively, and forcing him into teamfights where Karthus's sustained damage excels.
Tip: For Karthus vs Nocturne, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Jungle lane check.
