Nocturne vs Zed JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Nocturne

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Jungle

Zed

Nocturne vs Zed

Updated Jun 4, 2026

Overview

Prioritize full clears to hit level 6 on schedule and unlock your global pressure with (R).
Use (R) to punish overextended lanes and create objective advantages through picks rather than blind river fights.

Jungle Plan

Path camps to reach level 6 before committing to fights, then use (R) for cross-map picks and objective trades.
Fight for Scuttle Crab only when your lanes have priority to secure river control and deny Zed vision.
Track Zed's position to counter-gank his early pressure and punish his vulnerability before his lethality item spike.

Danger windows

Avoid isolated river fights before level 6 when your (W) and (E) are on cooldown and Zed can burst you down.
Beware of forced smite fights around dragon or Herald if Zed's ultimate is available and lanes lack priority.
Respect multi-lane collapse scenarios where Zed's mobility and burst can overwhelm you without support.

Early game

Start with a full clear path to reach level 6 quickly and maintain objective access.
Contest first Scuttle only if nearby lanes have priority to avoid multi-lane collapses.
Avoid early river skirmishes without spell shield ready, as Zed's burst combo can punish you before (W) is up.

Power spikes

Reach level 6 to unlock (R) and turn side lanes into pick opportunities; use (W) to block Zed's key spells in duels.
Respect Zed's level 3 combo ((W)+(E)+(Q)) as it enables his poke and all-in; avoid extended fights before you have (W) ready.
After Zed completes his first lethality item, tighten wave control and punish his cooldowns to mitigate his increased damage.

Win conditions

Use efficient full clears to hit level 6 first, then leverage (R) for picks that create numbers advantages on dragon and Rift Herald.
Deny Zed free farm and scaling by tracking his jungle path and counter-jungling when lanes have priority.
Convert pick pressure into objective control and force Zed into unfavorable teamfights where your dueling and spell shield excel.