Poppy vs Xin Zhao JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Poppy

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Jungle

Xin Zhao

Poppy vs Xin Zhao

Updated Jun 5, 2026

Overview

Use Poppy's strong early dueling and terrain control to contest river and punish Xin Zhao's dash engages.
Prioritize denying Xin Zhao early Scuttle and invade when nearby lanes can collapse to support.
This is a snowball-style jungle duel where Poppy must leverage anti-dash tools and objective control to outpace Xin Zhao.

Jungle Plan

Path for early river control and look to invade Xin Zhao when your lanes can collapse first.
Use (W) to deny (E) dash and (E) to stun him against walls during skirmishes.
Prioritize early dragon and Rift Herald control, using (R) to isolate Xin Zhao or disrupt his objective attempts.

Danger windows

Respect Xin Zhao's level 3 when he has (E) and (Q) available for strong early dueling.
Beware isolated river fights where (R) zones out ranged follow-up and enables his team.
Avoid low-health clears or forced smite fights where Xin Zhao can capitalize on his dueling advantage.

Early game

Start with a three-camp clear into early gank or invade when walls create reliable stun angles.
Contest first Scuttle only if nearby lanes have priority to assist in fights or counter-invades.
Avoid extended fights without terrain advantage since Xin Zhao's level 3 duel is very strong and can punish overcommitments.

Power spikes

At level 3, use your full kit to punish Xin Zhao's early river fights by leveraging (W) and (E) near terrain.
After first tank item, hold (W) to absorb Xin Zhao's engages and extend your frontline presence in fights.
At level 6, use (R) to disengage or remove Xin Zhao from objective fights, forcing him to respect your control.

Win conditions

Convert early river control and successful invades into securing first dragon and Rift Herald.
Use (W) and (E) to punish Xin Zhao's engages and deny him access to your carries during teamfights.
Track Xin Zhao's pathing to counter-gank effectively and deny his scaling by controlling jungle tempo and objectives.