Skarner thrives by controlling terrain-heavy river zones to leverage (E) wall pin and (R) suppression for ganks and objective fights.
Prioritize terrain-based ganks and objective frontlining to outmaneuver Poppy's anti-dash tools and deny her from isolating targets.
Jungle Plan
Path camps toward wall-heavy lanes to maximize (E) stun setups and gank threat against Poppy's limited mobility.
Contest Scuttle only when your lanes can collapse first, using vision and terrain to avoid Poppy's counter-invades.
Use suppression (R) to isolate priority targets during objective setups, denying Poppy's ability to disrupt fights with (R) knockaway.
Danger windows
Be wary of early invade attempts around level 3 when Poppy can punish overextensions with (E) wall stun combined with (W) dash denial.
Avoid isolated river fights without lane priority as (R) knockaway can reset fights and deny smite control.
Low-health clears or forced smite contests near walls increase risk of Poppy's counter-engage; maintain vision and avoid face-checking.
Early game
Start with a reliable full clear to reach level 3 and contest the first Scuttle when nearby lanes have priority.
Hold river choke points before dragon and Herald to leverage terrain control and punish Poppy's less mobile pathing.
Avoid extended fights in open jungle areas where (W) dash denial and (E) wall stun are strongest.
Power spikes
Level 6 unlocks (R) suppression, enabling Skarner to secure picks and force favorable objective fights; bait (R) before committing.
First completed tank item enhances Skarner's frontline durability and objective control, allowing sustained pressure against Poppy's engage.
Mid to late game scaling improves Skarner's teamfight utility and suppression threat, outvaluing Poppy's mid-tier scaling.
Win conditions
Convert terrain control into successful ganks by using (E) wall pin and (R) suppression to lock down priority targets.
Dominate objective setups by holding river chokes and using frontline tanking to deny (R) disengage.
Leverage superior scaling and suppression in teamfights to isolate and remove key threats, securing dragon and Herald control through vision and pressure.
Tip: For Skarner vs Poppy, read overview, trading pattern, and danger windows first for a fast Jungle lane check.
