Xin Zhao vs Darius JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Xin Zhao

VS

Jungle

Darius

Xin Zhao vs Darius

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Overview

Xin Zhao's early dueling and river control allow him to contest Scuttle and force fights before Darius can leverage his all-in power.
Prioritize early aggression and objective control to snowball and deny Darius the chance to scale into extended trades.

Jungle Plan

Use early clears that preserve health to maintain pressure on river and contest first Scuttle when lane priority allows.
Invade Darius's jungle before his item spikes to deny farm and force fights on your terms.
Coordinate with lanes to control vision around dragon and Rift Herald for easier objective setups and counter-ganks.

Danger windows

Be cautious when (E) pull and (R) execute are up, especially in isolated river skirmishes.
Avoid fights when lanes cannot assist or when health is low after clears to reduce risk of being collapsed on.
Respect moments when nearby lanes lose priority, as Darius can capitalize on numbers advantage for forced fights.

Early game

Start with a path that secures first Scuttle or a nearby lane with strong setup to capitalize on Xin Zhao's level 3 dueling power.
Contest river vision aggressively when nearby lanes have priority to enable safe invades or counter-ganks.
Avoid extended fights if outnumbered or when health is low to prevent being collapsed on by Darius and his laners.

Power spikes

Level 3 unlocks full kit, enabling Xin Zhao to force direct river fights and punish greedy clears.
Level 6 grants (R) for zone control, improving objective fights and isolating Darius from ranged follow-up.
First fighter item increases dueling strength, allowing Xin Zhao to pressure objectives and invade more confidently.

Win conditions

Convert early river control and level 3 strength into securing first dragon and Rift Herald with lane priority.
Use (R) zone control to isolate Darius during objective fights and prevent his team from assisting.
Deny Darius farm and scaling by invading pre-item spikes and forcing fights before he reaches full power.