Xin Zhao vs Graves JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Xin Zhao

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Jungle

Graves

Xin Zhao vs Graves

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Overview

Xin Zhao's early dueling and objective control let him contest river and punish Graves's full clears before Graves builds tempo.
Prioritize early river fights and counter-ganks to limit Graves's scaling and invade opportunities.

Jungle Plan

Secure first Scuttle when nearby lanes have priority to deny Graves vision and tempo.
Invade Graves early if you spot him on predictable paths or after he commits to a full clear without lane cover.
Use counter-ganks aggressively when Graves attempts early river pressure or invades, leveraging your strong dueling and knockup.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Graves has (E) dash and (R) burst available, especially if nearby lanes cannot assist in river fights.
Avoid isolated river skirmishes without vision or lane priority, as Graves can kite and punish overextensions.
Low-health clears or forced smite fights before level 6 increase risk; maintain health and vision to mitigate Graves's counterplay.

Early game

Start pathing toward first Scuttle or a lane with strong setup to leverage Xin Zhao's level 3 dueling power.
Avoid extended fights if Graves can kite beyond your cooldowns or if nearby lanes cannot assist in river control.
Use health-preserving clears to maintain presence for early river contests and ganks.

Power spikes

Level 3 unlocks your full kit, enabling you to force direct river fights and punish Graves's weaker early clears.
Level 6 (R) enhances objective control and survivability, letting you isolate Graves or protect setups against his burst.
First completed fighter item increases your dueling strength, allowing more aggressive counter-jungling and objective fights.

Win conditions

Convert early river control and strong level 3 dueling into securing first dragon and Rift Herald before Graves scales.
Use (R) to zone Graves and his team during objective fights, denying his ranged follow-up and forcing favorable engagements.
Punish Graves's full clears or invades without lane cover by invading or counter-jungling to deny his scaling and tempo leads.