Xin Zhao vs Nocturne JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Xin Zhao

VS

Jungle

Nocturne

Xin Zhao vs Nocturne

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Overview

Xin Zhao excels at early river fights and can punish Nocturne's slower early clears by contesting Scuttle or invading.
Prioritize snowballing through early duels and objective control before Nocturne hits level 6 and his global pressure spikes.

Jungle Plan

Full clear efficiently but preserve health to contest first Scuttle or counter-invade when Nocturne commits to full clears.
Fight for river control and first dragon after securing lane priority to leverage Xin Zhao's strong early dueling and objective control.
Track Nocturne's pathing to anticipate his level 6 gank attempts and be ready to counter-gank or collapse with lanes.

Danger windows

Be cautious when Nocturne hits level 6 and can use (R) for global ganks, especially if lanes lack vision or priority.
Avoid isolated river fights without lane support, as Nocturne's fear (E) and spell shield (W) can turn duels against you.
Watch for multi-lane collapses on your position; Xin Zhao struggles against coordinated invades despite high invade resistance.

Early game

Start with a path that leads to an early Scuttle contest or a lane with reliable setup to maximize level 3 fighting power.
Avoid extended fights without lane priority since Nocturne can use his fear (E) and spell shield (W) to turn fights.
Use level 3 power spike to force fights or invade when nearby lanes can assist or move first.

Power spikes

Level 3 unlocks Xin Zhao's full kit with (E) gap close and (Q) knockup, enabling strong river fights; use this to contest Scuttle and invade.
Level 6 (R) provides zone control and survivability in objective fights; use it to isolate Nocturne or protect your team during dragon or Herald.
First fighter item completion enhances dueling power, so pressure Nocturne before he can scale into mid-game pick threat.

Win conditions

Convert early river control and successful counter-ganks into securing first dragon and Herald with lane priority.
Use strong dueling to deny Nocturne farm and delay his level 6 spike, limiting his pick potential.
Leverage (R) in objective fights to zone Nocturne and his team, enabling safer setups and teamfight advantages before mid-game scaling.