Xin Zhao vs Taliyah JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

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Xin Zhao

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Jungle

Taliyah

Xin Zhao vs Taliyah

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Overview

Use Xin Zhao's strong early dueling and level 3 power to contest river scuttle and deny Taliyah early jungle tempo.
Prioritize direct river fights where (E) can stick and (Q) knockup extends trades to punish Taliyah's medium dueling and anti-dash tools.
Manage objective control by leveraging (R) for zone control to isolate Taliyah during dragon and Herald fights.

Jungle Plan

Full clear efficiently to preserve health for early river fights and ganks around level 3.
Fight for first Scuttle Crab when nearby lanes can move first to secure river control and deny Taliyah's map pressure.
Track Taliyah's pathing to counter-gank her early ganks, especially when she uses (R) to roam.

Danger windows

When Taliyah has (E) and (W) up in river choke points, avoid forced isolated fights as she can displace and slow Xin Zhao.
Early game when Taliyah uses (R) to create numbers advantage around objectives or side lanes.
Low-health clears or forced smite fights where Taliyah's poke and displacement can punish overcommitment.

Early game

Start pathing toward first Scuttle Crab to contest or secure priority before Taliyah arrives.
Avoid extended fights if Taliyah has lane priority and vision control, as she can use (W) and (E) to punish overextensions.
Use level 3 power spike to invade or counter-invade camps when nearby lanes have priority and can assist.

Power spikes

Level 3: Full kit unlocks strong dueling and knockup, enabling Xin Zhao to force river fights and invade Taliyah's jungle.
Level 6: (R) provides zone control and survivability, making objective fights easier and allowing isolation of Taliyah.
First fighter item: Increases dueling power to deny Taliyah's scaling and secure early objectives.

Win conditions

Convert early river control and level 3 dueling strength into securing first dragon and Rift Herald with lane priority.
Use (R) zone control to isolate Taliyah in objective fights and deny her poke follow-up.
Punish Taliyah's cooldowns on (W) and (E) by forcing extended fights and counter-jungling before she scales.