Zac vs Poppy JUNGLE Matchup Guide | LaneStomp

Back to matchup selector

Champion

Opponent

RoleGenerate matchup

Zac

VS

Jungle

Poppy

Zac vs Poppy

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Overview

Zac must avoid early river duels and invades, focusing on protecting camps and using fog and walls for ganks to bypass Poppy's anti-dash tools.
This matchup favors Zac's scaling tank engage and long-range (E) ganks to create objective fights after surviving early pressure.
Zac should leverage his high gank threat and objective control to outmaneuver Poppy's strong early invade and terrain-based dueling.

Jungle Plan

Prioritize pathing toward lanes vulnerable to Zac's long-range (E) ganks, using fog and wall angles to bypass (W) anti-dash.
Avoid early invades before level 6; instead, focus on stable clears and vision control to prepare for objective fights.
Use Zac's engage and frontline durability to lead objective turns around dragon and Rift Herald once scaling and team follow-up are secured.

Danger windows

Zac is vulnerable to early invades and isolated river fights before level 6 due to Poppy's strong dueling and anti-dash abilities.
Avoid forced smite fights early, especially near walls where Poppy can stun and disengage effectively.
Be cautious when lanes lack priority, as Poppy can leverage terrain and (W) to punish Zac's engages or counter-ganks.

Early game

Start with a full clear or a defensive path away from Poppy to avoid early invade risk and maintain health.
Contest first Scuttle only if nearby lanes have priority to support counter-ganks against Poppy's early pressure.
Delay river fights until Zac has levels and vision advantage; avoid isolated skirmishes near walls where Poppy excels.

Power spikes

Level 6 is a major spike: Zac's (R) enables impactful engage and disruption, allowing him to initiate objective fights safely.
Poppy's level 6 (R) can deny or reset fights; Zac must bait it before committing to key engages.
Zac's tank scaling after first major item enhances frontline presence, enabling stronger objective control and teamfight initiation.

Win conditions

Survive early clears and invades, then use long-range (E) ganks to create tempo and force lane priority.
Translate gank pressure into objective control by leading teamfights with (R) and durable frontline presence.
Deny Poppy access to key objectives by vision control and counter-jungling once Zac reaches scaling breakpoints.