Facing Maokai in Jungle: Complete Counter Guide

Maokai's strongest jungle counters:

• Rek'Sai
• Shyvana
• Yorick
• Taliyah
• Zed
• Kindred
• Bel'Veth
• Gwen
• Elise
• Jax

Early Game Strategy

• Track Maokai's movements with vision near jungle entrances to spot his ganking patterns
• Watch for hidden Saplings (E) in bushes, especially near jungle entrances
• Contest objectives early - Maokai struggles to solo Dragon or Rift Herald

Mid-Game Counter Tips

• Avoid enclosed jungle spaces where his Ultimate (R) is most effective
• Keep distance when sieging to prevent W isolation plays
• Ward side paths to spot potential flanking attempts
• Split your team formation when you see his Ultimate approach

Key Power Spike Windows

1. Early ganking phase (Level 3+)
2. First item completion (significant tank spike)
3. Team fight phase (Ultimate power spike)

Combat Tactics

• Fight in open areas to minimize Ultimate impact
• Spread out during team fights to reduce CC chain potential
• Invade his jungle early before he becomes too tanky
• Focus on securing objectives when Maokai shows on opposite side of map

Vision Control

• Deep ward jungle entrances
• Maintain vision on side lanes to spot roams
• Place control wards in common flank paths
• Keep river bushes warded to spot Ultimate initiations

Remember: Maokai excels in team fights and pick scenarios but struggles in isolated 1v1 encounters and objective control. Use this to your advantage by forcing favorable fight locations and timing your engagements around his cooldowns.

Related Articles

Previous Articles