AD Jungle Maokai?

RookPusher·Mar 26, 2015·1 votes·580 views

I generally build all tank Maokai in the jungle. (CH, SV, NT, WM) and with the final two items I've been experimenting. RoA in some instances. Ice Gauntlets less so. Usually I build based on the enemy, but I'm wondering if there's any benefit to taking a Hydra. The Lifesteal, the regen, the AoE...Just curious if anyone's tried it and if they like it.

And since he has a high AD start-point, would it make more sense to take some AD early? Since he's basically all kit, I assume some AD might help with early ganks, no?

Just doing some blue-sky theorycrafting.

3 Comments

youngjake93Mar 26, 20152 votes

Technically his high base AD means he would benefit more from attack speed than AD. I think most Maokais run hybrid pen or attack speed marks. His base damages are really good for mid-game, so you don't really need offensive items on top of the runes. Late game, you don't really need to do damage. Just jump on things and let your carries blow them up instantly. If you get caught out, don't duel and just walk over to your team. You're probs not gonna die as a full tank tree.

Hydra probably isn't worthwhile. I would rather get a lil AP from ROA to insta clear camps.

EndlessSorcererMar 26, 20151 votes

I find that tank-utility items are more useful on Maokai than damage in most situations.

If you happen to get fed, I find that Haunting Guise -> Liandry's Torment is the best damage item to purchase. You have CC on all of your abilities for the double damage, you have high base damage for the magic pen, and it gives you a bit more health. Liandry's Torment is great for siege situations, since it adds a lot of damage to your Sapling poke when everyone is dancing around eachother.

Iceborn Gauntlet is another viable option for trading or chunking squishy targets, but I find that Liandry's Torment is more generally useful.

I find that a good jungle build is something like: item 3117 or item 3047 or item 3111 , item 3717 or item 3725 , item 3136 (Optional), item 3110 , item 3190 or item 3065 , item 3151 , item 3143 or item 3075

However, I typically play him top lane, so take this with a grain of salt.

Also, I'm kinda of curious. What is NT?

CH = Cinderhulk SV = Spirit Visage WM = Warmog's Armor or Warden's Mail NT = ? Nashor's Tooth ?

RookPusherMar 26, 20151 votes

{quoted}

I find that tank-utility items are more useful on Maokai than damage in most situations.

If you happen to get fed, I find that Haunting Guise -> Liandry's Torment is the best damage item to purchase. You have CC on all of your abilities for the double damage, you have high base damage for the magic pen, and it gives you a bit more health. Liandry's Torment is great for siege situations, since it adds a lot of damage to your Sapling poke when everyone is dancing around eachother.

Iceborn Gauntlet is another viable option for trading or chunking squishy targets, but I find that Liandry's Torment is more generally useful.

I find that a good jungle build is something like: or or , or , (Optional), , or , , or

However, I typically play him top lane, so take this with a grain of salt.

Also, I'm kinda of curious. What is NT?

CH = Cinderhulk SV = Spirit Visage WM = Warmog's Armor or Warden's Mail NT = ? Nashor's Tooth ?