I play Kindred pretty regularly, so here are some tips I can give you.
Runes: I like to go for a burst build, so when i gank all i have to do is E, AA-Q-AA and I usually secure a kill.
Press the Attack -> Triumph -> Legend: Alarcrity -> Coup de Grace.
I also tend to bait enemies to fighting in the river. Kindred’s early game Damage is ridiculous, so picking early fights while the enemy is disadvantaged is good.
Absolute Focus -> Waterwalking.
Build:
I go for Warrior, into Berserker’s. Then, if I am very fed, I buy IE. Otherwise, I buy a BF sword and start getting rapid fire cannon. If you don’t have IE already, buy it. I buy stattik after to make my AA-Q-AA burst pop more. The last item is up to preference. Most of the time I go for Black Cleaver, but sometimes I go for Lifesteal.
Abilities:
I take W first, then Q, then E. I max Q for the reduced Cooldown and damage, then W, then E. Very rarely if I am ahead I will max E second, but it is usually better to max W.
Pathing:
Start with the bot-side buff (and have your top side warded). If starting on the blue side. Take kruggs, then make your way to the market scuttle crab. If on red side, take gromp, bot scuttle, then top scuttle (before red buff). Continue taking camps where convenient. However, stay away from the raptors before you get your completed jungle item as they can really mess you up.
Marks: Take all safe marks. If a mark is safe (aka bot is visible and jg is top side) then go for it. If a mark is not safe, either leave it alone, or prepare to ambush the enemy jungler mid clear, to get a kill and a camp.
When Marking champions, use the mark to:
- Zone off enemy laners who are pushing hard.
- Right before a gank to ensure an extra mark.
Dueling: You are ranged, and thus abuse it. You should pretty easily win 1v1’s against sluggish junglers. If picking a fight, try to do it as the enemy is clearing a dangerous jungle camp (kruggs or raptors). Then they are taking a lot of damage, and you have the opportunity to burst them down.
Late game: Group with your team. You are a super hyper carry ADC, as well as an assassin. If the enemy ADC overextends even a little, you should be able to AA-Q them (with the help of Rapidfire Cannon) and half-health them. In teamfights, always target the closest enemy. Overextending with kindred always spells certain death (usually even through your ult).
. Kindred just lags behind. Since most jg champs counter kindred pretty hard it is tough to get marks. Kindred just feels weak and slow right now. They don't really have the ability to 1 v 1 to contest other junglers for early marks either. Can we get some kindred buffs!?!?!? Maybe a kindred skin? Or just some QOL changes so they can clear a bit faster and keep up with other junglers? They seem to be a very niche champion right now that is only strong in very specific matchups.
