From runes to items, gameplay tips amd more, we've put together a guide to help you master playing Hecarim in the jungle in League of Legends.
Be mindful that there are several ways to build and play a champion, and you'll need to be adaptable as the game and the enemy team progress.
That said, this guide is a good starting point to helping you get to grips with the champion and making an impact in your games.
Runes
Core Items
Build
Divine Sunderer is a great item for Hecarim, offering damage and armor penetration. The ability haste isn't bad, either.
Sterak's Gage is a key item for survivability, especially as you'll be engaging a lot.
Other good items include Death's Dance for the damage output and added survivability, while Dead Man's Plate is almost a necessity for Hecarim's engages.
Starting Item & Boots
Skill Order
While your choices may differ according to how the game progresses, the typical Hecarim skill priority is:
R > Q > E > W
Summoner Spells
These are the summoner spells most typically taken by Hecarim in this role. Naturally, this may change depending on match-ups.
Gameplay
Hecarim has great jungle clear and sustain, allowing him to stay out for long periods before backing. Your aim will be to surprise enemies in lane through high-speed ganks, almost bullying lanes.
- Level 1 - Take Q - Rampage, for faster jungle clear.
- Level 2 - Take W - Spirit of Dread, for sustain when clearing camps with multiple monsters such as Raptors or Wolves.
- First Back - Aim for boots on first back, to aid in spamming abilities during jungle clear.
Tips & Tricks
- Rampage has its cooldown reduced if it connects with an enemy. Spam this ability on jungle monsters to clear them quickly, but be mindful of mana drain.
- Spirit of Dread heals more effectively when used on multiple enemies at once, such as Wolves or Raptors. However, its effect is reduced on minions and neutral camps.
- Devastating Charge will allow you to to jump over a wall if an enemy is on the other side, such as the wall separating Gromp from the toplane.
- Use Onslaught of Shadows during Devastating Charge from behind enemies to push them towards your allies.
- You can use Flash cleverly during Onslaught of Shadows to fear enemies not directly in range.
