League of Legends S12: Hecarim Jungle Build Guide

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

Divine Sunderer

3300 Gold

Sterak's Gage

3100 Gold

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

Refillable Potion

150 Gold

Jungle Item

350 Gold

Ionian Boots of Lucidity

950 Gold

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.