Nocturne is a champion that thrives in the shadows, making him a unique and exciting pick in the jungle. Mastering how to play Nocturne can turn the tide of battles in your favor, especially with his ability to strike fear into the hearts of enemies. In this guide, we’ll break down his abilities, optimal builds, and strategies to help you dominate the game. Whether you’re new to Nocturne or looking to refine your skills, this comprehensive guide has got you covered.
Key Takeaways
- Understand Nocturne’s abilities to maximize your impact in fights.
- Choose the right build and runes to enhance your playstyle.
- Develop effective jungle pathing to secure early game advantages.
- Use Nocturne’s ultimate wisely to catch enemies off-guard during team fights.
- Maintain good vision control to leverage Nocturne’s strengths.
Understanding Nocturne’s Abilities
Nocturne is a scary champion, especially if you don’t know what he can do. Let’s break down each of his abilities so you can better understand how to play him, and how to play against him.
Passive: Umbra Blades
Nocturne’s passive, Umbra Blades, is what gives him sustain and damage in the jungle. Every 10 seconds, Nocturne’s next basic attack strikes nearby enemies for bonus physical damage and heals him. This is reduced to 5 seconds when Nocturne hits an enemy champion with an ability. Understanding this is key to maximizing his clear speed and sustain.
Q: Duskbringer
Duskbringer is Nocturne’s primary engage and damage tool. Nocturne throws a shadow blade that deals damage, leaves a Dusk Trail, and if it hits an enemy champion, Nocturne gains bonus movement speed and attack damage while on the trail. This ability is great for chasing down enemies or escaping a sticky situation. It’s also important for setting up ganks. You can use Duskbringer to close the gap and apply pressure.
W: Shroud of Darkness
Shroud of Darkness is Nocturne’s spell shield. Nocturne passively gains attack speed, but he can activate the ability to create a spell shield that blocks the next enemy ability. If he blocks an ability, he gains double the passive attack speed bonus. This is crucial for dodging key crowd control abilities or high-damage spells. It requires good timing and prediction to use effectively. Some players will try to bait out the spell shield before committing to a fight.
E: Unspeakable Horror
Unspeakable Horror is Nocturne’s fear. Nocturne places a tether on a target enemy, dealing magic damage over time. If the tether isn’t broken after a few seconds, the target is feared. This is a powerful tool for locking down enemies and setting up kills. It’s important to position yourself well to ensure the fear goes off.
R: Paranoia
Nocturne’s ultimate, Paranoia, is what makes him truly terrifying. Nocturne reduces the sight radius of all enemy champions and then can dash to a nearby enemy champion, dealing damage on impact. This ability allows Nocturne to gank from long distances and apply immense pressure to the map. Knowing when to use Paranoia is key to playing Nocturne effectively.
Mastering Nocturne involves understanding how his abilities synergize. Use Duskbringer to engage, Shroud of Darkness to block key abilities, Unspeakable Horror to lock down targets, and Paranoia to create global pressure. Practice these combos to become a formidable Nocturne player.
Optimal Build Paths for Nocturne
Alright, let’s talk about how to build Nocturne. There’s not just one way to do it, and it really depends on the game, what your team needs, and what the enemy team is doing. But, I can give you a solid starting point and some options to consider.
Core Items
Okay, so first things first, you need to get your hands on some core items. These are the items that you’ll pretty much want every game, no matter what. They give you the stats and abilities you need to be effective.
- Duskblade of Draktharr: This is a big one. The lethality, ability haste, and the Nightstalker passive are all amazing on Nocturne. It lets you burst down squishies and stay slippery.
- Black Cleaver: This item is great if the enemy team has some tanks or bruisers. The armor reduction helps your whole team deal more damage, and the health and ability haste are always welcome.
- Guardian Angel: This is a good item to pick up to be able to make riskier plays. It gives you a second chance in team fights, which can be game-changing.
Boots Options
Boots are important, but the right choice depends on the game. Here are a few options:
- Ionian Boots of Lucidity: If you want more ability haste, these are a solid pick. More ults, more fears, more everything.
- Mercury’s Treads: If the enemy team has a lot of crowd control (CC), these are a must. The tenacity will help you stay in the fight and not get locked down.
- Plated Steelcaps: If you’re up against a heavy AD comp, or they have a fed auto-attacker, these will help you survive.
Situational Items
This is where things get interesting. These items are all about adapting to the game.
- Edge of Night: Need to block a key spell? Edge of Night is your friend. It’s great against teams with hard engage or important skillshots.
- Maw of Malmortius: If you’re facing a lot of magic damage, this item can save your life. The magic resist and lifeline passive are super helpful.
- Sterak’s Gage: This is a good item if you’re getting focused in team fights. The shield can give you the extra survivability you need to stay alive and keep dealing damage.
Building Nocturne is all about finding the right balance between damage and survivability. You want to be able to burst down enemies, but you also need to be able to survive long enough to make an impact in team fights. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Runes and Masteries
For runes, Lethal Tempo is generally the way to go. It gives you a ton of attack speed after a few autos, which is great for dueling and taking down objectives. For your secondary runes, you can go Domination for sustain or Inspiration for utility. I usually go with Sudden Impact and Ravenous Hunter for the extra damage and healing. Remember to check Nocturne Builds for the most up-to-date rune setups, as things can change with patches and meta shifts.
Effective Jungle Pathing with Nocturne
Nocturne’s success hinges on a well-planned jungle route. A strong early game sets the stage for his mid-to-late game dominance. Efficient clearing and timely ganks are key to snowballing a lead. Let’s break down how to optimize your jungle pathing with the Eternal Nightmare.
Starting Route
Your initial path depends on the enemy jungler and lane matchups. However, a common and safe start involves:
- Red Buff: Start here for the early damage and sustain. Have your bot lane help you leash to conserve health.
- Krugs: Move to Krugs next. Use your Umbra Blades passive to help clear them quickly.
- Raptors: Raptors can be tricky early, but they provide good experience. Use Duskbringer to hit multiple birds at once.
- Wolves: Head towards your blue side and clear Wolves.
- Blue Buff: Take Blue Buff for mana sustain and cooldown reduction.
- Gromp: Finish your first clear with Gromp.
This route gets you to level 4 quickly, allowing you to look for an early gank or continue farming towards level 6. Remember to always keep an eye on the lanes and be ready to adapt your path if a gank opportunity arises.
Level 6 Power Spike
Nocturne’s level 6 is a game-changer. His ultimate, Paranoia, allows him to exert global pressure and pick off isolated targets. Once you hit level 6, your priority shifts to finding gank opportunities. Communicate with your team and look for lanes that are pushed up or have vulnerable targets. Don’t be afraid to use your ultimate aggressively to secure kills and objectives. Remember to track the enemy jungler’s position to avoid getting counter-ganked. You can find Jungle champion builds online to help you optimize your strategy.
Ganking Strategies
Effective ganking is crucial for Nocturne. Here are some tips:
- Utilize Paranoia: Coordinate with your laners before using your ultimate. Let them know when you’re coming so they can prepare to engage.
- Flank from Unexpected Angles: Don’t always gank from the river. Try going through the lane or using a control ward to find a hidden path.
- Fear the Right Target: Use Unspeakable Horror on the enemy carry or the laner with the least mobility.
- Follow Up with Duskbringer: After fearing your target, use Duskbringer to increase your damage and stick to them.
Remember that a failed gank can set you behind. If a gank doesn’t look promising, don’t force it. Instead, focus on farming and waiting for a better opportunity.
Counter-Ganking Techniques
Knowing when and how to counter-gank is just as important as ganking yourself. Pay attention to the enemy jungler’s movements and be ready to respond if they try to gank one of your lanes. Here’s how to counter-gank effectively with Nocturne:
- Track the Enemy Jungler: Use wards and vision to keep tabs on the enemy jungler’s location.
- Anticipate Ganks: If you see the enemy jungler heading towards a lane, start moving in that direction.
- Use Paranoia to Turn the Tide: If the enemy jungler ganks a lane, use your ultimate to quickly join the fight and turn the tables.
- Focus the Enemy Carry: In a counter-gank situation, prioritize taking down the enemy carry to minimize their damage output.
Mastering Nocturne’s Ultimate
Nocturne’s ultimate, Paranoia, is what makes him Nocturne! It’s not just a long-range gap closer; it’s a game-changer that can turn the tides of battle. Understanding how to use it effectively is key to mastering this champion. It’s more than just pressing R; it’s about timing, target selection, and coordination.
When to Use Paranoia
Knowing when to unleash Paranoia is crucial. Don’t just blindly jump in! Consider these factors:
- Enemy Positioning: Are they grouped up, or is there a lone, vulnerable target?
- Cooldowns: Are key enemy abilities on cooldown? If their escape tools are down, they’re easier to catch.
- Team Readiness: Is your team ready to follow up on your engage? A solo dive can be a disaster.
- Vision: Do you have vision of your target? Diving into the unknown is risky.
Paranoia is best used when you can isolate a high-value target, when the enemy team is out of position, or when you need to quickly rotate to an objective. Don’t waste it on a tank unless absolutely necessary.
Target Selection
Choosing the right target is just as important as timing. Here’s a quick guide:
- Squishy Carries: ADCs and mages are prime targets. Eliminating them quickly can cripple the enemy team.
- Isolated Targets: Anyone caught out of position is vulnerable. Punish their mistakes.
- Low-Health Enemies: Secure kills and snowball your lead.
Avoid diving into the middle of the entire enemy team unless you have a death wish. Focus on priority targets that you can eliminate quickly. Consider the optimal build paths to maximize your damage output.
Combining with Team Fights
Paranoia can be a powerful tool in team fights, but it requires coordination. Communicate with your team before you engage. Let them know who you’re targeting and when you’re going in. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Flanking: Use Paranoia to flank the enemy team and catch them off guard.
- Engaging: Initiate the fight by diving onto a key target.
- Disrupting: Scatter the enemy team and create chaos.
Counterplay to Paranoia
Even the best-laid plans can be foiled. Be aware of how enemies can counter your ultimate:
- Vision: Wards and control wards can reveal your approach, giving the enemy team time to react.
- Peel: Tanks and supports can protect their carries and prevent you from reaching your target.
- Crowd Control: Stuns, snares, and knock-ups can interrupt your dive and leave you vulnerable.
Always be mindful of potential threats and adjust your strategy accordingly. If the enemy team is heavily protecting their carries, consider focusing on disrupting their backline or peeling for your own team. Remember, adaptability is key to success.
Tips for Playing Nocturne in Different Matchups
Against Early Game Champions
Early game champs can be a real pain. You need to play smart and avoid direct confrontations before level 6 if possible. Focus on farming and getting your core items. If you do get caught in a fight, use your Shroud of Darkness (W) wisely to block key abilities. Remember, your goal is to scale into the mid-game where your ultimate can make a huge difference. Try to predict their movements and set up counter-ganks with your team.
Dealing with Burst Damage
Burst damage dealers are scary, but not unbeatable. Your W is your best friend here; time it perfectly to block their initial burst. Consider building items that provide some health or magic resist to survive their combos. Positioning is also key; don’t get caught out alone.
Handling Crowd Control
CC is Nocturne’s biggest weakness. Champions with lots of stuns, roots, or slows can shut you down hard. Buy Tenacity items like Mercury’s Treads or Legend: Tenacity rune to reduce the duration of CC effects. Try to bait out key CC abilities before engaging, or have your team peel for you.
Strategies Against Tanks
Tanks can be tough to deal with because they can absorb a lot of damage.
- Focus on building armor penetration items like Black Cleaver or Lord Dominik’s Regards.
- Try to flank them in team fights and target the squishier backline champions.
- Coordinate with your team to focus fire on the tank and bring them down quickly.
Playing against tanks requires patience and a different approach than dealing with squishier targets. Don’t waste your ultimate on a tank unless it’s absolutely necessary to secure a kill or objective. Instead, look for opportunities to bypass the tank and get to the enemy carries.
Vision Control and Map Awareness
Okay, so vision and map awareness with Nocturne are super important. You’re a jungler, which means you’re basically the team’s eyes in the early to mid game. If you aren’t paying attention to the map and controlling vision, you’re not playing Nocturne to his full potential. Let’s break it down.
Importance of Warding
Warding is not just for the support. As Nocturne, you need to be placing wards in the enemy jungle, around objectives like Dragon and Baron, and in key river bushes. Good ward placement allows you to track the enemy jungler, anticipate ganks, and make informed decisions about when to invade or counter-gank. Think of wards as your personal security cameras. The more you have, the safer you are, and the more information you have about what the enemy team is up to. Here’s a quick list of good warding spots:
- Enemy Blue Buff
- River Bush near Mid Lane
- Dragon Pit
- Tri-Bush near Top or Bot Lane
Using Nocturne’s Passive for Vision
Nocturne’s passive, Umbra Blades, can actually help with vision control in a sneaky way. Since it empowers your next auto-attack every few seconds and heals you, you can use it to quickly clear out enemy wards. If you suspect there’s a ward in a bush, pop your passive and auto-attack the bush. If there’s a ward, you’ll clear it quickly and get a little health back. It’s not a primary vision tool, but it’s a nice little bonus. Also, don’t forget to grab an Elixir of Brilliance before big fights; that extra damage can help clear wards even faster.
Countering Enemy Vision
Knowing where the enemy has vision is just as important as placing your own wards. Buy Control Wards and use them to deny enemy vision in key areas. If you see the enemy placing a ward, make a mental note of it and try to clear it out as soon as possible. Sweeping Lens is your best friend here. Use it to clear out bushes before ganking or invading. Denying enemy vision makes it much easier to pull off successful ganks and secure objectives.
Map Awareness During Ganks
Map awareness is critical when you’re ganking. Before you commit to a gank, take a quick look at the minimap to see where the enemy laners and jungler are. Are they missing? Are they pushing? Is there a counter-gank likely? If you see the enemy jungler heading towards your lane, be ready to back off or turn the gank around. A failed gank can put you behind and give the enemy team an advantage. Remember, good map awareness can be the difference between a successful gank and a wasted trip. And if you’re playing against someone like Xerath, be extra careful; they can punish you hard for bad positioning.
Keeping an eye on the minimap every few seconds becomes second nature after a while. It’s like checking your mirrors when you’re driving. You don’t even think about it, you just do it. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at reading the map and anticipating enemy movements.
Team Fight Dynamics with Nocturne
Positioning in Team Fights
Nocturne isn’t a front-line fighter; he’s an assassin. Your positioning should reflect that. Hang back, let your team engage, and then look for the perfect opportunity to strike. Don’t be the first one in, or you’ll get blown up before you can do anything. Think of yourself as a cleanup crew, swooping in to take out high-value targets once the fight has already started. Wait for key abilities to be used before committing.
Engaging and Disengaging
Nocturne’s ultimate, Paranoia, is your primary engage tool. However, it’s also a disengage tool if things go south. Don’t be afraid to use it to get out of a bad situation. A good Nocturne player knows when to commit and when to back off. Consider these points:
- Assess the enemy team’s positioning before ulting.
- Have an exit strategy in mind.
- Communicate your intentions to your team.
Target Priority
Who should you be targeting in a team fight? Ideally, you want to go for the enemy’s carries – the AD carry or the AP mage. These are the squishy targets that can dish out a lot of damage, but can’t take much in return. However, don’t tunnel vision. If the enemy support is out of position, or if you can easily pick off a low-health target, take the opportunity. Remember to consider the strategy build guides to optimize your target selection based on the game’s current state.
Communicating with Your Team
Communication is key in League of Legends, especially when playing a champion like Nocturne. Let your team know when your ultimate is up, who you’re planning to target, and when you’re going in. A simple “R on ADC” can make a huge difference. Also, pay attention to what your team is saying. They might have valuable information about the enemy’s positioning or cooldowns.
Good communication can turn a losing fight into a winning one. Make sure everyone is on the same page. Use pings, chat, and voice comms to coordinate your attacks. A well-coordinated team is much more effective than a group of individuals. Remember, League is a team game, and you need to work together to succeed.
Wrapping It Up
So, there you have it. Playing Nocturne can be a wild ride if you know what you’re doing. Remember, timing is everything. Use his ultimate wisely and keep an eye on your map. You want to catch enemies off guard, not just dive in without a plan. Don’t forget to build items that suit your playstyle and adapt to the game. And hey, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the better you’ll get at using his abilities. So get out there, embrace the shadows, and show your opponents what Nocturne can really do!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nocturne’s role in the game?
Nocturne is mainly played as a jungler. His job is to clear jungle camps and help his teammates by ganking lanes.
How does Nocturne’s ultimate ability work?
Nocturne’s ultimate, called Paranoia, lets him dive into fights from far away, making enemies scared and unable to see.
What items should I build on Nocturne?
For Nocturne, focus on items that give him attack damage and help him deal more damage quickly, like Duskblade of Draktharr.
How can I effectively gank with Nocturne?
Start by using your Q to close the gap, then use your E to fear the enemy. Make sure to use your W for a shield.
What should I do if I’m facing a strong enemy champion?
If you’re up against a tough champion, try to play safely and wait for your team to help you, especially before level 6.
How can I improve my map awareness while playing Nocturne?
Keep an eye on the mini-map and place wards to see where the enemies are. This will help you know when to gank or back off.