Jungling: The First Clear

The first clear is the most important for every jungler in the game. A first clear that goes smoothly sets the jungler up for either further farming or starting their ganking spree. If it goes poorly they can spend every moment up until the mid-game attempting to catch up. It's for this reason that so much time and effort is spent devising the best jungle setups.

The importance of this first clear has come into sharper focus as jungling trends shifted from focusing on farming to focusing on ganking. For the greatest success chance on the gank it's critical that the jungler emerge from the jungle as quickly as possible, with as much health as possible, and using boots or an offense-oriented item. Junglers lacking in the ability gank early are now considered uncompetitive in most cases.

It's for this reason that potential junglers such as Jayce do not become common. Despite having many other tools which are of considerable use in the jungle, Jayce fundamentally lacks the ability to clear the jungle safely early, making it impossible for him to gank early with anything but Cloth Armor or a very slow clear. Any jungler who is can't be ready at a moment's notice to gank or cover a lane is not worthy of the label.

For all of the changes to make the new jungle easier, the bar has simply been raised further. It's no longer enough to simple clear the jungle, nor is it even enough to clear it safely. Today's junglers are required to be quick, safe, and versatile from the very first minute. Picking a jungler who is not is placing a handicap on yourself.

Jungling: Cloth Armor

Cloth Armor was once the most common starting item for junglers. The damage incurred in the old jungle was far higher than what exists in the current game, warranting not only the need for additional armor but regeneration. Cloth Armor, along with five health potions, filled that need better than any other option. Today starting Cloth Armor almost always indicates an inexperienced player or a bad jungle champion.

Very few viable jungle champions require Cloth Armor to clear safely and securely. Even Mundo, whose abilities actively damage him, is fine starting Regrowth Pendant, Vampiric Scepter, or boots. Cloth Armor is only necessary when a champion lacks defense, sustain, and clear speed. Essentially, any jungler for whom Cloth Armor is a must does not have what takes to jungle.

Starting with Cloth Armor should only occur in a very limited number of circumstances, such as when you are new to jungling, when you plan on a very aggressive level 1 skirmish, or when there is a significant threat of direct counter-jungling. Otherwise you should never be taking so much damage in the jungle that you're forced to recall. Using Cloth Armor in other circumstances will set you behind due to the gold invested in potions, the often slower clear speed, and the incompatibility with junglers who need to rush Philosopher's Stone.

For the most part this was a history lesson, but I often see junglers using Cloth Armor when it's simply unnecessary. If you're uncertain regarding your ability to jungle safely you should practice rather than rely on a crutch. Hiding in the safety bubble of Cloth Armor will simply stunt your growth as a jungler.