Best Tank Junglers For Solo Queue Dominate Ranked Games
Hey guys! Are you looking for a way to climb the ranks in solo queue? Do you want to be the carry for your team, the unkillable force that leads them to victory? Then you've come to the right place! In this guide, we're diving deep into the world of tanky junglers – the champions who can soak up tons of damage, control the pace of the game, and pave the way for your team's success. We'll explore why they're so effective in solo queue, which champions are the best picks, and how to play them to their full potential. So, buckle up, summoners, and let's get ready to rumble in the jungle!
Why Tanky Junglers Excel in Solo Queue
Tank junglers are a popular choice in solo queue for a multitude of reasons, and their ability to influence the game's outcome is substantial. First and foremost, their inherent tankiness means they can withstand significant damage. This allows them to dive into team fights, disrupt enemy formations, and protect their carries without being instantly blown up. In the chaotic environment of solo queue, where coordination can be lacking, having a durable front-liner is crucial for absorbing enemy fire and creating space for your damage dealers to operate effectively. This makes the tank jungler an invaluable asset in any team composition.
Another key advantage of tanky junglers is their strong engage potential. Many tanks possess crowd control abilities (CC) like stuns, knock-ups, and slows, which are essential for initiating fights and locking down key targets. In solo queue, where players may be less disciplined about positioning and grouping, a well-timed engage from a tank jungler can catch the enemy team off guard and secure an early advantage. This is a powerful tool for snowballing leads and controlling the flow of the game. The ability to reliably start fights and dictate the pace of engagements is a massive asset in the unpredictable world of solo queue.
Furthermore, tank junglers excel at objective control. Their resilience allows them to tank damage from towers and monsters, making them ideal for securing objectives like Dragons, Rift Herald, and Baron Nashor. In solo queue, where objective control often translates directly into wins, having a jungler who can confidently secure these objectives is a significant advantage. Tank junglers can also use their CC to peel for their teammates during objective takes, ensuring that the team can secure the objective without taking unnecessary risks. This ability to control the map and secure crucial objectives makes tank junglers a force to be reckoned with in solo queue.
In addition to their tankiness, engage potential, and objective control, tank junglers also offer versatility. They can adapt their builds and playstyles to suit the needs of their team and the state of the game. For example, if the team needs more damage, a tank jungler can build items that provide both tankiness and damage output. If the team needs more protection, they can focus on items that enhance their durability and crowd control. This adaptability makes tank junglers a reliable pick in almost any situation, and it allows them to remain relevant throughout the game, regardless of the meta shifts.
In conclusion, the resilience, initiation capabilities, objective control, and flexibility of tanky junglers make them a strong choice for solo queue success. They offer a unique blend of durability and utility that can be incredibly effective in the chaotic environment of solo queue. By mastering the art of playing tank junglers, you can become a dominant force on the Rift and climb the ranks with ease.
Top Tanky Jungler Picks for Solo Queue
Alright, guys, now that we know why tanky junglers are so good in solo queue, let's talk about some specific champion picks that you can use to climb the ladder. There are several strong options available, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. We'll break down some of the top contenders, highlighting their key abilities and playstyles.
1. Amumu, The Sad Mummy
Amumu is a classic tank jungler known for his devastating crowd control. His ultimate, Curse of the Sad Mummy, is a massive area-of-effect stun that can single-handedly win team fights. Guys, imagine landing a perfect Amumu ultimate on the enemy team – it's a game-changer! Amumu also has strong engage potential with his Bandage Toss, which allows him to quickly close the gap and lock down targets. His Despair ability provides consistent damage in prolonged fights, making him a threat even when he's not using his CC. Amumu's strength lies in his ability to initiate team fights and lock down key targets, making him a nightmare for the enemy carry champions.
Amumu's playstyle revolves around farming efficiently in the early game, looking for gank opportunities, and scaling into a late-game team fight monster. He excels at grouping with his team and forcing engagements around objectives. While Amumu can be vulnerable to early invades and counter-jungling, his late-game power makes him a worthwhile pick for solo queue. His biggest strength is undoubtedly his ultimate, which can turn the tide of a losing fight in an instant. A well-placed Amumu ultimate can lock down the entire enemy team, allowing your damage dealers to freely dish out punishment. Amumu is particularly effective against teams that rely on mobility, as his ultimate can completely shut down their escape options. When playing Amumu, it's important to prioritize vision control, as this allows you to anticipate enemy movements and set up successful ganks and ambushes.
To maximize Amumu's effectiveness, focus on building tank items that increase his durability and allow him to survive longer in team fights. Items like Sunfire Aegis, Thornmail, and Spirit Visage are excellent choices for Amumu. He also benefits from items that provide ability haste, as this allows him to use his abilities more frequently. In terms of runes, Aftershock is a popular choice for Amumu, as it provides extra tankiness after he engages. However, other rune choices like Aftershock, Font of Life, Conditioning, and Overgrowth can also be viable depending on your playstyle and the enemy team composition. Amumu's simple kit and impactful ultimate make him a great pick for players looking to carry games from the jungle.
2. Sejuani, The Fury of the North
Sejuani is another top-tier tank jungler who excels at engaging fights and locking down enemies. Her Arctic Assault is a powerful gap closer that allows her to quickly engage onto targets, while her Winter's Wrath provides consistent damage and slows. Sejuani's Permafrost ability allows her to stun enemies after applying stacks of Frost, providing additional crowd control. And, of course, her ultimate, Glacial Prison, is a massive area-of-effect stun that can devastate enemy teams. Guys, Sejuani's kit is just packed with CC, making her a disruptive force in team fights.
Sejuani's playstyle is similar to Amumu's in that she focuses on farming efficiently, ganking lanes, and setting up team fights. However, Sejuani has a bit more early-game presence than Amumu due to her mobility and damage output. She can be more aggressive in the early game, looking for opportunities to invade the enemy jungle or gank lanes before the enemy jungler has a chance to react. Sejuani is also very good at peeling for her teammates, as her crowd control abilities can keep enemies off her carries. Her ability to initiate fights, peel for carries, and control objectives makes her a versatile and valuable pick in solo queue. She is also a strong choice when your team needs a reliable source of engage, as she can consistently start fights and disrupt the enemy team's plans.
When building Sejuani, focus on tank items that enhance her durability and provide utility. Items like Turbo Chemtank, Sunfire Aegis, and Force of Nature are popular choices for Sejuani, as they provide a mix of tankiness, damage, and movement speed. She also benefits from items that provide ability haste, as this allows her to use her abilities more frequently. In terms of runes, Aftershock is a popular choice for Sejuani, as it provides extra tankiness after she engages. Like Amumu, other rune choices like Font of Life, Conditioning, and Overgrowth can also be viable depending on your playstyle and the enemy team composition. With her strong engage, crowd control, and tankiness, Sejuani is a fantastic choice for players who want to dictate the pace of the game and lead their team to victory.
3. Zac, The Secret Weapon
Zac is a unique tank jungler who brings a different flavor to the role. His Elastic Slingshot allows him to travel long distances and surprise enemies with unexpected ganks. Zac's Cell Division passive makes him incredibly resilient, as he can revive after taking fatal damage if his blobs are collected. This passive gives Zac a huge advantage in team fights, as he can absorb a ton of damage and still come back for more. Zac also has a good mix of damage and crowd control, making him a threat in both early and late-game scenarios. Guys, Zac's bouncy playstyle is super fun and can really catch opponents off guard!
Zac's playstyle revolves around using his Elastic Slingshot to gank lanes from unexpected angles, catching enemies off guard and securing early leads. He also excels at diving towers and engaging fights from long range. Zac's ultimate, Let's Bounce!, is a disruptive ability that can knock up and displace enemies, making it difficult for them to position effectively. In team fights, Zac's role is to soak up damage, disrupt the enemy team, and create opportunities for his carries to deal damage. He is particularly effective against teams that are grouped closely together, as his ultimate can disrupt their formation and make them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Zac's unique mobility and sustain make him a formidable force in the jungle.
When building Zac, focus on items that enhance his tankiness and ability haste. Items like Sunfire Aegis, Spirit Visage, and Thornmail are great choices for Zac, as they provide a mix of durability, damage, and utility. He also benefits from items that provide ability haste, as this allows him to use his Elastic Slingshot more frequently. In terms of runes, Aftershock is a popular choice for Zac, as it provides extra tankiness after he engages. Grasp of the Undying can also be a viable option, providing Zac with additional sustain and damage in extended fights. Zac's unique playstyle and strong engage potential make him a great pick for players who want to be unpredictable and control the pace of the game.
Tips and Tricks for Mastering Tanky Junglers
So, you've picked your champion, you're ready to hit the Rift, but how do you actually play a tanky jungler effectively? It's not just about soaking up damage, guys; there's a lot more to it than that. Let's dive into some key tips and tricks that will help you master the art of the tank jungler and carry your team to victory.
1. Prioritize Vision Control
Vision control is absolutely crucial for any jungler, but it's especially important for tank junglers. As a tank, you're often the one initiating fights and making plays, so you need to have a good understanding of where the enemy team is located. Deep wards in the enemy jungle can help you track the enemy jungler's movements and anticipate ganks. Wards around objectives like Dragons and Baron Nashor are essential for securing those objectives safely. Control Wards are your best friends, guys; place them in key locations to deny vision to the enemy team and control the flow of information.
Effective vision control allows you to make informed decisions about where to gank, which objectives to prioritize, and when to engage in fights. It also helps you protect your teammates from ganks and set up ambushes for the enemy team. As a tank jungler, you should be actively placing wards throughout the game and communicating with your team about enemy movements. Good vision control can make the difference between a successful gank and a wasted trip, or between securing a crucial objective and losing it to the enemy team. So, always remember to prioritize vision control, and you'll be well on your way to mastering the tank jungler role.
2. Focus on Ganking and Enabling Your Carries
While tank junglers can deal damage, their primary role is to enable their carries to shine. This means focusing on ganking lanes and setting up kills for your teammates. Look for opportunities to gank lanes that are overextended or vulnerable to your crowd control. Coordinate with your laners to set up successful ganks, and make sure to communicate your intentions clearly. A well-timed gank can swing a lane in your team's favor and give your carries the gold and experience they need to snowball.
In addition to ganking, tank junglers should also focus on peeling for their carries in team fights. This means using your crowd control abilities to protect your carries from enemy assassins and divers. If an enemy champion is trying to attack your carries, use your stuns, slows, and knock-ups to keep them at bay. Your carries are your primary source of damage, so it's your job to keep them alive and allow them to dish out that damage. Remember, a fed carry is a scary carry, and as a tank jungler, you play a crucial role in making sure your carries get fed.
3. Master Objective Control
As we discussed earlier, tank junglers are excellent at securing objectives like Dragons, Rift Herald, and Baron Nashor. Their tankiness allows them to soak up damage from these objectives, and their crowd control abilities can help to secure them safely. Guys, think of yourselves as the objective takers – you're the ones who lead the charge and make sure your team gets those crucial buffs and advantages.
When it comes to objective control, timing is everything. Keep an eye on the timers for Dragons and Baron Nashor, and make sure to be in position to contest them when they spawn. Coordinate with your team to set up vision around these objectives and prepare for potential fights. If you can secure these objectives consistently, you'll give your team a significant advantage in the game. Objective control is a key aspect of the tank jungler playstyle, so make sure you master it.
4. Be the Team's Frontline and Engage Fights
In team fights, tank junglers are the frontline – the ones who soak up damage and initiate fights. Your job is to engage onto the enemy team, disrupt their formation, and create opportunities for your carries to deal damage. Don't be afraid to dive into the thick of things and take some hits; that's what you're built for! Guys, you're the unstoppable force, the immovable object – lead the charge and show the enemy team who's boss!
When engaging fights, it's important to choose your targets wisely. Focus on engaging onto key enemy targets, such as their carries or high-priority damage dealers. Use your crowd control abilities to lock down these targets and make them vulnerable to your team's attacks. However, be mindful of your positioning and make sure you're not overextending or leaving your carries vulnerable. A good engage can win a team fight, but a bad engage can lose one just as quickly. So, be strategic about your engagements and make sure you're making the right calls for your team.
Final Thoughts Conquer Solo Queue with Tanky Junglers
So, there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to playing tanky junglers in solo queue. We've covered why they're so effective, which champions are the best picks, and how to play them to their full potential. By mastering the art of the tank jungler, you can become a dominant force on the Rift and climb the ranks with ease. Remember to prioritize vision control, focus on ganking and enabling your carries, master objective control, and be the team's frontline and engage fights. With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to becoming a tank jungler extraordinaire!
Now go out there, summoners, pick your favorite tanky jungler, and start crushing those solo queue games! Good luck, and have fun!
