Build Explanation

This build focuses on Ling's physical attack potential, crit chance, attack speed, and mobility, which are all crucial attributes for a jungle role. Tough Boots provide magic resistance and reduced crowd-control effect, which can help Ling survive ganks and team fights. Corrosion Scythe boosts physical attack and slowing effect, making Ling's basic attacks and skills more potent. Berserker's Fury enhances Ling's critical strike damage, synergizing well with his passive. Windtalker boosts attack speed and movement speed, improving farming efficiency and mobility. Endless Battle gives Ling true damage and lifesteal, which aids in sustaining in fights. Finally, Blade of Despair provides a huge boost to physical attack and increases damage against enemies with low health, perfect for finishing off enemies.

Introduction

Ling is an Assassin-type hero known for his high mobility and burst damage. He can traverse walls and gain unique benefits, which allows him to excel in the jungle role. This guide aims to help you utilize Ling's abilities to their fullest extent, helping you navigate through early, mid, and late game effectively.

Early Game

Ling is a hero that primarily focuses on the jungle, and as such, the ideal start for him would be to take the Blue Buff. Ling is significantly dependent on his mana pool to use his abilities and maneuver around the map efficiently, so securing the Blue Buff early can facilitate smoother farming and ganking potential. Following the Blue Buff, immediately transition towards the Lithowander, a jungle monster, for experience and gold. Utilize Ling's skill 'Defiant Sword' strategically during these encounters, as it can quickly clear jungle monsters due to its damage output and critical hit effect. Your primary goal in the early game is to reach level 4 as soon as possible because this is when Ling gets access to his powerful ultimate skill 'Tempest of Blades'. While focusing on farming, it is important to remain aware of the lanes. Look for overextended enemies or allies in distress and be ready to gank when opportunities present themselves. However, avoid forced or risky ganks that may result in unnecessary deaths; if no safe ganking opportunity is apparent, prioritize efficient farming.

Mid Game

After hitting level 4 and obtaining your ultimate skill 'Tempest of Blades', Ling's playstyle should shift towards a more aggressive approach. This ultimate allows Ling to deal substantial area damage and it also increases his mobility, giving him an edge in duels and skirmishes. If your team is leading in terms of kills and map control, push the advantage by invading the enemy jungle and stealing their monsters. This strategy effectively starves the enemy team of resources, hindering their progress while further increasing your lead. During this phase, continue to gank lanes that are vulnerable and participate actively in team fights. Always keep an eye on the Turtle, a neutral monster providing a valuable gold and experience boost to the team that slays it. Prioritize securing the Turtle kill to maintain your team's lead and advantage.

Late Game

In the late-game phase, Ling should focus on exerting map-wide pressure by pushing lanes, particularly the Gold and EXP lanes. This split-push strategy can force the enemy team to disperse, giving your team control over major objectives like the Lord. Securing the Lord not only grants your team a powerful pushing ally but also provides a substantial amount of gold and experience. In team fights, Ling's role is that of an assassin - leveraging his high mobility and damage to target the enemy backline, focusing particularly on squishy damage dealers and support heroes. Ling's skillset allows him to bypass the enemy frontline and eliminate key targets, swinging the team fight in your favor.