The In's and Out's of Udyr

Udyr is quite possibly the best jungler in LoL, if played properly. However, if the player does not comprehend the complexity of a perfect jungle and a build to compliment, Udyr soon becomes a pile of (tiger, turtle, bear, phoenix) crap. This fearsome champion does possess an ability to produce flawless ganks time after time, and become a true instrument of force. It is time for me to inform you, to my best ability, on how to wield such a divine tool of destruction.

Early Jungle

Well, you’ve just entered your first game as Udyr. Congratulations, you’ve got no idea what you’re doing. Don’t just stand there! Get yourself a hunter’s machete, then put the rest of that precious gold into health pots. This allows for a good sustain in jungle. Start with blue buff and work your way to wolves. Those animals don’t mind being ripped to pieces by your large masculine hands! Push to wraiths, then to golems. Finish off with that pesky red buff.

Now that you’ve completed your first run through the jungle, it all only gets easier. Run back through and eat up those wolves, wraiths and golems. Go back and grab yourself some Berserker's Greaves. Be sure to keep an eye out though for great ganking opportunities, and remember that those health pots aren’t drinking themselves! Keep your thirst quenched and your health high. Oh, be sure to upgrade that machete to wriggles lantern. Udyr doesn’t need a damn machete with his razor sharp tiger claws!

Let the Ganks Begin!

Alright, you’ve made it through the start of the game. You’re all set with those beautiful buffs you’ve acquired. Now is the time to show your team who’s really carrying their asses. Watch for any openings that allow you to snag some early kills. Any kind of lone champion wandering too far towards your towers is a perfect example.

Communication with your team is key to ensuring a quick and easy victory. Keep your allies safe and your enemies pushed. You should be building up a nice sum of gold by now, so start investing into some more life steal. Working your way towards a Blade of the Ruined King is what I’ve found to work best (although a bloodthirster is one acceptable substitute).

Adapt To the Adaptable

Your enemies should be figuring out by now that you’re getting pretty fed. Chances are they’ll begin focusing on you like that last piece of cauliflower at a vegetarian birthday ball. Try to stick to the bushes as best as possible and don’t make any ganks unless the enemy team is fully accounted for. Use monsters and minions to gather up any lost life and avoid recalling frequently. It is essential to stay in the field and back up any lane that your opponents begin pushing heavily.

Work towards building up more health; I recommend a frozen heart for this. Also, life steal is beneficial so depending on how rich your ass is right now, you could build into a Bloodthirster (or Blade of the Ruined King depending on what you already bought).

You Just About Tired of These Noobs?

So you're growing bored of this game. It’s coming to a close. But hey, it’s not time to take your 15 minute dump just yet! Your team can’t win this without you. This is the time when team fights are a big focus. Keep on the enemy’s main source of damage, and make sure to use that turtle stance to take some hits for your teammates.

Keep building that life up with a Guardian Angel. More life steal and health regen helps, so a Ravenous Hydra couldn’t hurt either. Pick off any lone champs that break away from the group and make sure to back up your team whenever they need you. As long as you have some reasonable allies, this game should come to a close very soon.

Ability Sequence

For your abilities, there is a set order that I recommend.

Level tiger stance at - 1, 3, 5, 7, 10
Turtle stance at - 2, 8, 12, 14, 16
Bear stance at - 4, 6, 9, 11, 13
Phoenix stance at - 15, 17, 18

Summary

Teamwork is essential. Keep a close eye on your lanes, listen to your teammates, and know your place. Have a strong and fast jungle, and keep on those buffs. A 1v1 fight should end in your favor, but don’t get too cocky. A 1v5 fight is just absurd. Back up your allies with a strong offensive. Remember to switch stances often and don’t let up the pressure. If you play this right, your opponents should be throwing a fit and you’ll get the satisfaction of being called all the rudest names you can think of. Good Luck!