Master Yi is a S tier Jungle champion in League of Legends Patch 16.5 with a 50.9% win rate in Emerald+ ranked games, according to OP.GG data. The optimal Master Yi build starts with Doran's Blade and Health Potion, with core items being Trinity Force, Sterak's Gage, Death's Dance and Plated Steelcaps. For runes, run Conqueror from Precision with Domination as the secondary tree. Skill priority is Q > E > W. Master Yi is best played with Flash and Smite as summoner spells. The most challenging matchup in Jungle is Xin Zhao (S+ tier, 52.4% win rate).
Source: OP.GG Emerald+ ranked data, Patch 16.5 · Last updated: March 2026 · Meridian Zero Analytics
Best Build — Patch 16.5
Start
Doran's BladeHealth Potion
Core
Trinity ForceSterak's GageDeath's Dance
Boots
Plated Steelcaps
Spells
FlashSmite
Priority
Q > E > W
Expert Tips
- Alpha Strike (Q) makes you untargetable. Use it to dodge Blitzcrank hooks, Lee Sin Q, and Lux R.
- Meditate (W) heals per second and reduces incoming damage by 90%. Don't waste it offensively; use it to survive CC chains.
- Highlander (R) resets on kills and assists. Look for multi-target situations to chain resets endlessly.
Jungle Matchups — Difficulty by Opponent
| Opponent | Tier | Difficulty | |
|---|---|---|---|
Xin Zhao
|
S+ | Hard | Analyze → |
Briar
|
S+ | Hard | Analyze → |
Nocturne
|
S+ | Hard | Analyze → |
Naafiri
|
S+ | Hard | Analyze → |
Graves
|
S+ | Hard | Analyze → |
Lee Sin
|
S+ | Hard | Analyze → |
Zyra
|
S | Medium | Analyze → |
Rek'Sai
|
S | Medium | Analyze → |
Bel'Veth
|
S | Medium | Analyze → |
Nunu & Willump
|
S | Medium | Analyze → |
Dr. Mundo
|
S | Medium | Analyze → |
Shen
|
S | Medium | Analyze → |
Runes — Patch 16.5
KeystoneConqueror
Primary TreePrecision
Slot 1Triumph
Slot 2Legend: Alacrity
Slot 3Last Stand
Secondary TreeDomination
Secondary 1Sudden Impact
Secondary 2Treasure Hunter