If you are a fan of esports, you may have heard the term Jungle being used by players, commentators, or analysts. But what does it mean, and how does it relate to the gameplay and strategy of different esports titles? In this article, we will explain the meaning of Jungle, its origin, and some examples of how it is used in esports.
What is a Jungle in esports?
A Jungle is a term used in esports to describe the areas of the map that are not used for the main lanes or paths where the minions or creeps spawn and march towards the enemy base. The ‘jungle’ usually contains neutral monsters or camps that provide buffs or resources when killed or captured. The ‘jungle’ also provides alternative routes or ganking opportunities for the players to surprise, flank, or ambush their opponents. A ‘jungle’ is a crucial factor in esports, as it can influence the economy, vision, or control of the map.
The term ‘jungle’ comes from the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre, where it is used as a game mechanic to add diversity and complexity to the map design and the gameplay. The term ‘jungle’ was popularized by the MOBA game Defense of the Ancients (DotA), which was released in 2003 and is considered as one of the pioneers of the genre. In DotA, the term ‘jungle’ was used to refer to the forested areas of the map that contained neutral creeps that could be killed for gold or experience. The term ‘jungle’ soon became a universal term in esports, and it is still widely used today.
How is Jungle used in different esports genres?
While the term ‘jungle’ originated from MOBA games, it has since been adopted by various esports genres, such as First-Person Shooter (FPS), Real-Time Strategy (RTS), or Fighting games. However, the meaning and usage of ‘jungle’ may vary depending on the game and the context. Here are some examples of how ‘jungle’ is used in different esports genres:
In MOBA games, such as League of Legends, Dota 2, or Heroes of the Storm, a ‘jungle’ is used to describe the area of the map that contains neutral monsters or objectives that grant buffs or bonuses when killed or captured. In MOBA games, a ‘jungle’ is typically a feature of every map, but it may vary in size, layout, or composition depending on the map’s theme, objective, or balance. A ‘jungle’ is also a factor of strategy and counterplay, as some characters or roles may specialize in ‘jungling’, which is the act of killing or capturing the neutral monsters or objectives in the ‘jungle’. Some examples of ‘jungle’ characters or roles in MOBA games are Lee Sin, Enchantress, or Zagara.
In FPS games, such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Valorant, or Overwatch, a ‘jungle’ is used to describe the area of the map that provides cover, concealment, or elevation for the players to maneuver, hide, or snipe. In FPS games, a ‘jungle’ is usually a secondary or tertiary feature of the map, rather than a primary one. A ‘jungle’ is often used to complement or support the main goal of the map, which is to win rounds or matches, rather than to dominate or carry the map. Some examples of ‘jungle’ areas or spots in FPS games are Mirage, Bind, or Numbani.
In RTS games, such as StarCraft, Age of Empires, or Warcraft, a ‘jungle’ is used to describe the area of the map that contains resources, terrain, or neutral units that can be harvested, exploited, or controlled. In RTS games, a ‘jungle’ is usually a primary or essential feature of the map, as it determines the economy, production, or power of the player or the faction. A ‘jungle’ is also a factor of strategy and counterplay, as some factions or units may have ‘jungle’ efficiency, diversity, or harassment. Some examples of ‘jungle’ resources, terrain, or units in RTS games are minerals, trees, or creeps.
What are some examples of Jungle players or moments in esports?
To illustrate the concept of Jungle further, here are some examples of famous ‘jungle’ players or moments in esports:
In League of Legends, one of the most skilled ‘jungle’ players is Bae “Bengi” Seong-woong, who is widely regarded as one of the best junglers of all time. Bengi is known for his impeccable timing, vision, and communication with his team. He often uses his ‘jungle’ abilities to create pressure, secure kills, or take objectives for his team. Bengi has won three World Championships, two Mid-Season Invitationals, and nine domestic titles with his team, SK Telecom T1. He is also known for his innovative and diverse ‘jungle’ strategies, such as using Olaf, Rengar, or Hecarim.
In CS:GO, one of the most iconic ‘jungle’ moments is the Coldzera jumping AWP, which occurred in the 2016 MLG Columbus Major. In the semifinals, Luminosity Gaming was facing Team Liquid, and the game was very close and tense. In the 15th round, Luminosity Gaming’s Marcelo “coldzera” David decided to jump on a box and use his AWP to shoot two enemies in mid-air, while defusing the bomb at the same time. This ‘jungle’ play stunned the crowd and the commentators, and it helped Luminosity Gaming win the round, the game, and eventually the tournament.
In StarCraft, one of the most dominant ‘jungle’ players is Joona “Serral” Sotala, who is regarded as one of the best players in the world. Serral is known for his impeccable macro, micro, and decision making. He can play any race or style, but he is most famous for his Zerg ‘jungle’ performances, where he often overwhelms his opponents with his speed, mobility, or technology. Some of his notable ‘jungle’ achievements are his 2018 WCS Global Finals win, his 2019 WESG win, and his 2020 IEM Katowice win.
To Sum Up
The term ‘jungle’ is a term used in esports to describe the areas of the map that are not used for the main lanes or paths where the minions or creeps spawn and march towards the enemy base. The ‘jungle’ usually contains neutral monsters or camps that provide buffs or resources when killed or captured. The ‘jungle’ also provides alternative routes or ganking opportunities for the players to surprise, flank, or ambush their opponents. The ‘jungle’ is a crucial factor in esports, as it can influence the economy, vision, or control of the map.
The term ‘jungle’ comes from the MOBA genre, where it is used as a game mechanic to add diversity and complexity to the map design and the gameplay. The term ‘jungle’ was popularized by the MOBA game Defense of the Ancients (DotA), which was released in 2003 and is considered as one of the pioneers of the genre. The term ‘jungle’ soon became a universal term in esports, and it is still widely used today.