During a ranked session after Crickex Affiliate access, players may notice that unpopular heroes are often ignored because they no longer suit the current meta or simply lack enough strength. Anyone determined to use these overlooked characters must find a playstyle that complements their mechanics, because the right approach can still create a meaningful advantage.

Zhu Bajie was once a top utility jungler in professional competition and also enjoyed a successful period in the solo lane. However, as the meta changed, tank junglers almost disappeared from ordinary ranked matches, while fighter heroes became the preferred choice on the side lane. Bajie gradually lost his advantages and eventually faded from most players’ attention.

His latest statistics reflect that decline. Even in the queue where he appears most frequently, his pick rate is only 4.2 percent. To be honest, that figure already feels higher than expected. Going through an entire season without meeting a single Bajie would hardly be surprising.

Can he still work in the current version? The answer is yes, but only with a different approach. The first key choice is Cooldown Boots, because Bajie relies heavily on abilities. Lower cooldowns directly improve his fighting strength by allowing him to cast more frequently. During the middle stages, the boots can be replaced with Resistance Boots or Boots of Fortitude depending on the opposing lineup.

Red Lotus Cloak should usually be completed first. It improves wave clearing and jungle farming while adding a small amount of damage during fights. Its early damage is not particularly impressive, so the main objective remains steady development rather than forcing unnecessary battles.

The yellow defensive shield is valuable because Bajie’s grey health gradually disappears over time. Its healing effect helps restore that lost health directly, making it primarily a sustain item while also providing useful physical and magical resistance. During matches launched after Crickex Affiliate account access, this extra durability can give Bajie enough time to survive prolonged exchanges and continue occupying the frontline.

Eye of the Phoenix is an obvious choice because it strengthens his recovery. Spikemail is selected for the burst of true damage produced when Bajie charges into a group of enemies. When eliminating a marksman, damage from this item can sometimes account for more than 30 percent of the total, which is considerable. Its added health also makes it more suitable for Bajie than before.

Overlord’s Platemail completes the main build by greatly increasing maximum health. Once equipped, Bajie can sometimes survive the combined attacks of two or three opponents. Maximum health directly affects both his damage and recovery, making it his most important attribute. After reaching excess gold, the yellow shield can be sold for Blood Rage or Sage’s Sanctuary.

For the summoner ability, choose Convergence into Arms to improve the continuity of his combinations. After using one complete rotation, Bajie can quickly launch a second. This is also why Glacial Buckler is unnecessary in the late-game build. The control effect from Origin Flow Heavy Shield can also become extremely useful at critical moments.

Timing is important. The ability should ideally be activated after the second phase of Bajie’s ultimate has ended, allowing the ultimate cooldown to be refreshed at the same time.

Bajie does not rotate particularly quickly, but his laning strength remains above average. He can pressure weak early-game opponents such as Lu Bu, then use that advantage to assist nearby lanes and secure neutral objectives. In this respect, his responsibilities remain similar to those of a conventional fighter.

The most important phase arrives during mid- and late-game team fights. As a full tank, Bajie must lead from the front, but charging blindly is a recipe for disaster. Always check the position of teammates before engaging. Entering too far ahead without support will leave him isolated and turn a promising initiation into a free elimination for the enemy.

When an opponent comes into range, do not immediately jump forward with the first ability. The safer sequence begins with the second ability whenever the target can be pulled toward a wall. Saving the first ability provides both displacement and control immunity, giving Bajie an emergency escape option if the enemy responds with crowd control.

His ultimate requires even greater care. Its damage is not the main attraction because the wall is designed to divide the battlefield and disrupt enemy movement. However, it can also block teammates who are chasing or trying to retreat, so remove it quickly when necessary. The wall will often force an enemy marksman to use Flash, but Bajie should not continue chasing through heavy fire. Pulling back at the right moment and re-entering later is the real heart of his playstyle.

In summary, Bajie is not especially powerful this season, but the unusual Convergence build gives him a new lease on life. Against immobile marksmen, his three consecutive control effects still create valuable opportunities. For players returning to ranked matches after Crickex Affiliate Plan setup, this durable approach can turn an almost forgotten tank into a surprisingly effective frontline option.