Heroes of the Storm (HotS) is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Combining characters from across Blizzard’s game universes, Heroes of the Storm offers a unique blend of strategic gameplay, team coordination, and dynamic objectives. The game’s meta, or most effective tactics available, is continually evolving as new patches, heroes, and balance changes are introduced. One of the critical aspects of staying competitive is understanding the current tier list, which ranks heroes based on their effectiveness in the game’s various roles and strategies.
In this article, we will delve into the current HotS tier list, exploring the top heroes in each role and discussing why they stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide will help you make informed decisions about hero selection and strategy.
Understanding the Tier List
A tier list in Heroes of the Storm ranks heroes based on their overall performance and impact in competitive play. These rankings are influenced by several factors, including hero win rates, pick rates, and their effectiveness in various team compositions and strategies. The tier list is typically divided into several tiers, ranging from S (the strongest) to C or D (the weakest), providing a snapshot of each hero’s current standing in the meta.
1. S-Tier: Top-Tier Heroes
S-Tier heroes are considered the best of the best. They are highly versatile, effective in multiple situations, and often a top pick or ban in competitive play. These heroes can excel in various team compositions and strategies, making them strong choices for any team.
1.1. Jaina
Role: Ranged Assassin
Why She’s S-Tier: Jaina’s burst damage and crowd control make her a formidable opponent in team fights. Her Blizzard and Cone of Cold abilities provide excellent area control, while her Ice Lance offers high burst damage. Jaina’s ultimate abilities, Ring of Frost and Water Elemental, can turn the tide of battles, making her a staple in the current meta.
1.2. Johanna
Role: Tank
Why She’s S-Tier: Johanna’s durability and crowd control make her a top-tier tank. Her Iron Skin provides a reliable source of damage reduction, while her Condemn and Laws of Hope abilities offer strong area control and healing. Johanna’s ability to soak up damage and initiate fights makes her a valuable asset to any team.
1.3. Deckard Cain
Role: Support
Why He’s S-Tier: Deckard Cain’s crowd control and healing capabilities are exceptional. His Stay Awhile and Listen can disrupt enemy teams, while his Lorenado provides additional crowd control. His Scroll of Sealing offers substantial healing and a powerful area of effect cleanse, making him a top choice for support.
2. A-Tier: Strong Performers
A-Tier heroes are highly effective and strong picks in most situations. They may not have the same level of dominance as S-Tier heroes but are still highly competitive and can significantly impact the outcome of a game.
2.1. Malfurion
Role: Support
Why He’s A-Tier: Malfurion’s healing output and crowd control are crucial in many team compositions. His Tranquility ultimate provides a substantial healing boost over time, while his Entangling Roots can immobilize enemies and provide critical crowd control. Malfurion’s versatility makes him a solid choice in various scenarios.
2.2. Falstad
Role: Ranged Assassin
Why He’s A-Tier: Falstad’s mobility and burst damage make him a strong pick in the current meta. His Hinterland Blast can deal significant damage from a distance, while his Flying Brute ability provides excellent map presence and escape options. Falstad’s ability to quickly reposition and deal damage from afar makes him a formidable opponent.
2.3. Anub’arak
Role: Tank
Why He’s A-Tier: Anub’arak’s crowd control and damage mitigation make him a valuable tank. His Burrow Charge and Impale abilities offer strong initiation and crowd control, while his Locust Swarm provides sustained damage and health regeneration. Anub’arak’s versatility in both initiating fights and absorbing damage makes him a strong choice.
3. B-Tier: Reliable Choices
B-Tier heroes are reliable and effective in many situations but may lack the versatility or dominance of higher-tier heroes. They can still be strong picks depending on the team composition and strategy.
3.1. Li-Ming
Role: Ranged Assassin
Why She’s B-Tier: Li-Ming’s burst damage and mobility make her a solid choice. Her Arcane Orb and Magic Missiles can deal significant damage, while her Teleport provides excellent mobility. Although she may not have the same level of impact as higher-tier assassins, Li-Ming can still be a valuable asset in the right hands.
3.2. Tyrande
Role: Support
Why She’s B-Tier: Tyrande’s healing and damage capabilities offer a balanced support role. Her Light of Elune provides healing, while her Hunter’s Mark increases damage output on targeted enemies. Tyrande’s ability to both heal and deal damage makes her a versatile support option, although she may not have the same level of impact as top-tier supports.
3.3. Gazlowe
Role: Specialist
Why He’s B-Tier: Gazlowe’s utility and area control make him a useful specialist. His Scrap Gun and Deth Lazor provide significant damage output, while his Gadgeteering talents offer various utility options. Gazlowe can be effective in certain team compositions and strategies, though he may not always be a top pick.
4. C-Tier: Situational Picks
C-Tier heroes are situational picks that can be effective in specific scenarios but may struggle in general play. They often require specific team compositions or strategies to reach their full potential.
4.1. Chromie
Role: Ranged Assassin
Why She’s C-Tier: Chromie’s damage output and crowd control can be impactful, but she may struggle against high-mobility or dive-heavy compositions. Her Time Trap and Sand Blast provide crowd control and damage, but Chromie’s reliance on skill shots and positioning can make her less effective in certain scenarios.
4.2. Stitches
Role: Tank
Why He’s C-Tier: Stitches can be a strong tank with his Putrid Bile and Hungry Hook abilities, but he may struggle against more mobile or ranged compositions. Stitches requires good positioning and coordination to maximize his effectiveness, which can limit his utility in some team compositions.
4.3. Nazeebo
Role: Ranged Assassin
Why He’s C-Tier: Nazeebo’s damage output and area control can be useful, but he may lack the same level of impact as other assassins. His Zombie Wall and Ravenous Spirit abilities provide crowd control and damage over time, but Nazeebo’s effectiveness may be limited in high-pressure situations.
How to Use the Tier List
Understanding the tier list is crucial for making informed decisions about hero selection and team composition. Here are some tips for using the tier list effectively:
1. Drafting
In team drafts, consider picking heroes from higher tiers to maximize your team’s effectiveness. While tier lists provide a general guideline, it’s essential to adapt your picks based on your team’s strategy and the enemy’s composition.
2. Counter-Picking
Use the tier list to identify strong counters to enemy heroes. For example, if the enemy team has a lot of squishy heroes, picking a high-damage assassin from the S or A tier can help you exploit their weaknesses.
3. Flexibility
While tier lists are a valuable resource, flexibility is key. Adapt your hero choices based on your team’s needs, the enemy’s composition, and your preferred playstyle. A hero from a lower tier can still be effective if used strategically.
4. Team Composition
Consider the synergy between heroes when drafting your team. High-tier heroes often have strong synergies with other top-tier picks, making them valuable in creating a balanced and effective team composition.
Conclusion
The Heroes of the Storm tier list provides valuable insights into the current state of the game, helping players make informed decisions about hero selection and strategy. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each hero, you can optimize your team compositions, counter enemy picks, and enhance your overall gameplay. While the tier list is a helpful guide, remember that adaptability and strategic thinking are essential for success in Heroes of the Storm. With the right knowledge and approach, you can master the game and lead your team to victory in the ever-evolving world of the Nexus.
