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Deadlock’sroster of heroes offers several ways of enjoying the game. you’re able to be the master of long-range or someone who puts up a fight at close range. Or, you can mix things up by switching lanes, skirmishing across the map, and flanking whenever the opportunity arises.
In such cases, a hero who is a jack of all trades (and a master of some) is the ideal pick for a player. Say hello to Pocket—a character that excels at short-range combat, traversal, and a versatile fighting style for any situation in Deadlock. With the right build and items, it’s almost impossible to counter a powerful Pocket in the match.
Deadlock is in alpha, so everything in this guide is subject to change in the future.
Pocket Overview
Before diving into Pocket’s overall gameplay potential, do note that he’s one of the tougher characters in the game to master. On the surface, his abilities make him seem like someone you may easily learn. However, it’s only with time and practice that Pocket’s true potential shines because of how he plays on the map.
Pocketexcels at countering different types of enemy heroes. He can close the gap in a one-on-one battle against a long-range hero. He canclear an entire laneto make space for allies to push forward. Moreover,his abilities allow him to get out of risky situationsand find a haven to rejuvenate himself. All in all, it truly depends on how you plan to make the best of his kit.
With damage per second (DPS) of 70 and a maximum health of 550, Pocket may not be the strongest hero out there, but he surelyexcels at short-range and burst-fire encounters. For this reason, he needs items that keep him safe (vitality-wise), along with upgrades that help his fire rate and Spirit Damage stay at their maximum potential.
Pocket’s Abilities
Many of Pocket’s abilitieswork for each other, rather than individually. For instance, Affliction’s overtime damage improves Pocket’s damage potential as the game progresses, while Barrage and Flying Cloak help his base damage remain strong, and Spirit Damage does the trick for him and his team.
In the initial stages of the game, Pocket won’t make the best of every ability, butBarrageis something that can be used tosecure easy kills(or souls) if the enemy isn’t careful.You don’t need to aim much with this one, andinvesting a point or two in the beginningcanhelp farm souls better and clear lanes if needed.
Description
Barrage
You create a channel thatlaunches projectiles and deals damageto enemies. It also applies a slow effect, along with a stacking buff that amplifies further damage.
Flying Cloak
Launcha cloak that travels forwardand damages any enemy in its path. Additionally, press [2] to teleport to its location.
Enchanter’s Satchel
Escape into your suitcase, dealing damage to enemies the moment you come out. This duration can be ended by performing any action by Pocket.
Affliction
Create a 14-metre radius thatdamages enemies within itover time.
Flying Cloaktakes the spotlight as alane-clearing ability. If you wish to push well (and fast), considerinvesting two to three pointsin this. The ability is great at clearing out minions, as well as giving you the ability to teleport to the cloak’s location. Even reading about this ability can give you a creative idea or two about using it in battle.
Enchanter’s Satchelmay seem like a simple ability to use, but that’s far from the truth. Using it well is like winning an argument—it quickly saves you from heavy attacksand, once canceled (or ended), helps youdeal a lot of area of effect (AOE) damage, depending on how upgraded the ability is.
Finally,Afflictionis an ability you’ll want to use when you’re going for multiple kills. This requires some amount of confidence in your strategy and isbest used when your other abilities are ready for action. Consider investing in this during the later stages of the game, since that’s the ideal time for your damage (both default and Spirit) to be at its maximum.
When you use the Flying Cloak ability, verify you notice the ticking sound towards the end of it. That’s when you have a few seconds left for you to use it as a teleportation tool.
Upgrades And Builds For Pocket
Unlike many heroes,Pocket shows immense potential as a lane-pusherduring the early stages of the game. To ensure that he has the tools he needs for this, buying Headshot Booster and Mystic Shot early on can help you maximize damage against minions. This helps you clear out weak enemies faster and farm a lot of souls in a short duration.
As you move towards mid-game, you’llmake the most of your traversal potential. Pocket can be a highly mobile hero, and items likeImproved Cooldown and Enduring Speedcan help him stay ahead of the curve. This also gives him the possibility toflank enemies who aren’t awareof his whereabouts.
Items
Early Game: Focus on pushing and defending a lane.
Close Quarters, Headshot Booster, Mystic Burst, Enduring Spirit, Mystic Reach, Mystic Shot, Spirit Boots and Extra Stamina.
Mid-Game: Focus on improved mobility and flanking potential.
Spirit Lifesteal, Cold Front, Enduring Speed, Kinetic Dash, Improved Burst, Mystic Vulnerability, Improved Burst, Improved Cooldown and Enchanter’s Barrier.
Late Game: Focus on maximizing damage and vitality.
Silence Gylph, Ethereal Shift, Diviner’s Kevlar, Phantom Strike, and Superior Cooldown.
Towards the endgame, you want toensure that Pocket doesn’t run out of vitality, struggling when defending himself. Superior Cooldown and Diviner’s Kevlar are items that help with these kinds of scenarios and should be your pick when thinking of late-game investments. Additionally, there are certain situational items you can consider purchasing.
Best Playstyle Strategy For Pocket
To make the best of Pocket’s versatile kit, you need to understand his abilities andhow they synergize together. Instead of spamming them all at once, being aware of your enemies' movements as you go about using each ability is the key to victory. If you can achieve that, you can flank enemies, win one-on-one battles, and even take out large squads all by yourself.
Use Barrage For Long-Range Attacks
Since Pocket isn’t great at firing his weapon for long-range attacks, Barrage does the trick!Use this ability when you’re at a distanceand thinking about giving a finisher move. This works for both minions and enemy heroes who refuse to fight you head-on.
Use Flying Cloak For Teleportation
Before you think about fighting a squad (or just one enemy), have an escape plan in mind. Use your Flying Cloak ability toget into the fight, and then use it to exit itif things aren’t working in your favor.
Use Enchanter’s Satchel For AOE Damage
Whether it’s a horde of minions you wish to kill or damage a squad—this ability comes in handy, as it quickly allows you tocause a lot of damage within a small radius. Upgrading it lets you use it almost every ten seconds.
Use Affliction To Intimidate Enemy Heroes
A player who has mastered Pocket will know an enemy’s weaknesses anduse Affliction to almost stop them from gaining the upper hand. For instance, if you’re aware of which enemy needs a lot of healing, you can suppress their ability to regain vitality by targeting Affliction against them.
