So, you want to snipe in Deadlock? There are a few options to choose from, but none feel as good as landing back-to-back piercing shots with Grey Talon, who was one of the very first revealed heroes back when Deadlock started making waves.
Valve lists Grey Talon as a great beginner choice, and they aren’t wrong: His kit is very easy to use and given you’ll be investing in one ability, his build order stays simple. Here’s the ability list and best build for Grey Talon in Deadlock.
Grey Talon’s abilities in Deadlock
First off, let’s refresh your memory with a list of Grey Talon’s abilities in Deadlock:
- Charged Shot: Grey Talon charges up and fires a powerful shot of Spirit damage, piercing enemies hit.
- Rain of Arrows: Grey Talon flies into the air and glides. While in the air, Grey Talon’s bow damage is increased and he gains split shot.
- Immobilizing Trap: Grey Talon throws out a trap that takes a moment to arm. Once active, enemy heroes that walk into the trap’s AoE are locked in place for a short moment.
- Guided Owl: After a short charge-up, Grey Talon launches a Spirit Owl that he controls. On impact, it will deal heavy damage and stun all nearby enemies. Grey Talon gains permanent Spirit Power if he kills a target with the Owl.
Grey Talon has one of the cleanest attack animations thanks to his bow, which can be fired surprisingly fast. It’s no secret you’ll want to keep your range a bit longer compared to the average Deadlock hero, and always aim for the head where possible.
Unlike other snipers like Vindicta, however, our build won’t see us enhance the regular attack; instead, we’re pumping everything into the Charged Shot for massive burst damage.
The best Grey Talon build in Deadlock
Early game
The skill build for Grey Talon is simple: Unlock Charged Shot first, then Immobilizing Trap, then Rain of Arrows. Pick up your ultimate when you can, but don’t level it past one until Charged Shot is maxed out. The basic order is Charged Shot (one AP), Immobilizing Trap (one), Guided Owl (one), and then Charged Shot (two, five).
Item-wise, get Mystic Burst and Extra Charge as soon as you can. This gets you additional charges of your Charged Shot that deal bonus damage on hit. Circle back for Extra Stamina and Enduring Spirit for a little health, then Extra Spirit and Headshot Booster to close out the early game. If you’re struggling, pick up a Healing Rite after the two vitality items.
Mid game
Once Charged Shot is maxed, head back for your ultimate and Immobilizing Trap levels. If you’re stomping lane, pick up Rapid Recharge before Mystic Shot—this way, you’ll have even more Charged Shots to fire in lane and during fights.
Improved Cooldown will help get these charges back up pronto. Again, if ahead, you can be a little greedy in the mid-game and forego Stamina and health upgrades so your arrow does even more damage. I like to grab Improved Spirit and even Boundless Spirit before upgrading to Superior Stamina if I’ve got a sizeable Souls lead over my lane opponent.
Be sure to grab Spirit Lifesteal and Enchanter’s Barrier before touching any other lategame item though—you don’t want to be too squishy!
Lategame
By now, your Charged Shot should be doing an incredible amount of damage, but we’re going to push it over the top with Boundless Spirit (if you didn’t grab it in the midgame), Superior Cooldown, and Mystic Reverb. Once you’ve closed out your Spirit slots (make sure to unlock those Flex slots!), finish your vitality set with Leech and Superior Stamina, then you can work on your base weapon damage with Spiritual Overflow and Crippling Headshot.
I like to finish up with Refresher; not only will this give your ultimate back, but you’ll also get all Charged Shot charges too, meaning you can fire as many as 10 Charged Shots back-to-back! Very few heroes will be able to stand up to that in a short span of time.
Be sure to take to the sky with Rain of Arrows as often as possible. Even though your bow and split shot won’t deal that much damage, getting airborne will make you harder to hit with abilities and give you a vantage point to hit those Charged Shots. Remember to go for the killing blow using your Spirit Owl, as your Charged Shot will only grow stronger thanks to the Owl’s bonus Spirit Power buff on Deadlock kills.
