Heroes of the Storm

Patch 2.57 Updated

Melee Assassin · StarCraft

Alarak

Highlord of the Tal'darim

Role
Melee Assassin
Attack
Melee
Difficulty
Very Hard
Released
13 Sep 2016
Last patched
29 Jul 2025
Damage
7/10
Utility
7/10
Survivability
6/10
Complexity
8/10

Counters and synergies

Alarak is strong against

Score 1–100 for Alarak's net edge once both kits are weighed (50 = neutral)

  1. Li-Ming Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedA landed Discord Strike silences Li-Ming for 1.5 seconds, taking Teleport away, and Sadism-boosted Lightning Surge then finishes a 1270-health mage with no other way out.via Discord Strike, Lightning Surge, Sadism, Teleport
    • TheoryAlarak's burst can delete Li-Ming's small Health pool before help arrives.
    • TheoryAlarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Li-Ming's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
    • TheoryAlarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and Li-Ming relies on channelled abilities. Only when Li-Ming takes Disintegrate.
  2. Tracer Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedA landed Discord Strike silences Tracer, locking Blink and Recall for 1.5 seconds; without them she can't escape Alarak's follow-up burst on her small health pool. Only when Tracer has already spent her Blink charges.via Discord Strike, Lightning Surge, Blink, Recall
    • TheoryAlarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Tracer off a target.
    • TheoryAlarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop Tracer in the middle of a dive.
  3. Jaina Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedJaina has no dash until her Frostbite quest unlocks Improved Ice Block; Telekinesis drags her toward Alarak's team and Discord Strike silences her before Blizzard or Cone of Cold come out.via Telekinesis, Discord Strike, Frostbite, Improved Ice Block
    • TheoryAlarak's burst can delete Jaina's small Health pool before help arrives.
  4. Li Li Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedAll of Li Li's healing comes from abilities; Discord Strike silences Healing Brew (and stops a Jug of 1,000 Cups channel when she has it), while Lightning Surge chunks her 1500 health.via Discord Strike, Lightning Surge, Healing Brew, Jug of 1,000 Cups
    • TheoryAlarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and Li Li relies on channelled abilities.
  5. Chen Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedA Discord Strike silence stops Chen from drinking Fortifying Brew or casting Stagger for 1.5 seconds, exactly the tools he needs to survive.via Discord Strike, Fortifying Brew, Stagger
    • TheoryAlarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and Chen relies on channelled abilities. Only when Chen takes Energizing Brew.
  6. E.T.C. Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedDiscord Strike silences E.T.C. for 1.5 seconds, which ends Mosh Pit if he's channeling it. Only when E.T.C. takes Mosh Pit (level 10).via Discord Strike, Mosh Pit
    • TheoryAlarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and E.T.C. relies on channelled abilities.
View 8 more
  1. Zeratul Score 72 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Zeratul off a target.
    3 more reasons
    • Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Zeratul's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
    • Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop Zeratul in the middle of a dive.
    • Alarak can ignore or remove crowd control (Last Laugh), weakening Zeratul's Time Stop. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh. Zeratul must also take Void Prison.
  2. Kerrigan Score 70 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Kerrigan off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Kerrigan's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
    • Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop Kerrigan in the middle of a dive.
  3. Maiev Score 67 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Maiev off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop Maiev in the middle of a dive.
    • Alarak can ignore or remove crowd control (Last Laugh), weakening Maiev's Time Stop. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh. Maiev must also take Containment Disc.
  4. Qhira Score 67 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Qhira off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop Qhira in the middle of a dive.
    • Alarak can ignore or remove crowd control (Last Laugh), weakening Qhira's stun. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh. Qhira must also take Silent Killer.
  5. The Butcher Score 67 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
    • Alarak can ignore or remove crowd control (Last Laugh), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
  6. Thrall Score 67 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Thrall off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop Thrall in the middle of a dive.
    • Alarak can ignore or remove crowd control (Last Laugh), weakening Thrall's stun. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh. Thrall must also take Sundering.
  7. Artanis Score 65 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Artanis off a target.
    1 more reason
    • Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop Artanis in the middle of a dive.
  8. Greymane Score 65 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Greymane off a target.
    1 more reason
    • Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop Greymane in the middle of a dive.
23 more below the bar

Weaker mechanical edges

Generic rule matches with no hand-written matchup behind them: scoring under 65, or past the 8 strongest.

  1. Illidan Score 65 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Illidan off a target.
  2. Mephisto Score 65 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Mephisto off a target.
  3. Nova Score 65 Theory Alarak's burst can delete Nova's small Health pool before help arrives.
  4. Probius Score 65 Theory Alarak's burst can delete Probius's small Health pool before help arrives.
  5. Sonya Score 65 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Sonya off a target.
  6. Valeera Score 63 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Valeera off a target.
  7. Abathur Score 60 Theory Alarak's burst can delete Abathur's small Health pool before help arrives.
  8. Murky Score 60 Theory Alarak's burst can delete Murky's small Health pool before help arrives.
  9. Hanzo Score 59 Theory Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Hanzo's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
  10. Kel'Thuzad Score 59 Theory Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Kel'Thuzad's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
  11. Tassadar Score 59 Theory Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Tassadar's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
  12. Xal'atath Score 59 Theory Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Xal'atath's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
  13. Azmodan Score 57 Theory Alarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and Azmodan relies on channelled abilities.
  14. Fenix Score 57 Theory Alarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and Fenix relies on channelled abilities.
  15. Tychus Score 57 Theory Alarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and Tychus relies on channelled abilities.
  16. Whitemane Score 57 Theory Alarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and Whitemane relies on channelled abilities.
  17. Junkrat Score 56 Theory Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Junkrat's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
  18. Kael'thas Score 56 Theory Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
  19. Orphea Score 56 Theory Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Orphea's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
  20. Stukov Score 56 Theory Alarak can ignore or remove crowd control (Last Laugh), weakening Stukov's stun. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh. Stukov must also take Massive Shove.
  21. Kharazim Score 55 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Kharazim off a target.
  22. Lt. Morales Score 51 Theory Alarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and Lt. Morales relies on channelled abilities.
  23. Zul'jin Score 51 Theory Alarak can interrupt channels with silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance), and Zul'jin relies on channelled abilities.

Alarak is weak against

Score 1–100 for their net edge over Alarak's kit

  1. Dehaka Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedEnduring Swarm gives Dehaka 50 Spell Armor during Dark Swarm, halving Alarak's ability damage, and Burrow's invulnerability dodges Deadly Charge or Counter-Strike. Only when Dehaka takes Enduring Swarm (level 1).via Enduring Swarm, Dark Swarm, Burrow, Deadly Charge, Counter-Strike
    • TheoryDehaka can deny a burst window (Burrow), wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
    • TheoryDehaka reduces healing received (Paralyzing Enzymes), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Dehaka takes Paralyzing Enzymes.
    • TheoryDehaka can interrupt channels with stun (Drag), and Alarak relies on channelled abilities. Only when Alarak takes Deadly Charge.
  2. Anub'arak Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedHarden Carapace adds 40 Spell Armor on top of its shield, blunting Alarak's ability-based burst, and Impale or Burrow Charge stuns him before his combo finishes.via Harden Carapace, Impale, Burrow Charge, Sadism
    • TheoryAnub'arak can interrupt channels with stun (Impale, Burrow Charge), and Alarak relies on channelled abilities. Only when Alarak takes Deadly Charge.
  3. Johanna Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedIron Skin makes Johanna Unstoppable behind an 810 shield, so Telekinesis can't push her and Discord Strike's silence doesn't stick while she walks him down.via Iron Skin, Telekinesis, Discord Strike
    • TheoryJohanna can interrupt channels with stun (Condemn, Falling Sword), and Alarak relies on channelled abilities. Only when Alarak takes Deadly Charge.
  4. Genji Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedDeflect blocks Discord Strike and Lightning Surge damage for 1.25 seconds and throws kunai back, and Alarak's damage is almost entirely abilities on cooldown.via Deflect, Discord Strike, Lightning Surge
    • TheoryGenji can deny a burst window (Deflect), wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
    • TheoryAlarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Genji off a target.
    • TheoryAlarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop Genji in the middle of a dive.
  5. Stitches Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryStitches can deny a burst window, wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
    • TheoryStitches reduces healing received (Master Hooker), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Stitches takes Master Hooker.
    • TheoryStitches can interrupt channels with stun (Gorge), and Alarak relies on channelled abilities. Only when Stitches takes Gorge. Alarak must also take Deadly Charge.
  6. Lúcio Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryLúcio reduces healing received (Mixing Fire), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Lúcio takes Mixing Fire.
    • TheoryLúcio can deny a burst window (Summer Anthem), wasting Alarak's cooldowns. Only when Lúcio takes Summer Anthem.
    • TheoryLúcio can interrupt channels with stun (Heavy Casters), and Alarak relies on channelled abilities. Only when Lúcio takes Heavy Casters. Alarak must also take Deadly Charge.
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  1. Varian Score 66 Theory Varian reduces healing received (Mortal Strike), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Varian takes Mortal Strike.
    2 more reasons
    • Varian can deny a burst window (Shield Wall), wasting Alarak's cooldowns. Only when Varian takes Shield Wall.
    • Varian can interrupt channels with silence (Taunt), and Alarak relies on channelled abilities. Only when Varian takes Taunt. Alarak must also take Deadly Charge.
  2. Rehgar Score 65 Theory Rehgar can deny a burst window, wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
    1 more reason
    • Rehgar reduces healing received (Purification), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Rehgar takes Purification.
20 more below the bar

Weaker mechanical edges

Generic rule matches with no hand-written matchup behind them: scoring under 65, or past the 8 strongest.

  1. Ana Score 64 Theory Ana reduces healing received (Biotic Grenade), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range.
  2. Brightwing Score 64 Theory Brightwing can deny a burst window, wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
  3. Medivh Score 64 Theory Medivh can deny a burst window, wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
  4. Tyrael Score 64 Theory Tyrael can deny a burst window (Archangel's Wrath, Sanctification), wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
  5. Zarya Score 64 Theory Zarya can deny a burst window, wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
  6. Nazeebo Score 62 Theory Nazeebo reduces healing received (Annihilating Spirit), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Nazeebo takes Annihilating Spirit.
  7. Alexstrasza Score 60 Theory Alexstrasza can deny a burst window, wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
  8. Auriel Score 60 Theory Auriel can deny a burst window, wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
  9. Deathwing Score 60 Theory Deathwing can deny a burst window (Draconic Might), wasting Alarak's cooldowns. Only when Deathwing takes Draconic Might.
  10. Garrosh Score 60 Theory Garrosh reduces healing received (Body Check), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Garrosh takes Body Check.
  11. Leoric Score 60 Theory Leoric can deny a burst window (Shroud of the Dead King), wasting Alarak's cooldowns. Only when Leoric takes Shroud of the Dead King.
  12. Rexxar Score 60 Theory Rexxar can deny a burst window (Feign Death), wasting Alarak's cooldowns. Only when Rexxar takes Feign Death.
  13. Cho'gall Score 56 Theory Cho'gall reduces healing received (Enraged Regeneration), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Cho'gall takes Enraged Regeneration.
  14. D.Va Score 56 Theory D.Va reduces healing received (Aggression Matrix), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when D.Va takes Aggression Matrix.
  15. Mal'Ganis Score 56 Theory Mal'Ganis can deny a burst window (Carrion Swarm), wasting Alarak's cooldowns. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Carrion Swarm.
  16. Malthael Score 56 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  17. Ragnaros Score 56 Theory Ragnaros can deny a burst window (Submerge), wasting Alarak's cooldowns. Only when Ragnaros takes Submerge.
  18. Xul Score 56 Theory Xul reduces healing received (Mortal Wound), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Xul takes Mortal Wound.
  19. Anduin Score 54 Theory Anduin can deny a burst window, wasting Alarak's cooldowns.
  20. Uther Score 54 Theory Uther can deny a burst window (Devotion, Divine Shield), wasting Alarak's cooldowns.

Alarak works well with

Score 1–100 for how well the kits combine

  1. Garrosh Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedWrecking Ball throws a backliner next to Alarak, then Telekinesis pushes them deeper into his team while Discord Strike silences them.via Wrecking Ball, Telekinesis, Discord Strike
    • TheoryGarrosh's stun (Groundbreaker, Warbreaker) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
    • TheoryGarrosh starts fights on its own terms, giving Alarak grouped targets for area burst.
  2. Muradin Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedStorm Bolt's 1.25-second stun covers Discord Strike's 0.5-second delay, and with Mocking Strikes (level 16) Alarak's attacks on the stunned target cut his cooldowns twice as fast.via Storm Bolt, Discord Strike, Mocking Strikes
    • TheoryMuradin's stun (Storm Bolt, Haymaker) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
    • TheoryMuradin starts fights on its own terms, giving Alarak grouped targets for area burst.
  3. Zarya Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedGraviton Surge holds enemies in a clump for 2.5 seconds, long enough for Discord Strike's delayed hit to silence several of them at once. Only when Zarya takes Graviton Surge (level 10).via Graviton Surge, Discord Strike
    • TheoryZarya groups or freezes enemies (Graviton Surge) for Alarak's area damage. Only when Zarya takes Graviton Surge.
  4. Cho'gall Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryCho'gall groups or freezes enemies (Upheaval) for Alarak's area damage.
    • TheoryCho'gall's stun (Hammer of Twilight, Leaden Orb) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
    • TheoryCho'gall starts fights on its own terms, giving Alarak grouped targets for area burst.
  5. Chromie Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryChromie groups or freezes enemies (Time Trap, Chronic Conditions) for Alarak's area damage.
    • TheoryAlarak peels divers off Chromie, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryChromie's Time Stop (Time Trap, Chronic Conditions) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  6. Why? 3
    • TheoryKel'Thuzad groups or freezes enemies (Chains of Kel'Thuzad) for Alarak's area damage.
    • TheoryAlarak peels divers off Kel'Thuzad, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryKel'Thuzad's stun (Chains of Kel'Thuzad, Chains of Ice) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
View 5 more
  1. Maiev Score 77 Theory Maiev groups or freezes enemies (Umbral Bind) for Alarak's area damage.
    2 more reasons
    • Maiev starts fights on its own terms, giving Alarak grouped targets for area burst.
    • Maiev's Time Stop (Containment Disc) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Maiev takes Containment Disc.
  2. Stitches Score 77 Theory Stitches groups or freezes enemies (Hook) for Alarak's area damage.
    2 more reasons
    • Stitches starts fights on its own terms, giving Alarak grouped targets for area burst.
    • Stitches's stun (Gorge) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Stitches takes Gorge.
  3. Thrall Score 76 Theory Thrall's root (Feral Spirit, Alpha Wolf) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Thrall starts fights on its own terms, giving Alarak grouped targets for area burst.
    • Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Thrall (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  4. Zul'jin Score 76 Theory Alarak peels divers off Zul'jin, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • Zul'jin's root (Ensnare) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Zul'jin takes Ensnare.
    • Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Zul'jin (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  5. Dehaka Score 75 Theory Dehaka groups or freezes enemies (Drag) for Alarak's area damage.
    1 more reason
    • Dehaka's stun (Drag) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
70 more below the bar

Weaker mechanical edges

Generic rule matches with no hand-written matchup behind them: scoring under 65, or past the 8 strongest.

  1. Johanna Score 75 Theory Johanna groups or freezes enemies (Condemn) for Alarak's area damage.
  2. Kael'thas Score 75 Theory Alarak peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  3. Kerrigan Score 75 Theory Kerrigan groups or freezes enemies (Primal Grasp) for Alarak's area damage.
  4. Medivh Score 74 Theory Medivh starts fights on its own terms, giving Alarak grouped targets for area burst.
  5. Anub'arak Score 71 Theory Anub'arak's stun (Impale, Burrow Charge) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  6. Blaze Score 71 Theory Blaze's stun (Jet Propulsion) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  7. Cassia Score 71 Theory Cassia groups or freezes enemies (Valkyrie) for Alarak's area damage. Only when Cassia takes Valkyrie.
  8. Diablo Score 71 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  9. E.T.C. Score 71 Theory E.T.C.'s stun (Powerslide, Mosh Pit) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  10. Hogger Score 71 Theory Hogger's stun (Staggering Blow, Shockwave) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  11. Imperius Score 71 Theory Imperius's stun (Celestial Charge, Wrath of the Angiris) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  12. Mei Score 71 Theory Mei's stun (Blizzard, Avalanche) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  13. Orphea Score 71 Theory Orphea groups or freezes enemies (Crushing Jaws) for Alarak's area damage. Only when Orphea takes Crushing Jaws.
  14. Qhira Score 71 Theory Qhira's stun (Revolving Sweep, Unrelenting Strikes) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  15. Yrel Score 71 Theory Yrel's stun (Righteous Hammer) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  16. Gazlowe Score 70 Theory Gazlowe's stun (Xplodium Charge, Grav-O-Bomb 3000) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  17. Raynor Score 70 Theory Alarak peels divers off Raynor, who cannot escape alone.
  18. Sgt. Hammer Score 70 Theory Alarak peels divers off Sgt. Hammer, who cannot escape alone.
  19. The Butcher Score 68 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  20. Tyrande Score 68 Theory Tyrande's stun (Lunar Flare) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  21. Xul Score 68 Theory Xul's root (Bone Prison, Amplify Damage) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  22. Abathur Score 67 Theory Alarak can protect Abathur's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  23. Jaina Score 67 Theory Alarak can protect Jaina's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  24. Lúcio Score 67 Theory Lúcio starts fights on its own terms, giving Alarak grouped targets for area burst.
  25. Murky Score 67 Theory Alarak can protect Murky's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  26. The Lost Vikings Score 67 Theory Alarak can protect The Lost Vikings's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  27. Tyrael Score 67 Theory Tyrael starts fights on its own terms, giving Alarak grouped targets for area burst.
  28. Tassadar Score 66 Theory Tassadar groups or freezes enemies (Black Hole) for Alarak's area damage. Only when Tassadar takes Black Hole.
  29. Whitemane Score 66 Theory Whitemane groups or freezes enemies (Judgment Day) for Alarak's area damage. Only when Whitemane takes Judgment Day.
  30. Zeratul Score 66 Theory Zeratul groups or freezes enemies (Void Prison) for Alarak's area damage. Only when Zeratul takes Void Prison.
  31. Azmodan Score 65 Theory Alarak peels divers off Azmodan, who cannot escape alone.
  32. Gul'dan Score 65 Theory Alarak peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  33. Nazeebo Score 65 Theory Alarak peels divers off Nazeebo, who cannot escape alone.
  34. Falstad Score 63 Theory Falstad's stun (Dishonorable Discharge) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Falstad takes Dishonorable Discharge.
  35. Hanzo Score 63 Theory Hanzo's stun (Dragon's Arrow, Bullseye) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Hanzo takes Dragon's Arrow or Bullseye.
  36. Illidan Score 63 Theory Illidan's stun (The Hunt) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Illidan takes The Hunt.
  37. Valla Score 63 Theory Valla's stun (Rain of Vengeance) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Valla takes Rain of Vengeance.
  38. Ana Score 62 Theory Ana's stun (Sleep Dart) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  39. Anduin Score 62 Theory Anduin's root (Chastise, Censure) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  40. Arthas Score 62 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  41. Auriel Score 62 Theory Auriel's stun (Detainment Strike, Heavy Burden) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  42. Brightwing Score 62 Theory Brightwing's polymorph (Polymorph) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  43. Deathwing Score 62 Theory Deathwing's stun (Onslaught) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  44. Deckard Score 62 Theory Deckard's root (Scroll Of Sealing) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  45. Junkrat Score 62 Theory Junkrat's root (Steel Trap) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  46. Mal'Ganis Score 62 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  47. Malfurion Score 62 Theory Malfurion's root (Entangling Roots, Emerald Dreams) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  48. Ragnaros Score 62 Theory Ragnaros's stun (Empower Sulfuras, Molten Swing) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  49. Rexxar Score 62 Theory Rexxar's stun (Misha, Charge!) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  50. Sonya Score 62 Theory Sonya's stun (Ancient Spear, Leap) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  51. Uther Score 62 Theory Uther's stun (Hammer of Justice, Divine Storm) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  52. Valeera Score 62 Theory Valeera's stun (Blade Flurry) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  53. Li-Ming Score 60 Theory Alarak can protect Li-Ming's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  54. Nova Score 60 Theory Alarak can protect Nova's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  55. Probius Score 60 Theory Alarak can protect Probius's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  56. Sylvanas Score 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Alarak's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  57. D.Va Score 57 Theory D.Va's stun (Bunny Hop, Hit the Nitrous) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when D.Va takes Bunny Hop or Hit the Nitrous.
  58. Mephisto Score 57 Theory Mephisto's root (Durance of Hate, Unspeakable Horror) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Mephisto takes Durance of Hate or Unspeakable Horror.
  59. Stukov Score 57 Theory Stukov's stun (Massive Shove) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Stukov takes Massive Shove.
  60. Varian Score 57 Theory Varian's taunt (Taunt) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Varian takes Taunt.
  61. Zagara Score 57 Theory Zagara's stun (Devouring Maw) holds targets still for Alarak's burst. Only when Zagara takes Devouring Maw.
  62. Artanis Score 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Artanis (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  63. Fenix Score 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Fenix (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  64. Greymane Score 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Greymane (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  65. Kharazim Score 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Kharazim (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  66. Malthael Score 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  67. Samuro Score 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Samuro (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  68. Tracer Score 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Tracer (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  69. Tychus Score 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Tychus (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  70. Xal'atath Score 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Xal'atath (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.

Spot a wrong or missing matchup? Suggest a correction with the mechanical reason; accepted notes land in the theory layer for everyone.

Maps

Best maps for Alarak

Score 1–100 from how the kit fits each map's layout and objective (50 = neutral)

  1. Why? 2
    • TheorySky Temple's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
    • TheoryAlarak can cover ground quickly (Last Laugh) on Sky Temple's large layout. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  2. Why? 3
    • TheoryAlarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) stops enemies channelling Blackheart's Bay's objective.
    • TheoryAlarak can reach channelling enemies quickly (Last Laugh) to contest Blackheart's Bay's objective. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
    • TheoryAlarak can cover ground quickly (Last Laugh) on Blackheart's Bay's large layout. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  3. Why? 3
    • TheoryAlarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) stops enemies channelling Cursed Hollow's objective.
    • TheoryAlarak can reach channelling enemies quickly (Last Laugh) to contest Cursed Hollow's objective. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
    • TheoryAlarak can cover ground quickly (Last Laugh) on Cursed Hollow's large layout. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  4. Why? 3
    • TheoryAlarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) stops enemies channelling Warhead Junction's objective.
    • TheoryAlarak can reach channelling enemies quickly (Last Laugh) to contest Warhead Junction's objective. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
    • TheoryAlarak can cover ground quickly (Last Laugh) on Warhead Junction's large layout. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  5. Why? 1
    • TheoryAlterac Pass's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
  6. Why? 1
    • TheoryBattlefield of Eternity's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
View 11 more
  1. Braxis Holdout Score 60 Theory Braxis Holdout's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
  2. Braxis Outpost Score 60 Theory Braxis Outpost's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
  3. Hanamura Temple Score 60 Theory Hanamura Temple's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
  4. Industrial District Score 60 Theory Industrial District's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
  5. Infernal Shrines Score 60 Theory Infernal Shrines's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
  6. Lost Cavern Score 60 Theory Lost Cavern's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
  7. Silver City Score 60 Theory Silver City's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
  8. Volskaya Foundry Score 60 Theory Volskaya Foundry's objective forces teamfights where Alarak's area burst (Telekinesis, Deadly Charge) hits several targets.
  9. Dragon Shire Score 59 Theory Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) stops enemies channelling Dragon Shire's objective.
    1 more reason
    • Alarak can reach channelling enemies quickly (Last Laugh) to contest Dragon Shire's objective. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  10. Towers of Doom Score 59 Theory Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) stops enemies channelling Towers of Doom's objective.
    1 more reason
    • Alarak can reach channelling enemies quickly (Last Laugh) to contest Towers of Doom's objective. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  11. Garden of Terror Score 53 Theory Alarak can cover ground quickly (Last Laugh) on Garden of Terror's large layout. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.

All maps

Talents

Talents by level

  1. Level 1

    • Overwhelming Power Q

      Hitting an enemy Hero with Discord Strike grants 40% Attack Speed and causes Basic Attacks to heal for 15% of the damage dealt, increased by 50% of Sadism's bonus when hitting Heroes. These effects last for 4 seconds.

    • Ruthless Momentum W

      Reduce the Mana cost of Telekinesis from 30 to 20. Telekinesis's cooldown recharges 100% faster while above 80% Health.

    • Extended Lightning E Quest

      Reduce Sadism by 10%. Quest: Hit Heroes with the center of Lightning Surge. Reward: After hitting 5 Heroes, increase Lightning Surge's range by 20%. Reward: After hitting 15 Heroes, Lightning Surge's center also Slows enemies by 40% for 2 seconds. Reward: After hitting 3 Heroes with the center of a single cast, increase Sadism by 10% and instantly gain all other Rewards.

  2. Level 4

    • Chaos Reigns Q Quest

      Quest: Hit Heroes with Discord Strike. Reward: After hitting 15 Heroes, increase Discord Strike's damage by 60. Reward: After hitting 2 Heroes with a single Discord Strike, increase its damage by 60. Reward: After hitting 3 Heroes with a single Discord Strike, increase its damage by 100 and instantly gain all other Rewards.

    • Negatively Charged E Quest

      Increase the Lightning Surge damage bonus to enemies between Alarak and his victim to 175%. Repeatable Quest: Each Hero hit by the center of Lightning Surge permanently increases the damage bonus by 5%.

    • Show of Force Trait

      Heroes hit with 3 of Alarak's Abilities within 2 seconds take an additional 61 (+4% per level) damage and increase Sadism by 2%, stacking up to 20%. Sadism gained from Show of Force is lost on death.

  3. Level 7

    • Dissonance Q

      Increase Discord Strike's Silence duration by 0.75 seconds.

    • Hindered Motion W

      Telekinesis Slows enemies by 30% for 3 seconds.

    • Applied Force W

      Reduce Sadism by 10%, but Telekinesis pushes 15% further and has 15% increased range.

  4. Level 10

    • Deadly Charge Heroic

      After channeling, Alarak charges forward dealing 200 (+4% per level) damage to all enemies in his path. Distance is increased based on the amount of time channeled, up to 1.5 seconds. Issuing a Move order while this is channeling will cancel it at no cost. Taking damage will interrupt the channeling.

    • Counter-Strike Heroic

      Alarak targets an area and channels for 1 second, becoming Protected and Unstoppable. After, if he took damage from an enemy Hero, he sends a shockwave that deals 275 (+4% per level) damage.

  5. Level 13

    • Blade of the Highlord Trait

      Basic Attacks against Heroes increase Sadism by 2% stacking up to 40%. Sadism gained from Blade of the Highlord is lost on death.

    • Pure Malice Trait

      Increase Sadism by 10% any time an allied Hero dies, up to 40%. Sadism gained from Pure Malice is lost on death.

    • Rite of Rak'Shir Trait

      Activate to mark an enemy Hero for 300 seconds. Hitting the marked Hero with Discord Strike increases Sadism by 3%. Killing the marked Hero increases Sadism by 5% and lowers the cooldown of Rite of Rak'Shir to 10 seconds. Sadism gained from Rite of Rak'Shir is lost on death.

  6. Level 16

    • Lethal Onslaught Q

      Hitting an enemy Hero with Discord Strike grants 50% of Sadism's damage bonus to Alarak's Basic Attacks for 4 seconds. Basic Attacks against Heroes refresh this duration.

    • Lightning Barrage E

      Hitting an enemy Hero with the center of Lightning Surge allows it to be cast again for free on a different primary target within the next 3 seconds. This free cast cannot benefit from Lightning Barrage.

    • Mocking Strikes Passive

      Basic Attacks against enemy Heroes reduce the cooldown of Alarak's Basic Abilities by 1.5 seconds. This bonus is doubled against enemy Heroes who are Stunned, Silenced, Slowed, or Rooted.

  7. Level 20

    • Wrath of the Highlord Heroic

      If Deadly Charge was the selected Heroic, Heroes hit by Deadly Charge take bonus damage from Alarak's Abilities equal to 75% of Sadism's bonus damage for 4 seconds. If Counter-Strike was the selected Heroic, its cooldown is reduced by 2.5 seconds for each enemy Hero hit by Alarak's Basic Abilities.

    • Might of the Highlord Active

      Alarak gains access to both of his Heroic Abilities. This can be activated to change which Ability occupies the Heroic slot, with the other Ability using the Trait slot.

    • Last Laugh Active

      Activate to teleport to the chosen location and remove all Roots, Slows, and damage over time effects. If Alarak fails to hit enemy Heroes 3 times with Basic Abilities within 4 seconds of using Last Laugh, his Health is reduced to 1.

    • Hasty Bargain Active

      Activate to permanently reduce Alarak's Sadism by 4% and reset the cooldowns of his Basic Abilities.

Abilities and mechanics

  • Sadism D Trait

    Alarak's Ability damage and self-healing are increased by 100% against enemy Heroes. Repeatable Quest: Takedowns increase Sadism by 3%, up to 30%. Sadism gained from Takedowns is lost on death.

  • Discord Strike Q Ability

    8 s cooldown 55 Mana

    After a 0.5 second delay, enemies in front of Alarak take 165 (+4% per level) damage and are silenced for 1.5 seconds.

  • Telekinesis W Ability

    12 s cooldown 30 Mana

    Vector Targeting Create a force, pushing Alarak and all enemies hit from the targeted point towards the targeted direction. Deals 48 (+4% per level) damage to enemies.

  • Lightning Surge E Ability

    6 s cooldown 25 Mana

    Deal 62 (+4% per level) damage to an enemy and an additional 100% damage to enemies between Alarak and the target. Restore 75 (+4% per level) health for each Hero hit.

  • Counter-Strike R Heroic

    30 s cooldown 50 Mana

    Alarak targets an area and channels for 1 second, becoming Protected and Unstoppable. After, if he took damage from an enemy Hero, he sends a shockwave that deals 275 (+4% per level) damage.

  • Deadly Charge R Heroic

    45 s cooldown 60 Mana

    After channeling, Alarak charges forward dealing 200 (+4% per level) damage to all enemies in his path. Distance is increased based on the amount of time channeled, up to 1.5 seconds. Issuing a Move order while this is channeling will cancel it at no cost. Taking damage will interrupt the channeling.

Mechanics tags

What the theory layer reads from Alarak's kit. Each tag shows the ability or talent text that produced it; curated notes cover play-style traits the text cannot show.

Crowd control

Displacement
Ability Telekinesis “Create a force, pushing Alarak and all enemies hit from the targeted point towards the targeted direction.”
Silence
Ability Discord Strike “After a 0.5 second delay, enemies in front of Alarak take 165 damage and are silenced for 1.5 seconds.”
Talent Dissonance “Increase Discord Strike's Silence duration by 0.75 seconds.”
Slow
Talent Extended Lightning “Reward: After hitting 15 Heroes, Lightning Surge's center also Slows enemies by 40% for 2 seconds.”
Talent Hindered Motion “Telekinesis Slows enemies by 30% for 3 seconds.”

Defense and mobility

Cleanse
Talent Last Laugh “Activate to teleport to the chosen location and remove all Roots, Slows, and damage over time effects.”
Dash
Ability Deadly Charge “After channeling, Alarak charges forward dealing 200 damage to all enemies in his path.”
Invulnerable
Ability Counter-Strike “Alarak targets an area and channels for 1 second, becoming Protected and Unstoppable.”
Self-healing
Ability Lightning Surge “Restore 75 health for each Hero hit.”
Talent Overwhelming Power “…grants 40% Attack Speed and causes Basic Attacks to heal for 15% of the damage dealt, increased by 50% of Sadism's…”
Teleport
Talent Last Laugh “Activate to teleport to the chosen location and remove all Roots, Slows, and damage over time effects.”
Unstoppable
Ability Counter-Strike “Alarak targets an area and channels for 1 second, becoming Protected and Unstoppable.”

Damage and macro

Area damage
Ability Telekinesis “Deals 48 damage to enemies.”
Ability Deadly Charge “After channeling, Alarak charges forward dealing 200 damage to all enemies in his path.”
Burst
Curated note Sadism doubles his ability damage against heroes, so one Discord Strike into Lightning Surge combo removes a large chunk of a squishy target.
Channeled abilities
Ability Deadly Charge “After channeling, Alarak charges forward dealing 200 damage to all enemies in his path.”

Play-style traits

Peel
Curated note Telekinesis can shove a diver off a backliner, and Discord Strike's silence shuts off the diver's follow-up abilities.

Patch history

  1. 4 buffs, 1 nerf, 7 other changes

    • BuffBasic Attack damage 150 → 160Base
    • BuffLightning Surge: Healing 70 → 75Base
    • ChangeTelekinesis: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • BuffTelekinesis: Push-to-point distance 6.25 → 12.5Base
    • NerfOverwhelming Power: Healing 50% → 15%Level 1
    • BuffOverwhelming Power: Damage +50%Level 1
    • ChangeOverwhelming Power: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • ChangeApplied Force: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 7
    • ChangeCounter-Strike: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
    • ChangeDeadly Charge: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
    • ChangeMight of the Highlord: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
    • ChangeWrath of the Highlord: 2 new effects (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
  2. 4 buffs, 1 nerf, 7 other changes

    • BuffBasic Attack damage 150 → 160Base
    • BuffLightning Surge: Healing 70 → 75Base
    • ChangeTelekinesis: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • BuffTelekinesis: Push-to-point distance 6.25 → 12.5Base
    • NerfOverwhelming Power: Healing 50% → 15%Level 1
    • BuffOverwhelming Power: Damage +50%Level 1
    • ChangeOverwhelming Power: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • ChangeApplied Force: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 7
    • ChangeCounter-Strike: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
    • ChangeDeadly Charge: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
    • ChangeMight of the Highlord: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
    • ChangeWrath of the Highlord: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20

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