Whetstone
Heroes of the Storm

Patch 2.57 Updated

Tank · Warcraft

Arthas

The Lich King

Role
Tank
Attack
Melee
Difficulty
Medium
Released
13 Mar 2014
Last patched
11 May 2026
Damage
6/10
Utility
5/10
Survivability
8/10
Complexity
4/10

Arthas is strong against

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

  1. The Butcher Curated
    Why? 7
    • CuratedFrozen Tempest slows The Butcher's attacks by up to 40%, starving the Butcher's Brand healing that only comes from his basic attacks, and Rime (level 1) cuts the damage of his next hit by 75% every 5 seconds.via Frozen Tempest, Rime, Butcher's Brand, Howling Blast, Ruthless Onslaught
    • CuratedFrozen Tempest stacks up to a 40% Attack Speed reduction on Heroes near Arthas, and Howling Blast's root stops The Butcher's chase once Ruthless Onslaught is spent.
    • TheoryArthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
    • TheoryArthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryArthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. The Butcher must also take Block.
    • TheoryThe Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
  2. Greymane Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedFrozen Tempest cuts Greymane's attack speed by up to 40% while he's in Worgen melee range, and Howling Blast roots him there.via Frozen Tempest, Howling Blast, Inner Beast
    • TheoryArthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Greymane off a target.
    • TheoryArthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which Greymane relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Greymane in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryArthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Greymane's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Greymane must also take Thick Skin.
  3. Illidan Curated
    Why? 7
    • CuratedIllidan's damage and Betrayer's Thirst healing come from basic attacks; Frozen Tempest cuts his attack speed by up to 40% and Howling Blast roots him in place.via Frozen Tempest, Howling Blast, Betrayer's Thirst, Rime
    • CuratedFrozen Tempest stacks up to 40% Attack Speed and Movement Speed reduction on nearby enemies and Howling Blast roots him; a slowed, rooted Illidan cannot heal through his attacks, and Rime (level 1) blunts the hits he does land.
    • TheoryArthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Illidan off a target.
    • TheoryArthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which Illidan relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Illidan in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryArthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Illidan's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Illidan must also take Reflexive Block.
    • TheoryIllidan deals damage based on maximum Health (Fiery Brand), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Illidan takes Fiery Brand.
  4. Artanis Curated
    Why? 7
    • CuratedFrozen Tempest cuts Artanis' attack speed by up to 40%, so he lands fewer of the basic attacks that recharge Shield Overload, and with Rime (level 1) Arthas takes 75% less damage from his next hit every 5 seconds.via Frozen Tempest, Rime, Shield Overload
    • TheoryArthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Artanis off a target.
    • TheoryArthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which Artanis relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Artanis in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryArthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Artanis's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Artanis must also take Reactive Parry.
    • TheoryArtanis deals damage based on maximum Health (Titan Killer), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Artanis takes Titan Killer.
    • TheoryArtanis's area damage (Amateur Opponent) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Artanis takes Amateur Opponent. Arthas must also take Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
  5. Qhira Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedFrozen Tempest slows Qhira's Attack Speed and Movement Speed while she fights in melee, and Howling Blast's root locks her after Grappling Hook commits.via Frozen Tempest, Howling Blast, Grappling Hook
    • TheoryArthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Qhira off a target.
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Qhira in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryArthas can ignore or remove crowd control (Icebound Fortitude), weakening Qhira's stun. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude. Qhira must also take Silent Killer.
  6. Maiev Curated
    Why? 7
    • CuratedFrozen Tempest cuts Maiev's Attack Speed and Movement Speed by up to 40% while she fights in melee, and Howling Blast's root catches her between Vault of the Wardens uses.via Frozen Tempest, Howling Blast, Vault of the Wardens
    • TheoryArthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Maiev off a target.
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Maiev in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryArthas can ignore or remove crowd control (Icebound Fortitude), weakening Maiev's Time Stop. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude. Maiev must also take Containment Disc.
    • TheoryMaiev deals damage based on maximum Health (Vengeful Knives), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Maiev takes Vengeful Knives.
    • TheoryMaiev's area damage (Fan of Knives, Spirit of Vengeance) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
    • TheoryMaiev reduces enemy Armor (Bonds of Corruption, Shadow Orb: Shadow Strike), offsetting Arthas's Physical Armor. Only when Maiev takes Bonds of Corruption or Shadow Orb: Shadow Strike. Arthas must also take Rime.
View 5 more
  1. Kharazim 76 Theory Arthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Kharazim off a target.
    3 more reasons
    • Arthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which Kharazim relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
    • Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Kharazim in the middle of a dive.
    • Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Kharazim's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Kharazim must also take Earth Ally or Sixth Sense.
  2. Zeratul 71 Theory Arthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Zeratul off a target.
    3 more reasons
    • Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Zeratul in the middle of a dive.
    • Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Zeratul's Spell Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Zeratul must also take Spell Shield.
    • Arthas can ignore or remove crowd control (Icebound Fortitude), weakening Zeratul's Time Stop. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude. Zeratul must also take Void Prison.
  3. Thrall 70 Theory Arthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Thrall off a target.
    4 more reasons
    • Arthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which Thrall relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
    • Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Thrall in the middle of a dive.
    • Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Thrall's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Thrall must also take Feral Resilience.
    • Thrall deals damage based on maximum Health (Rolling Thunder, Alpha Wolf), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Thrall takes Rolling Thunder or Alpha Wolf.
  4. Genji 69 Theory Arthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Genji off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Genji in the middle of a dive.
    • Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Genji's Spell Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Genji must also take Cyber Shield.
  5. Kerrigan 69 Theory Arthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Kerrigan off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop Kerrigan in the middle of a dive.
    • Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Kerrigan's Spell Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Kerrigan must also take Psionic Barrier.
10 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. Sonya 61 Theory Arthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Sonya off a target.
  2. Tracer 60 Theory Arthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Tracer off a target.
  3. Samuro 59 Theory Arthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which Samuro relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
  4. Sgt. Hammer 59 Theory Arthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which Sgt. Hammer relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
  5. Valeera 58 Theory Arthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Valeera off a target.
  6. Kel'Thuzad 57 Theory Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Kel'Thuzad's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Kel'Thuzad must also take Armor of the Archlich.
  7. Mal'Ganis 57 Theory Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor.
  8. Rexxar 57 Theory Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Rexxar's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Rexxar must also take Grizzled Fortitude.
  9. Stukov 57 Theory Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Stukov's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Stukov must also take Biotic Armor.
  10. Mephisto 52 Theory Arthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Mephisto off a target.

Arthas is weak against

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

  1. Ana Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedBiotic Grenade turns off Death Coil's self-heal, his main source of sustain, and the sacrifice healing of Army of the Dead when he takes it.via Biotic Grenade, Death Coil, Army of the Dead
    • TheoryAna reduces healing received (Biotic Grenade), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range.
    • TheoryAna deals damage based on maximum Health (Night Terrors), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Ana takes Night Terrors.
  2. Deathwing Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedDeathwing is permanently Unstoppable, so Howling Blast's root, Frozen Tempest's slows and, if Arthas takes it, Summon Sindragosa's slow never touch him.via Aspect of Death, Howling Blast, Frozen Tempest, Summon Sindragosa
    • TheoryDeathwing's area damage (Incinerate, Onslaught) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
    • TheoryDeathwing reduces enemy Armor (Death Drop), offsetting Arthas's Physical Armor. Only when Deathwing takes Death Drop. Arthas must also take Rime.
  3. Malthael Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedArthas' large health pool feeds Reaper's Mark's 2% max-health ticks and Soul Rip's healing, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves his Death Coil self-heal.via Reaper's Mark, Soul Rip, Touch of Death, Death Coil
    • TheoryMalthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • TheoryArthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
    • TheoryArthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Malthael's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Malthael must also take Ethereal Existence.
  4. Lunara Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedLunara keeps Arthas poisoned from range and Crippling Spores slows him, so Frozen Tempest and Howling Blast rarely reach her.via Nature's Toxin, Crippling Spores, Frozen Tempest, Howling Blast
    • TheoryLunara deals damage based on maximum Health (Invigorating Spores), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Lunara takes Invigorating Spores.
  5. D.Va Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryD.Va deals damage based on maximum Health (Rush-down), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when D.Va takes Rush-down.
    • TheoryD.Va reduces healing received (Aggression Matrix), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when D.Va takes Aggression Matrix.
    • TheoryD.Va's area damage (Self-Destruct, Mech Mode) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
    • TheoryD.Va reduces enemy Armor (Target Locked), offsetting Arthas's Physical Armor. Only when D.Va takes Target Locked. Arthas must also take Rime.
  6. Stitches Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryStitches deals damage based on maximum Health (Serrated Edge), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Stitches takes Serrated Edge.
    • TheoryStitches reduces healing received (Master Hooker), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Stitches takes Master Hooker.
    • TheoryStitches's area damage (Shambling Horror) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
    • TheoryStitches reduces enemy Armor (Pulverize), offsetting Arthas's Physical Armor. Only when Stitches takes Pulverize. Arthas must also take Rime.
View 5 more
  1. Cho'gall 69 Theory Cho'gall deals damage based on maximum Health (Uppercut, Searing Shadows), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Cho'gall takes Uppercut or Searing Shadows.
    2 more reasons
    • Cho'gall reduces healing received (Enraged Regeneration), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Cho'gall takes Enraged Regeneration.
    • Cho'gall's area damage (Shadowflame, Dread Orb) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
  2. Leoric 69 Theory Leoric deals damage based on maximum Health (Drain Hope, Crushing Hope), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest.
    1 more reason
    • Leoric's area damage (Skeletal Swing) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
  3. Hogger 67 Theory Hogger deals damage based on maximum Health (Headbanger), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Hogger takes Headbanger.
    2 more reasons
    • Hogger's area damage (Staggering Blow, Loot Hoard) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
    • Hogger reduces enemy Armor (Power Spike), offsetting Arthas's Physical Armor. Only when Hogger takes Power Spike. Arthas must also take Rime.
  4. Rehgar 65 Theory Rehgar deals damage based on maximum Health (Hunger of the Wolf), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Rehgar takes Hunger of the Wolf.
    1 more reason
    • Rehgar reduces healing received (Purification), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Rehgar takes Purification.
  5. The Lost Vikings 65 Theory The Lost Vikings deals damage based on maximum Health (Nordic Attack Squad), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest.
25 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. Gazlowe 63 Theory Gazlowe deals damage based on maximum Health (Hyperfocus Coils, Overklock), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Gazlowe takes Hyperfocus Coils or Overklock.
  2. Kael'thas 63 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  3. Probius 63 Theory Probius deals damage based on maximum Health (Shoot 'Em Up), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Probius takes Shoot 'Em Up.
  4. Sylvanas 63 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  5. Yrel 63 Theory Yrel deals damage based on maximum Health (Templar's Verdict), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Yrel takes Templar's Verdict.
  6. Zagara 63 Theory Zagara deals damage based on maximum Health (Corrosive Saliva), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Zagara takes Corrosive Saliva.
  7. Deckard 60 Theory Deckard reduces healing received (Emerald), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Deckard takes Emerald.
  8. Garrosh 60 Theory Garrosh reduces healing received (Body Check), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Garrosh takes Body Check.
  9. Lúcio 60 Theory Lúcio reduces healing received (Mixing Fire), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Lúcio takes Mixing Fire.
  10. Nazeebo 60 Theory Nazeebo reduces healing received (Annihilating Spirit), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Nazeebo takes Annihilating Spirit.
  11. Azmodan 59 Theory Azmodan's area damage (Summon Demon Warrior, Greed) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
  12. Hanzo 59 Theory Hanzo deals damage based on maximum Health (Giant Slayer), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Hanzo takes Giant Slayer.
  13. Junkrat 59 Theory Junkrat's area damage (Frag Launcher, Concussion Mine) clears Arthas's summoned units quickly. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
  14. Lt. Morales 59 Theory Lt. Morales deals damage based on maximum Health (Bedside Manner), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Lt. Morales takes Bedside Manner.
  15. Murky 59 Theory Murky deals damage based on maximum Health (Wrath of Cod), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Murky takes Wrath of Cod.
  16. Raynor 59 Theory Raynor deals damage based on maximum Health (Bounty Hunter), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Raynor takes Bounty Hunter.
  17. Tassadar 59 Theory Tassadar deals damage based on maximum Health (Thermal Lance), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Tassadar takes Thermal Lance.
  18. Varian 57 Theory Varian deals damage based on maximum Health (Juggernaut), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Varian takes Juggernaut.
  19. Xul 57 Theory Xul deals damage based on maximum Health (Backlash), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Xul takes Backlash.
  20. Dehaka 56 Theory Dehaka reduces healing received (Paralyzing Enzymes), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Dehaka takes Paralyzing Enzymes.
  21. Cassia 55 Theory Cassia deals damage based on maximum Health (Martial Law), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Cassia takes Martial Law.
  22. Orphea 54 Theory Orphea deals damage based on maximum Health (Bond of Anguish), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Orphea takes Bond of Anguish.
  23. Xal'atath 54 Theory Xal'atath deals damage based on maximum Health (Toxic Mark), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Xal'atath takes Toxic Mark.
  24. Zul'jin 54 Theory Zul'jin deals damage based on maximum Health (No Mercy!), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Zul'jin takes No Mercy!.
  25. Tychus 52 Theory Tychus deals damage based on maximum Health (Minigun, Titan Grenade), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest.

Arthas works well with

Score 1–100 for how well the kits combine

  1. Kael'thas Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedHowling Blast roots for 1.25 seconds, long enough for Flamestrike's 1-second delay to land on the same group.via Howling Blast, Flamestrike
    • TheoryArthas peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • TheoryArthas holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  2. Jaina Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedHowling Blast's root holds enemies inside Blizzard, and Frozen Tempest's slow plus Chill keep them from walking out of the waves.via Howling Blast, Frozen Tempest, Blizzard, Frostbite
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Jaina's burst.
    • TheoryArthas can protect Jaina's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  3. Valeera Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedHowling Blast roots enemies in an area, so Valeera's Seal Fate Sinister Strikes deal bonus damage and extra Combo Points on the rooted targets. Only when Valeera takes Seal Fate (level 16).via Howling Blast, Seal Fate, Sinister Strike
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Valeera's burst.
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Valeera dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  4. Hanzo Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedSummon Sindragosa slows enemies by 60% for 4 seconds, an easy window for fully charged Storm Bows and, if Hanzo has it, Dragonstrike's center. Only when Arthas takes Summon Sindragosa (level 10).via Summon Sindragosa, Dragonstrike, Storm Bow
    • TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Hanzo's burst.
    • TheoryArthas can cleanse crowd control off Hanzo (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  5. Fenix Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedFrozen Tempest, and Summon Sindragosa if Arthas takes it, keeps enemies slowed, and Purification Salvo deals 50% more damage to slowed targets. Only when Fenix takes Purification Salvo (level 10).via Summon Sindragosa, Frozen Tempest, Purification Salvo
    • TheoryArthas can cleanse crowd control off Fenix (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  6. Samuro Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedHowling Blast's root and Frozen Tempest's slow keep targets impaired, so Merciless Strikes makes every Samuro attack a Critical Strike. Only when Samuro takes Merciless Strikes (level 16).via Howling Blast, Frozen Tempest, Merciless Strikes
    • TheoryArthas can cleanse crowd control off Samuro (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
View 8 more
  1. Chromie 77 Theory Arthas peels divers off Chromie, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Chromie's burst.
    • Arthas holds the front line, giving Chromie room to deal damage from behind it.
  2. Kel'Thuzad 77 Theory Arthas peels divers off Kel'Thuzad, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Kel'Thuzad's burst.
    • Arthas holds the front line, giving Kel'Thuzad room to deal damage from behind it.
  3. Raynor 76 Theory Arthas peels divers off Raynor, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • Arthas holds the front line, giving Raynor room to deal damage from behind it.
    • Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Raynor (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  4. Sgt. Hammer 76 Theory Arthas peels divers off Sgt. Hammer, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • Arthas holds the front line, giving Sgt. Hammer room to deal damage from behind it.
    • Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Sgt. Hammer (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  5. Zul'jin 76 Theory Arthas peels divers off Zul'jin, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • Arthas holds the front line, giving Zul'jin room to deal damage from behind it.
    • Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Zul'jin (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  6. Tracer 74 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Tracer's burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Tracer dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
    • Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Tracer (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  7. Azmodan 71 Theory Arthas peels divers off Azmodan, who cannot escape alone.
    1 more reason
    • Arthas holds the front line, giving Azmodan room to deal damage from behind it.
  8. Gul'dan 71 Theory Arthas peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
    1 more reason
    • Arthas holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
39 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. Li-Ming 71 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Li-Ming's burst.
  2. Murky 71 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Murky's burst.
  3. Nazeebo 71 Theory Arthas peels divers off Nazeebo, who cannot escape alone.
  4. Nova 71 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Nova's burst.
  5. Probius 71 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Probius's burst.
  6. Genji 69 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Genji's burst.
  7. Kerrigan 69 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Kerrigan's burst.
  8. Zeratul 69 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Zeratul's burst.
  9. Orphea 68 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Orphea's burst.
  10. Xal'atath 68 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Xal'atath's burst.
  11. Artanis 63 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Artanis dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  12. Greymane 63 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Greymane dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  13. Illidan 63 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Illidan dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  14. Kharazim 63 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Kharazim dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  15. The Butcher 63 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  16. Thrall 63 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Thrall dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  17. Alarak 62 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  18. Junkrat 62 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Junkrat's burst.
  19. Tassadar 62 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) holds targets still for Tassadar's burst.
  20. Abathur 60 Theory Arthas can protect Abathur's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  21. The Lost Vikings 60 Theory Arthas can protect The Lost Vikings's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  22. Ana 57 Theory Arthas holds the front line, giving Ana room to deal damage from behind it.
  23. Anduin 57 Theory Arthas holds the front line, giving Anduin room to deal damage from behind it.
  24. Deckard 57 Theory Arthas holds the front line, giving Deckard room to deal damage from behind it.
  25. Gazlowe 57 Theory Arthas holds the front line, giving Gazlowe room to deal damage from behind it.
  26. Lt. Morales 57 Theory Arthas holds the front line, giving Lt. Morales room to deal damage from behind it.
  27. Maiev 57 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Maiev dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  28. Mephisto 57 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Mephisto dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  29. Qhira 57 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Qhira dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  30. Sonya 57 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets Sonya dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  31. Stukov 57 Theory Arthas holds the front line, giving Stukov room to deal damage from behind it.
  32. Whitemane 57 Theory Arthas holds the front line, giving Whitemane room to deal damage from behind it.
  33. Cassia 56 Theory Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Cassia (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  34. Falstad 56 Theory Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Falstad (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  35. Malthael 56 Theory Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  36. Tychus 56 Theory Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Tychus (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  37. Tyrande 56 Theory Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Tyrande (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  38. Valla 56 Theory Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Valla (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  39. Xul 56 Theory Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Xul (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.

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

Best maps for Arthas

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

  1. Hanamura Temple Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryArthas can stand on Hanamura Temple's payload and absorb pressure.
    • TheoryArthas can siege structures (Summon Sindragosa), which adds to Hanamura Temple's objective pressure. Only when Arthas takes Summon Sindragosa.
  2. Blackheart's Bay Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryArthas can siege structures (Summon Sindragosa), which adds to Blackheart's Bay's objective pressure. Only when Arthas takes Summon Sindragosa.
  3. Sky Temple Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryArthas can siege structures (Summon Sindragosa), which adds to Sky Temple's objective pressure. Only when Arthas takes Summon Sindragosa.
  4. Towers of Doom Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryArthas can siege structures (Summon Sindragosa), which adds to Towers of Doom's objective pressure. Only when Arthas takes Summon Sindragosa.
  5. Alterac Pass Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryArthas's summons (Army of the Dead, Legion of Northrend) add damage to Alterac Pass's neutral objective. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
  6. Battlefield of Eternity Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryArthas's summons (Army of the Dead, Legion of Northrend) add damage to Battlefield of Eternity's neutral objective. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
View 3 more
  1. Garden of Terror 53 Theory Arthas's summons (Army of the Dead, Legion of Northrend) add damage to Garden of Terror's neutral objective. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
  2. Haunted Mines 53 Theory Arthas's summons (Army of the Dead, Legion of Northrend) add damage to Haunted Mines's neutral objective. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.
  3. Infernal Shrines 53 Theory Arthas's summons (Army of the Dead, Legion of Northrend) add damage to Infernal Shrines's neutral objective. Only when Arthas takes Army of the Dead or Legion of Northrend.

All maps

Talents by level

  1. 1

    • Frost Presence W Quest

      Increase the area of Howling Blast by 20%. Quest: Hit enemy Heroes with Howling Blast. Reward: After Hitting 15 Heroes, Howling Blast's range is increased by 20% and it hits enemies in its path. Reward: After Hitting 30 Heroes, Death Coil Slows Heroes hit by 50% for 1.25 seconds.

    • Borean Winds E

      After Frozen Tempest has been active for 2 seconds, Arthas gains 10% Movement Speed. Passive: Frozen Tempest's Slowing effects last an additional 0.5 seconds and its Mana cost is reduced by 4 per second.

    • Rime Passive

      Every 5 seconds, gain 75 Physical Armor against the next enemy Hero Basic Attack, reducing the damage taken by 75%. Stores up to 3 charges. Passive: Arthas heals for 24 (+4% per level) Health per second while Slowed, Rooted, or Stunned.

  2. 4

    • Shattered Armor W

      Enemy Heroes hit by Howling Blast have their Armor reduced by 15 for 4 seconds.

    • Icy Talons E

      Gain 3% Attack Speed for 2 seconds every time a Hero is damaged by Frozen Tempest, up to a maximum of 60%.

    • Frost Strike Trait

      Frostmourne Hungers deals an additional 115 (+4% per level) Spell Damage in an area and Slows enemy Heroes hit by 20% for 2 seconds.

  3. 7

    • Immortal Coil Q

      Gain the healing effect of Death Coil even when used on enemies. If Death Coil is used on Arthas, it heals for an additional 75% bonus healing and its cooldown is reduced by 3 seconds.

    • Rune Tap Passive

      Every 3rd Basic Attack heals Arthas for 5% of his max Health. Passive: Each stack of Frostmourne Hungers increases Arthas's maximum Health by 10.

    • Icebound Fortitude Active

      Activate to instantly remove all Roots and Slows. Gain 25 Armor and reduce the duration of Stuns, Slows, and Roots against Arthas by 75% for 3 seconds. Each Hero Rooted by Howling Blast reduces the cooldown of this ability by 2 seconds.

  4. 10

    • Army of the Dead Heroic

      Consume all charges to summon an equal number of Ghouls that lose Health over 20 seconds and attack for 20 (+4% per level) damage. Reactivate to sacrifice a ghoul, healing Arthas for 240 (+4% per level) Health. Stores up to 6 charges. Whenever a nearby enemy Minion dies, reduce the charge cooldown of this Ability by 1 second. Takedowns reduce the charge cooldown of this Ability by 6 seconds.

    • Summon Sindragosa Heroic

      Deals 230 (+4% per level) damage and Slows enemies by 60% for 4 seconds. Also disables Minions, Mercenaries, Monsters and Structures for 20 seconds.

  5. 13

    • Deathlord Q

      If Death Coil is used on an enemy Hero, launch an additional Death Coil at a nearby enemy Hero. Passive: Death Coil deals more damage the lower Arthas's current Health is, up to a maximum of 50% bonus damage.

    • Deathchill W

      Howling Blast's damage is increased by 2 for each stack of Frostmourne Hungers. Howling Blast deals 100% additional damage and Roots for an additional 0.25 seconds against Heroes under 50% Health.

    • Biting Cold E

      Each second an enemy is damaged by Frozen Tempest, it deals 15% bonus damage, up to a 75% bonus.

  6. 16

    • Remorseless Winter E

      Enemy Heroes that remain within Frozen Tempest for 2.5 seconds are Rooted for 1.25 seconds and heal Arthas for 3% of his maximum Health. This effect has an 8 second cooldown per target.

    • Frostmourne Feeds Trait

      Reduce the cooldown of Frostmourne Hungers by 6 seconds. Arthas heals for 75% of the Basic Attack damage dealt by Frostmourne Hungers.

    • Anti-Magic Shell Active

      Activate to make Arthas immune to Spell Damage for 4 seconds and heal Arthas for 25% of the damage prevented.

  7. 20

    • Legion of Northrend Heroic

      Reduce Army of the Dead's charge cooldown by 5 seconds. Each charge consumed spawns an additional Ghoul to attack nearby enemies. These Ghouls cannot be sacrificed.

    • Absolute Zero Heroic

      Sindragosa flies twice as far. Enemy Heroes are Rooted for 2.5 seconds, and then Slowed by 60% for 4 seconds.

    • Death Pact Trait

      Instantly double your stacks of Frostmourne Hungers, but it no longer gains stacks from hitting Heroes or killing Minions. Passive: Takedowns grant 2 stacks of Frostmourne Hungers.

    • Path of Frost Active

      Activate to instantly mount with 140% minimum Movement Speed. Taking damage does not dismount Arthas from this Mount. Lasts up to 5 seconds. When Arthas dismounts, Slow all nearby enemies by 30% for 2 seconds and deal 66 (+4% per level) damage.

  • Frostmourne Hungers D Trait

    12 s cooldown

    Activate to make Arthas's next Basic Attack strike immediately and deal 71 (+4% per level) bonus damage. Dealing damage restores 40 Mana. Quest: Killing a Minion or hitting a Hero with Frostmourne Hungers permanently increases its bonus damage by 3 and Arthas's Basic Attack damage by 0.75.

  • Death Coil Q Ability

    9 s cooldown 40 Mana

    Deals 164 (+4% per level) damage to target enemy. Can be self-cast to heal for 275 (+4% per level) Health.

  • Howling Blast W Ability

    10 s cooldown 50 Mana

    Root enemies within the target area for 1.25 seconds and deals 68 (+4% per level) damage.

  • Frozen Tempest E Ability

    1 s cooldown 13 Mana per second

    Deal 36 (+4% per level) damage per second to nearby enemies and Slow them by 10% per second, stacking up to 40%. Heroes hit also have their Attack Speed reduced by 10% per second, stacking up to 40%. Frozen Tempest's effects last for 1.5 seconds.

  • Army of the Dead R Heroic

    18 s cooldown

    Consume all charges to summon an equal number of Ghouls that lose Health over 20 seconds and attack for 20 (+4% per level) damage. Reactivate to sacrifice a ghoul, healing Arthas for 240 (+4% per level) Health. Stores up to 6 charges. Whenever a nearby enemy Minion dies, reduce the charge cooldown of this Ability by 1 second. Takedowns reduce the charge cooldown of this Ability by 6 seconds.

  • Summon Sindragosa R Heroic

    100 s cooldown 100 Mana

    Deals 230 (+4% per level) damage and Slows enemies by 60% for 4 seconds. Also disables Minions, Mercenaries, Monsters and Structures for 20 seconds.

Mechanics tags

What the theory layer reads from Arthas'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

Root
Ability Howling Blast “Root enemies within the target area for 1.25 seconds and deals 68 damage.”
Talent Deathchill “Howling Blast deals 100% additional damage and Roots for an additional 0.25 seconds against Heroes under 50% Health.”
Talent Remorseless Winter “…that remain within Frozen Tempest for 2.5 seconds are Rooted for 1.25 seconds and heal Arthas for 3% of his…”
Talent Absolute Zero “Enemy Heroes are Rooted for 2.5 seconds, and then Slowed by 60% for 4 seconds.”
Slow
Ability Frozen Tempest “Deal 36 damage per second to nearby enemies and Slow them by 10% per second, stacking up to 40%.”
Ability Summon Sindragosa “Deals 230 damage and Slows enemies by 60% for 4 seconds.”
Talent Frost Presence “Reward: After Hitting 30 Heroes, Death Coil Slows Heroes hit by 50% for 1.25 seconds.”
Talent Borean Winds “Passive: Frozen Tempest's Slowing effects last an additional 0.5 seconds and its Mana cost is reduced by 4 per second.”

Defense and mobility

Block
Talent Rime “Every 5 seconds, gain 75 Physical Armor against the next enemy Hero Basic Attack, reducing the damage taken by 75%.”
Cleanse
Talent Icebound Fortitude “Activate to instantly remove all Roots and Slows.”
Physical Armor
Talent Rime “Every 5 seconds, gain 75 Physical Armor against the next enemy Hero Basic Attack, reducing the damage taken by 75%.”
Self-healing
Ability Death Coil “Can be self-cast to heal for 275 Health.”
Ability Army of the Dead “Reactivate to sacrifice a ghoul, healing Arthas for 240 Health.”
Talent Rime “Passive: Arthas heals for 24 Health per second while Slowed, Rooted, or Stunned.”
Talent Immortal Coil “If Death Coil is used on Arthas, it heals for an additional 75% bonus healing and its cooldown is reduced by 3 seconds.”

Damage and macro

Area damage
Ability Frozen Tempest “Deal 36 damage per second to nearby enemies and Slow them by 10% per second, stacking up to 40%.”
Talent Frost Presence “Reward: After Hitting 15 Heroes, Howling Blast's range is increased by 20% and it hits enemies in its path.”
Talent Frost Strike “Frostmourne Hungers deals an additional 115 Spell Damage in an area and Slows enemy Heroes hit by 20% for 2 seconds.”
Armor shred
Talent Shattered Armor “Enemy Heroes hit by Howling Blast have their Armor reduced by 15 for 4 seconds.”
Mana hungry
Curated note Frozen Tempest drains mana every second it runs, so he leans on Frostmourne Hungers' 40-mana refund to keep it up.
Siege
Ability Summon Sindragosa “Also disables Minions, Mercenaries, Monsters and Structures for 20 seconds.”
Summons
Ability Army of the Dead “Consume all charges to summon an equal number of Ghouls that lose Health over 20 seconds and attack for 20 damage.”
Talent Legion of Northrend “Each charge consumed spawns an additional Ghoul to attack nearby enemies.”

Play-style traits

Frontline
Curated note 2750 health, a self-cast Death Coil and ghoul sacrifices from Army of the Dead let him hold the front line through long fights.
Peel
Curated note Howling Blast's root and Frozen Tempest's movement and attack-speed slows stop melee divers from reaching his backline.
  1. Heroes of the Storm Balance Patch Notes, 11 May 2026 Balance update Mixed

    5 buffs, 1 nerf, 2 other changes

    • BuffHealth 2625 → 2750Base
    • BuffDeath Coil: Healing 262 → 275Base
    • NerfFrostmourne Hungers: Damage 1 → 0.75Base
    • BuffFrostmourne Hungers: Damage bonus 1 → 3Base
    • ChangeFrost Presence: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • BuffFrost Presence: Slow 0.75 s → 1.25 sLevel 1
    • ChangeIcebound Fortitude: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 7
    • BuffPath of Frost: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
  2. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 20 Apr 2026 Patch Reworked

    1 rework

    • ReworkFull rework: new base abilities and talent tree.Base
  3. Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes, 30 Mar 2026 PTR Reworked

    1 rework

    • ReworkFull rework: new base abilities and talent tree.Base

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