Whetstone
Heroes of the Storm

Patch 2.57 Updated

Tank · Diablo

Diablo

Lord of Terror

Role
Tank
Attack
Melee
Difficulty
Hard
Released
13 Mar 2014
Last patched
20 Jul 2026
Damage
5/10
Utility
7/10
Survivability
9/10
Complexity
5/10

Diablo is strong against

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

  1. Genji Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedOverpower grabs Genji wherever he lands and Shadow Charge into terrain stuns him; both are targeted, so his mobility doesn't help.via Overpower, Shadow Charge, Cyber Agility
    • TheoryDiablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Genji off a target.
    • TheoryDiablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) can stop Genji in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryDiablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Genji's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Genji must also take Cyber Shield.
  2. Illidan Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedOverpower and Shadow Charge are targeted, so Evasion doesn't help Illidan; they throw him away from his target and stun him against terrain.via Overpower, Shadow Charge, Evasion
    • TheoryDiablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Illidan off a target.
    • TheoryDiablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) can stop Illidan in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryDiablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Illidan's Physical Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Illidan must also take Reflexive Block.
    • TheoryIllidan deals damage based on maximum Health (Fiery Brand), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Illidan takes Fiery Brand.
  3. Tracer Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedOverpower is a targeted grab-and-stun that Blink can't dodge, and Shadow Charge can pin Tracer against a wall for a longer stun.via Overpower, Shadow Charge, Blink
    • TheoryDiablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Tracer off a target.
    • TheoryDiablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) can stop Tracer in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryTracer deals damage based on maximum Health (Quantum Spike), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Tracer takes Quantum Spike.
  4. Nazeebo Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedShadow Charge knocks Nazeebo back and cancels Ravenous Spirit's channel. Only when Nazeebo takes Ravenous Spirit (level 10).via Shadow Charge, Ravenous Spirit
    • TheoryDiablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Nazeebo's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Nazeebo must also take Superstition.
    • TheoryDiablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Nazeebo relies on channelled abilities. Only when Nazeebo takes Ravenous Spirit.
    • TheoryNazeebo reduces healing received (Annihilating Spirit), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range. Only when Nazeebo takes Annihilating Spirit.
  5. Kael'thas Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedKael'thas has no escape; Shadow Charge into terrain stuns him for 1 second and Overpower drags him into Diablo's team.via Shadow Charge, Overpower
    • TheoryKael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  6. Qhira Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryDiablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Qhira off a target.
    • TheoryDiablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) can stop Qhira in the middle of a dive.
    • TheoryDiablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Qhira's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Qhira must also take Swing Life Away.
    • TheoryDiablo can ignore or remove crowd control (Lightning Breath), weakening Qhira's stun. Only when Diablo takes Lightning Breath. Qhira must also take Silent Killer.
View 5 more
  1. Zeratul 71 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Zeratul off a target.
    3 more reasons
    • Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) can stop Zeratul in the middle of a dive.
    • Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Zeratul's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Zeratul must also take Spell Shield.
    • Diablo can ignore or remove crowd control (Lightning Breath), weakening Zeratul's Time Stop. Only when Diablo takes Lightning Breath. Zeratul must also take Void Prison.
  2. Greymane 69 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Greymane off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) can stop Greymane in the middle of a dive.
    • Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Greymane's Physical Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Greymane must also take Thick Skin.
  3. Kerrigan 69 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Kerrigan off a target.
    2 more reasons
    • Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) can stop Kerrigan in the middle of a dive.
    • Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Kerrigan's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Kerrigan must also take Psionic Barrier.
  4. Valeera 66 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Valeera off a target.
    4 more reasons
    • Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) can stop Valeera in the middle of a dive.
    • Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Valeera's Physical Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Valeera must also take Combat Readiness.
    • Diablo can ignore or remove crowd control (Lightning Breath), weakening Valeera's stun. Only when Diablo takes Lightning Breath.
    • Valeera reduces healing received (Wound Poison), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range. Only when Valeera takes Wound Poison.
  5. Stukov 65 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Stukov relies on channelled abilities.
    2 more reasons
    • Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Stukov's Physical Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Stukov must also take Biotic Armor.
    • Diablo can ignore or remove crowd control (Lightning Breath), weakening Stukov's stun. Only when Diablo takes Lightning Breath. Stukov must also take Massive Shove.
32 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. Samuro 63 Theory Diablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) helps answer Samuro's side-lane pressure. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  2. The Butcher 63 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
  3. Thrall 63 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Thrall off a target.
  4. E.T.C. 62 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and E.T.C. relies on channelled abilities.
  5. Gul'dan 62 Theory Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  6. Imperius 62 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Imperius relies on channelled abilities.
  7. Mal'Ganis 62 Theory Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Mal'Ganis's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge.
  8. Artanis 61 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Artanis off a target.
  9. Mephisto 61 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Mephisto off a target.
  10. Sonya 61 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Sonya off a target.
  11. Anduin 60 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Anduin relies on channelled abilities.
  12. Dehaka 60 Theory Diablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) helps answer Dehaka's side-lane pressure. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  13. Kharazim 60 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Kharazim off a target.
  14. Abathur 59 Theory Diablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) helps answer Abathur's side-lane pressure. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  15. Blaze 59 Theory Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Blaze's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Blaze must also take Juggernaut Plating.
  16. Li-Ming 59 Theory Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Li-Ming's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Li-Ming must also take Force Armor.
  17. Maiev 59 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel Maiev off a target.
  18. Murky 59 Theory Diablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) helps answer Murky's side-lane pressure. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  19. Azmodan 57 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Azmodan relies on channelled abilities.
  20. Brightwing 57 Theory Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Brightwing's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge.
  21. Kel'Thuzad 57 Theory Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Kel'Thuzad's Physical Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Kel'Thuzad must also take Armor of the Archlich.
  22. Li Li 57 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Li Li relies on channelled abilities.
  23. Malfurion 57 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Malfurion relies on channelled abilities. Only when Malfurion takes Astral Communion.
  24. Ragnaros 57 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Ragnaros relies on channelled abilities.
  25. Rexxar 57 Theory Diablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Rexxar's Physical Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Rexxar must also take Grizzled Fortitude.
  26. Whitemane 57 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Whitemane relies on channelled abilities.
  27. Deckard 54 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Deckard relies on channelled abilities.
  28. Fenix 53 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Fenix relies on channelled abilities.
  29. Tassadar 53 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Tassadar relies on channelled abilities.
  30. Xal'atath 53 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Xal'atath relies on channelled abilities.
  31. The Lost Vikings 52 Theory Diablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) helps answer The Lost Vikings's side-lane pressure. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  32. Cassia 51 Theory Diablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Cassia relies on channelled abilities.

Diablo is weak against

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

  1. Malthael Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedReaper's Mark ticks 2% of maximum health per second and grows with Black Soulstone's bonus health, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves Fire Stomp's healing.via Reaper's Mark, Touch of Death, Black Soulstone, Fire Stomp, Soul Rip
    • CuratedBlack Soulstone's bonus maximum Health directly increases Reaper's Mark and Soul Rip value, and Touch of Death (level 7) halves Diablo's Fire Stomp healing.
    • TheoryMalthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  2. Leoric Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedDrain Hope steals up to 20% of Diablo's max health, and Wraith Walk's Unstoppable lets Leoric walk out of Shadow Charge setups.via Drain Hope, Wraith Walk, Shadow Charge, Black Soulstone, Overpower
    • CuratedBlack Soulstone stacks raise Diablo's maximum Health, which makes Drain Hope's percent drain larger, and Wraith Walk's Unstoppable ignores Shadow Charge and Overpower.
    • TheoryLeoric deals damage based on maximum Health (Drain Hope, Crushing Hope), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest.
  3. Tychus Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedMinigun's 2.5% max-health bonus per attack shreds Diablo's large health pool, and every Black Soulstone soul makes it worse.via Minigun, Black Soulstone
    • TheoryTychus deals damage based on maximum Health (Minigun, Titan Grenade), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest.
    • TheoryDiablo can interrupt channels with stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower), and Tychus relies on channelled abilities.
    • TheoryDiablo reduces enemy Armor (Devastating Charge), offsetting Tychus's Spell Armor. Only when Diablo takes Devastating Charge. Tychus must also take Neosteel Coating.
  4. Deathwing Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedShadow Charge and Overpower can't knock back or grab an Unstoppable Deathwing, which removes Diablo's whole combo.via Aspect of Death, Shadow Charge, Overpower
  5. D.Va Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryD.Va deals damage based on maximum Health (Rush-down), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when D.Va takes Rush-down.
    • TheoryD.Va reduces healing received (Aggression Matrix), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range. Only when D.Va takes Aggression Matrix.
  6. Rehgar Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryRehgar deals damage based on maximum Health (Hunger of the Wolf), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Rehgar takes Hunger of the Wolf.
    • TheoryRehgar reduces healing received (Purification), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range. Only when Rehgar takes Purification.
View 2 more
  1. Stitches 65 Theory Stitches deals damage based on maximum Health (Serrated Edge), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Stitches takes Serrated Edge.
    1 more reason
    • Stitches reduces healing received (Master Hooker), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range. Only when Stitches takes Master Hooker.
  2. Varian 65 Theory Varian deals damage based on maximum Health (Juggernaut), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Varian takes Juggernaut.
    1 more reason
    • Varian reduces healing received (Mortal Strike), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range. Only when Varian takes Mortal Strike.
17 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 59 Theory Gazlowe deals damage based on maximum Health (Hyperfocus Coils, Overklock), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Gazlowe takes Hyperfocus Coils or Overklock.
  2. Hogger 59 Theory Hogger deals damage based on maximum Health (Headbanger), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Hogger takes Headbanger.
  3. Lunara 59 Theory Lunara deals damage based on maximum Health (Invigorating Spores), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Lunara takes Invigorating Spores.
  4. Orphea 59 Theory Orphea deals damage based on maximum Health (Bond of Anguish), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Orphea takes Bond of Anguish.
  5. Probius 59 Theory Probius deals damage based on maximum Health (Shoot 'Em Up), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Probius takes Shoot 'Em Up.
  6. Raynor 59 Theory Raynor deals damage based on maximum Health (Bounty Hunter), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Raynor takes Bounty Hunter.
  7. Tyrande 59 Theory Tyrande deals damage based on maximum Health (Empower), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Tyrande takes Empower.
  8. Valla 59 Theory Valla deals damage based on maximum Health (Manticore), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Valla takes Manticore.
  9. Zagara 59 Theory Zagara deals damage based on maximum Health (Corrosive Saliva), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Zagara takes Corrosive Saliva.
  10. Ana 56 Theory Ana reduces healing received (Biotic Grenade), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range.
  11. Garrosh 56 Theory Garrosh reduces healing received (Body Check), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range. Only when Garrosh takes Body Check.
  12. Lúcio 56 Theory Lúcio reduces healing received (Mixing Fire), which blunts Diablo's self-healing in melee range. Only when Lúcio takes Mixing Fire.
  13. Cho'gall 55 Theory Cho'gall deals damage based on maximum Health (Uppercut, Searing Shadows), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Cho'gall takes Uppercut or Searing Shadows.
  14. Hanzo 52 Theory Hanzo deals damage based on maximum Health (Giant Slayer), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Hanzo takes Giant Slayer.
  15. Lt. Morales 52 Theory Lt. Morales deals damage based on maximum Health (Bedside Manner), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Lt. Morales takes Bedside Manner.
  16. Xul 52 Theory Xul deals damage based on maximum Health (Backlash), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Xul takes Backlash.
  17. Zul'jin 52 Theory Zul'jin deals damage based on maximum Health (No Mercy!), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Zul'jin takes No Mercy!.

Diablo works well with

Score 1–100 for how well the kits combine

  1. Kel'Thuzad Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedApocalypse stuns every enemy hero on the map for 1.75 seconds, letting Kel'Thuzad land Shadow Fissure on whoever he likes. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse (level 10), and Kel'Thuzad takes Shadow Fissure (level 10).via Apocalypse, Shadow Fissure
    • TheoryDiablo peels divers off Kel'Thuzad, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryDiablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Kel'Thuzad's burst.
    • TheoryDiablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Kel'Thuzad grouped targets for area burst.
    • TheoryDiablo holds the front line, giving Kel'Thuzad room to deal damage from behind it.
  2. Hanzo Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedApocalypse stuns every enemy hero at once, an easy target for Dragonstrike's center or a long-range Dragon's Arrow, whichever Hanzo takes. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse (level 10).via Apocalypse, Dragonstrike, Dragon's Arrow
    • TheoryDiablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Hanzo's burst.
    • TheoryDiablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Hanzo grouped targets for area burst. Only when Hanzo takes Dragon's Arrow or Explosive Arrows.
  3. Falstad Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedApocalypse's map-wide stun gives Hinterland Blast's 1-second delay time to land on several frozen heroes. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse (level 10), and Falstad takes Hinterland Blast (level 10).via Apocalypse, Hinterland Blast
  4. Hogger Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedLoot Hoard acts as terrain for up to 5 seconds, giving Diablo a wall anywhere on the map to slam Shadow Charge targets into for its terrain stun.via Loot Hoard, Shadow Charge
  5. Medivh Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedPortal drops Diablo on the far side of an enemy so Shadow Charge knocks them toward his team, or into terrain for the stun.via Portal, Shadow Charge
  6. Chromie Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryDiablo peels divers off Chromie, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryDiablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Chromie's burst.
    • TheoryDiablo holds the front line, giving Chromie room to deal damage from behind it.
    • TheoryDiablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Chromie grouped targets for area burst. Only when Chromie takes Mobius Loop.
View 7 more
  1. Genji 77 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Genji's burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Diablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Genji grouped targets for area burst.
    • Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Genji dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  2. Jaina 77 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Jaina's burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Diablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Jaina grouped targets for area burst.
    • Diablo can protect Jaina's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  3. Kael'thas 77 Theory Diablo peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    3 more reasons
    • Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • Diablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • Diablo holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  4. Kerrigan 77 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Kerrigan's burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Diablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Kerrigan grouped targets for area burst.
    • Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Kerrigan dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  5. Murky 77 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Murky's burst.
    3 more reasons
    • Diablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Murky grouped targets for area burst.
    • Diablo can protect Murky's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
    • Diablo has map-wide reach (Apocalypse) while Murky pressures a side lane. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  6. Probius 77 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Probius's burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Diablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Probius grouped targets for area burst.
    • Diablo can protect Probius's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  7. Tracer 77 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Tracer's burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Diablo starts fights on its own terms, giving Tracer grouped targets for area burst.
    • Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Tracer dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
38 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. Valeera 77 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Valeera's burst.
  2. Zeratul 77 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Zeratul's burst.
  3. Li-Ming 76 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Li-Ming's burst.
  4. Nova 76 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Nova's burst.
  5. Alarak 71 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
  6. Azmodan 71 Theory Diablo peels divers off Azmodan, who cannot escape alone.
  7. Gul'dan 71 Theory Diablo peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  8. Junkrat 71 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Junkrat's burst.
  9. Nazeebo 71 Theory Diablo peels divers off Nazeebo, who cannot escape alone.
  10. Orphea 71 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Orphea's burst.
  11. Raynor 71 Theory Diablo peels divers off Raynor, who cannot escape alone.
  12. Sgt. Hammer 71 Theory Diablo peels divers off Sgt. Hammer, who cannot escape alone.
  13. Tassadar 71 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Tassadar's burst.
  14. Xal'atath 71 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) holds targets still for Xal'atath's burst.
  15. Zul'jin 71 Theory Diablo peels divers off Zul'jin, who cannot escape alone.
  16. Abathur 65 Theory Diablo can protect Abathur's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  17. The Lost Vikings 65 Theory Diablo can protect The Lost Vikings's fragile body when the enemy hunts it.
  18. Ana 57 Theory Diablo holds the front line, giving Ana room to deal damage from behind it.
  19. Anduin 57 Theory Diablo holds the front line, giving Anduin room to deal damage from behind it.
  20. Artanis 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Artanis dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  21. Deckard 57 Theory Diablo holds the front line, giving Deckard room to deal damage from behind it.
  22. Gazlowe 57 Theory Diablo holds the front line, giving Gazlowe room to deal damage from behind it.
  23. Greymane 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Greymane dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  24. Illidan 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Illidan dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  25. Kharazim 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Kharazim dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  26. Lt. Morales 57 Theory Diablo holds the front line, giving Lt. Morales room to deal damage from behind it.
  27. Maiev 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Maiev dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  28. Mephisto 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Mephisto dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  29. Qhira 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Qhira dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  30. Sonya 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Sonya dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  31. Stukov 57 Theory Diablo holds the front line, giving Stukov room to deal damage from behind it.
  32. The Butcher 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  33. Thrall 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets Thrall dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  34. Whitemane 57 Theory Diablo holds the front line, giving Whitemane room to deal damage from behind it.
  35. Dehaka 56 Theory Diablo has map-wide reach (Apocalypse) while Dehaka pressures a side lane. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  36. Samuro 56 Theory Diablo has map-wide reach (Apocalypse) while Samuro pressures a side lane. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  37. Sylvanas 56 Theory Diablo has map-wide reach (Apocalypse) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  38. Xul 56 Theory Diablo has map-wide reach (Apocalypse) while Xul pressures a side lane. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.

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 Diablo

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

  1. Blackheart's Bay Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryDiablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) offsets Blackheart's Bay's long rotations. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
    • TheoryDiablo can reach channelling enemies quickly (Apocalypse) to contest Blackheart's Bay's objective. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
    • TheoryDiablo can cover ground quickly (Hellgate) on Blackheart's Bay's large layout. Only when Diablo takes Hellgate.
  2. Cursed Hollow Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryDiablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) offsets Cursed Hollow's long rotations. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
    • TheoryDiablo can reach channelling enemies quickly (Apocalypse) to contest Cursed Hollow's objective. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
    • TheoryDiablo can cover ground quickly (Hellgate) on Cursed Hollow's large layout. Only when Diablo takes Hellgate.
  3. Sky Temple Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryDiablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) offsets Sky Temple's long rotations. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
    • TheoryDiablo can start the fights Sky Temple's objective forces.
    • TheoryDiablo can cover ground quickly (Hellgate) on Sky Temple's large layout. Only when Diablo takes Hellgate.
  4. Warhead Junction Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryDiablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) offsets Warhead Junction's long rotations. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
    • TheoryDiablo can reach channelling enemies quickly (Apocalypse) to contest Warhead Junction's objective. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
    • TheoryDiablo can cover ground quickly (Hellgate) on Warhead Junction's large layout. Only when Diablo takes Hellgate.
  5. Hanamura Temple Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryDiablo can stand on Hanamura Temple's payload and absorb pressure.
    • TheoryDiablo can start the fights Hanamura Temple's objective forces.
  6. Dragon Shire Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryDiablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) offsets Dragon Shire's long rotations. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
    • TheoryDiablo can reach channelling enemies quickly (Apocalypse) to contest Dragon Shire's objective. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
View 11 more
  1. Garden of Terror 62 Theory Diablo's map-wide reach (Apocalypse) offsets Garden of Terror's long rotations. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
    1 more reason
    • Diablo can cover ground quickly (Hellgate) on Garden of Terror's large layout. Only when Diablo takes Hellgate.
  2. Alterac Pass 55 Theory Diablo can start the fights Alterac Pass's objective forces.
  3. Battlefield of Eternity 55 Theory Diablo can start the fights Battlefield of Eternity's objective forces.
  4. Braxis Holdout 55 Theory Diablo can start the fights Braxis Holdout's objective forces.
  5. Braxis Outpost 55 Theory Diablo can start the fights Braxis Outpost's objective forces.
  6. Industrial District 55 Theory Diablo can start the fights Industrial District's objective forces.
  7. Infernal Shrines 55 Theory Diablo can start the fights Infernal Shrines's objective forces.
  8. Lost Cavern 55 Theory Diablo can start the fights Lost Cavern's objective forces.
  9. Silver City 55 Theory Diablo can start the fights Silver City's objective forces.
  10. Volskaya Foundry 55 Theory Diablo can start the fights Volskaya Foundry's objective forces.
  11. Towers of Doom 54 Theory Diablo can reach channelling enemies quickly (Apocalypse) to contest Towers of Doom's objective. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.

All maps

Talents by level

  1. 1

    • Feast on Fear Passive

      Stunning an enemy Hero with Shadow Charge or Overpower heals Diablo for 10% of his maximum Health over 3 seconds.

    • Devil's Due Trait

      Black Soulstone increases the effects of Regen Globes and Healing Fountains by 2.25% per Soul.

    • Soul Shield Active

      Activate to gain 25 plus 50% of Diablo's current Souls as Spell Armor for 4 seconds. Every time Diablo damages an enemy Hero, reduce this cooldown by 1 second.

  2. 4

    • Sacrificial Soul Q

      Stunning a Hero with Shadow Charge grants 10 Souls and 20 Armor for 3 seconds. While at 100 Souls, increase this Armor to 40.

    • Souls to the Flame W

      Fire Stomp grants 1 Soul every 3 times it damages an enemy Hero, and heals for an additional 1.3% of its damage dealt per Soul.

    • Life Leech Passive

      Diablo gains 1 Soul and heals for 1.75% of his maximum Health when Basic Attacking an enemy Hero. While at 100 Souls, increase this healing to 3.5% of his maximum Health.

  3. 7

    • Eternal Flames W

      Reduce the cooldown of Fire Stomp by 1 second. When Diablo Stuns an enemy Hero with Shadow Charge or Overpower, reset the cooldown of Fire Stomp and restore 45 Mana.

    • Malevolence Passive

      Basic Abilities cause Diablo's next Basic Attack within 6 seconds to deal an additional 100 (+4% per level) Spell Damage. Stores up to 2 charges.

    • Diabolical Momentum Passive

      When Diablo's Basic Attacks damage enemies, reduce the cooldown of Shadow Charge and Overpower by 2 seconds.

  4. 10

    • Apocalypse Heroic

      Create a demonic rune under each enemy Hero on the battleground. After 1.75 seconds the rune explodes dealing 137 (+4% per level) damage and Stunning them for 1.75 seconds.

    • Lightning Breath Heroic

      After 0.5 seconds, become Unstoppable and Channel for up to 4 seconds, dealing 50 (+4% per level) damage every 0.25 seconds to enemies in front of Diablo. Enemies affected are Slowed by 4% for 2 seconds, up to 40%. Lightning Breath's direction changes with your mouse cursor position.

  5. 13

    • Devastating Charge Q Quest

      Increase Shadow Charge's terrain collision damage by 50%. Quest: Hit an enemy Hero against terrain 5 times. Reward: Hitting enemy Heroes against terrain reduces their Armor by 20 for 4 seconds.

    • Hellfire W

      Each enemy Hero hit by Fire Stomp grants 3% Spell Power for 10 seconds, up to 30%. While at maximum stacks, Diablo deals 33 (+4% per level) damage per second to nearby enemies.

    • Cruelty Passive

      Stunning an enemy Hero with Shadow Charge or Overpower increases Diablo's Attack Speed by 50% for 7 seconds, up to 100%.

  6. 16

    • Domination Q

      Casting Overpower resets the cooldown of Shadow Charge.

    • Debilitating Flames W

      Enemy Heroes hit by Fire Stomp are Slowed by 6% for 4 seconds, up to 60%. Heroes Slowed by 24% or more by Debilitating Flames deal 50% less damage.

    • Overpowering Nightmare E

      Gain 2 additional charges of Overpower, with a 2 second cooldown between uses.

  7. 20

    • Dying Breath Heroic

      Apocalypse's cooldown is reduced by 30 seconds for every enemy Hero hit (to a minimum of 5 seconds) and is cast for free when Diablo dies.

    • Hellstorm Heroic

      Lightning Breath lasts 200% longer.

    • Lord of Terror Active

      Activate to steal 12% of the maximum Health of nearby enemy Heroes and gain 5 Souls per Hero hit.

    • Hellgate Active

      Teleport and place a demonic rune at target location. After 1.75 seconds the rune explodes dealing 137 (+4% per level) damage and stunning enemies for 1.75 seconds.

  • Black Soulstone D Trait

    Repeatable Quest: Gain 10 Souls per Hero killed and 1 Soul per Minion, up to 100. For each Soul, gain 0.3% maximum Health. If Diablo has 100 Souls upon dying, he will resurrect in 5 seconds but lose 100 Souls. After reaching level 10, Diablo only consumes 75 Souls when resurrecting.

  • Shadow Charge Q Ability

    12 s cooldown 65 Mana

    Charge an enemy, knocking them back, dealing 45 (+4% per level) damage and gaining 15% Movement Speed for 2 seconds. If the enemy hits terrain, they are Stunned for 1 second and take an additional 140 (+4% per level) damage.

  • Fire Stomp W Ability

    8 s cooldown 35 Mana

    Unleashes fire waves toward the targeted area that deal 11 (+4% per level) damage each. Once they reach maximum range they return, dealing an additional 34 (+4% per level) damage. Diablo heals for 130% of the damage dealt to Heroes.

  • Overpower E Ability

    12 s cooldown 35 Mana

    Grabs the target and slams it behind Diablo, dealing 80 (+4% per level) damage and Stunning for 0.25 seconds.

  • Apocalypse R Heroic

    90 s cooldown 50 Mana

    Create a demonic rune under each enemy Hero on the battleground. After 1.75 seconds the rune explodes dealing 137 (+4% per level) damage and Stunning them for 1.75 seconds.

  • Lightning Breath R Heroic

    90 s cooldown 80 Mana

    After 0.5 seconds, become Unstoppable and Channel for up to 4 seconds, dealing 50 (+4% per level) damage every 0.25 seconds to enemies in front of Diablo. Enemies affected are Slowed by 4% for 2 seconds, up to 40%. Lightning Breath's direction changes with your mouse cursor position.

Mechanics tags

What the theory layer reads from Diablo'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 Shadow Charge “Charge an enemy, knocking them back, dealing 45 damage and gaining 15% Movement Speed for 2 seconds.”
Slow
Ability Lightning Breath “Enemies affected are Slowed by 4% for 2 seconds, up to 40%.”
Talent Debilitating Flames “Enemy Heroes hit by Fire Stomp are Slowed by 6% for 4 seconds, up to 60%.”
Stun
Ability Shadow Charge “If the enemy hits terrain, they are Stunned for 1 second and take an additional 140 damage.”
Ability Overpower “Grabs the target and slams it behind Diablo, dealing 80 damage and Stunning for 0.25 seconds.”
Ability Apocalypse “After 1.75 seconds the rune explodes dealing 137 damage and Stunning them for 1.75 seconds.”
Talent Feast on Fear “Stunning an enemy Hero with Shadow Charge or Overpower heals Diablo for 10% of his maximum Health over 3 seconds.”

Defense and mobility

Self-healing
Ability Fire Stomp “Diablo heals for 130% of the damage dealt to Heroes.”
Talent Feast on Fear “Stunning an enemy Hero with Shadow Charge or Overpower heals Diablo for 10% of his maximum Health over 3 seconds.”
Talent Souls to the Flame “…grants 1 Soul every 3 times it damages an enemy Hero, and heals for an additional 1.3% of its damage dealt per Soul.”
Talent Life Leech “Diablo gains 1 Soul and heals for 1.75% of his maximum Health when Basic Attacking an enemy Hero.”
Teleport
Talent Hellgate “Teleport and place a demonic rune at target location.”
Unstoppable
Ability Lightning Breath “After 0.5 seconds, become Unstoppable and Channel for up to 4 seconds, dealing 50 damage every 0.25 seconds to enemies…”

Damage and macro

Area damage
Talent Hellfire “While at maximum stacks, Diablo deals 33 damage per second to nearby enemies.”
Armor shred
Talent Devastating Charge “Reward: Hitting enemy Heroes against terrain reduces their Armor by 20 for 4 seconds.”
Global presence
Ability Apocalypse “Create a demonic rune under each enemy Hero on the battleground.”

Play-style traits

Engage
Curated note Shadow Charge into Overpower can slam a backliner into a wall for a long stun.
Frontline
Curated note Large health, Fire Stomp's self-heal and Black Soulstone's resurrect let him hold the front line.
Peel
Curated note Overpower and Shadow Charge relocate divers and stun them against terrain.
  1. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 20 Jul 2026 Patch Mixed

    6 buffs, 2 nerfs

    • BuffShadow Charge: Damage 40 → 45Base
    • BuffShadow Charge: Terrain collision damage 130 → 140Base
    • NerfFire Stomp: Damage 12 → 11Base
    • NerfFire Stomp: Return damage 36 → 34Base
    • BuffOverpower: Damage 73 → 80Base
    • BuffDiabolical Momentum: Cooldown reduction 1.5 s → 2 sLevel 7
    • BuffDying Breath: Cooldown reduction 25 s → 30 sLevel 20
    • BuffLord of Terror: Health stolen 10% → 12%Level 20
  2. Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes, 29 Jun 2026 PTR Mixed

    5 buffs, 1 nerf, 2 other changes

    • BuffShadow Charge: Damage 40 → 45Base
    • ChangeShadow Charge: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • NerfFire Stomp: Damage 12 → 11Base
    • ChangeFire Stomp: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • BuffOverpower: Damage 73 → 80Base
    • BuffDiabolical Momentum: Cooldown reduction 1.5 s → 2 sLevel 7
    • BuffDying Breath: Cooldown reduction 25 s → 30 sLevel 20
    • BuffLord of Terror: Health stolen 10% → 12%Level 20

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Guides and builds

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