Whetstone
Heroes of the Storm

Patch 2.57 Updated

Ranged Assassin · Warcraft

Gul'dan

Darkness Incarnate

Role
Ranged Assassin
Attack
Ranged
Difficulty
Medium
Released
12 Jul 2016
Last patched
12 Dec 2025
Damage
8/10
Utility
3/10
Survivability
5/10
Complexity
6/10

Gul'dan is strong against

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

  1. The Lost Vikings Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedFel Flame's wave hits every Viking standing together on a 1.5-second cooldown, and Corruption stacks on whichever one gets caught alone.via Fel Flame, Corruption
    • TheoryGul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting The Lost Vikings's Physical Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. The Lost Vikings must also take Olaf the Stout.
  2. Zagara Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedFel Flame sweeps away Banelings, Roachlings and Hunter Killers in one wave, blunting Zagara's summon pressure.via Fel Flame, Baneling Barrage, Infested Drop, Hunter Killer
    • TheoryGul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Zagara's Spell Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Zagara must also take Spell Shield.
    • TheoryZagara can poke Gul'dan from range (Baneling Barrage, Infested Drop), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
    • TheoryZagara can interrupt channels with stun (Devouring Maw), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Zagara takes Devouring Maw. Gul'dan must also take Health Funnel.
7 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. Fenix 59 Theory Gul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Fenix's Spell Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Fenix must also take Dampening Field.
  2. Li-Ming 59 Theory Gul'dan brings Spell Armor (Fel Armor), which blunts Li-Ming's ability burst. Only when Gul'dan takes Fel Armor.
  3. Nazeebo 59 Theory Gul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Nazeebo's Spell Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Nazeebo must also take Superstition.
  4. Tychus 59 Theory Gul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Tychus's Spell Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Tychus must also take Neosteel Coating.
  5. Kael'thas 57 Theory Gul'dan brings Spell Armor (Fel Armor), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Gul'dan takes Fel Armor.
  6. Tassadar 57 Theory Gul'dan brings Spell Armor (Fel Armor), which blunts Tassadar's ability burst. Only when Gul'dan takes Fel Armor.
  7. Probius 55 Theory Gul'dan brings Spell Armor (Fel Armor), which blunts Probius's ability burst. Only when Gul'dan takes Fel Armor.

Gul'dan is weak against

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

  1. Tracer Curated
    Why? 6
    • CuratedTracer Blinks out of Drain Life's reach and dodges Fel Flame, while Gul'dan has no way to escape her constant attacks.via Blink, Reload, Drain Life, Fel Flame
    • TheoryTracer can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryTracer reduces enemy Armor (Heavy Handed), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Tracer takes Heavy Handed. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
    • TheoryTracer can ignore or remove crowd control (Recall), weakening Gul'dan's fear. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
    • TheoryGul'dan brings Spell Armor (Fel Armor), which blunts Tracer's ability burst. Only when Gul'dan takes Fel Armor.
    • TheoryGul'dan's silence (Horrify) can stop Tracer in the middle of a dive. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
  2. Zeratul Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedGul'dan has no escape before Demonic Circle at level 20, so once Zeratul Blinks onto him from stealth, Cleave, Singularity Spike and Basic Attacks outpace what Drain Life heals back.via Permanent Cloak, Blink, Cleave, Singularity Spike, Drain Life
    • TheoryZeratul can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryZeratul can interrupt channels with Time Stop (Void Prison), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Zeratul takes Void Prison. Gul'dan must also take Health Funnel.
    • TheoryGul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Zeratul's Spell Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Zeratul must also take Spell Shield.
    • TheoryGul'dan's silence (Horrify) can stop Zeratul in the middle of a dive. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
  3. Illidan Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedDive and Sweeping Strike keep Illidan on top of an immobile Gul'dan, and Betrayer's Thirst heals him through Corruption ticks.via Dive, Sweeping Strike, Betrayer's Thirst, Corruption
    • TheoryIllidan can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryIllidan can interrupt channels with stun (The Hunt), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Illidan takes The Hunt. Gul'dan must also take Health Funnel.
    • TheoryGul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Illidan's Physical Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Illidan must also take Reflexive Block.
    • TheoryGul'dan's silence (Horrify) can stop Illidan in the middle of a dive. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
  4. Genji Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedGul'dan has no escape in his base kit; Swift Strike and Shuriken burst him, and Deflect blocks Drain Life and Fel Flame.via Swift Strike, Shuriken, Deflect, Drain Life, Fel Flame
    • TheoryGenji can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryGul'dan brings Spell Armor (Fel Armor), which blunts Genji's ability burst. Only when Gul'dan takes Fel Armor.
    • TheoryGul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Genji's Spell Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Genji must also take Cyber Shield.
    • TheoryGul'dan's silence (Horrify) can stop Genji in the middle of a dive. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
  5. Maiev Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryMaiev can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryMaiev reduces enemy Armor (Bonds of Corruption, Shadow Orb: Shadow Strike), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Maiev takes Bonds of Corruption or Shadow Orb: Shadow Strike. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
    • TheoryMaiev can interrupt channels with silence (Containment Disc), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Maiev takes Containment Disc. Gul'dan must also take Health Funnel.
  6. Mephisto Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryMephisto can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryMephisto can poke Gul'dan from range (Skull Missile, Shade of Mephisto), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
View 6 more
  1. Valeera 73 Theory Valeera can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    2 more reasons
    • Valeera can interrupt channels with stun (Blade Flurry), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
    • Valeera can ignore or remove crowd control (Cloak of Shadows), weakening Gul'dan's fear. Only when Valeera takes Cloak of Shadows. Gul'dan must also take Horrify.
  2. Qhira 71 Theory Qhira can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    1 more reason
    • Qhira can interrupt channels with stun (Revolving Sweep, Unrelenting Strikes), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  3. Sonya 67 Theory Sonya can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    4 more reasons
    • Sonya can interrupt channels with stun (Ancient Spear, Leap), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
    • Sonya can ignore or remove crowd control (Hurricane), weakening Gul'dan's fear. Only when Sonya takes Hurricane. Gul'dan must also take Horrify.
    • Gul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Sonya's Physical Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Sonya must also take Tough As Nails.
    • Gul'dan's silence (Horrify) can stop Sonya in the middle of a dive. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
  4. Falstad 66 Theory Falstad can poke Gul'dan from range (Hammerang, Lightning Rod), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
    2 more reasons
    • Falstad reduces enemy Armor (BOOMerang), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Falstad takes BOOMerang. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
    • Falstad can interrupt channels with stun (Dishonorable Discharge), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Falstad takes Dishonorable Discharge. Gul'dan must also take Health Funnel.
  5. Kerrigan 65 Theory Kerrigan can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    3 more reasons
    • Kerrigan can interrupt channels with stun (Impaling Blades, Summon Ultralisk), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
    • Gul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Kerrigan's Spell Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Kerrigan must also take Psionic Barrier.
    • Gul'dan's silence (Horrify) can stop Kerrigan in the middle of a dive. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
  6. Thrall 65 Theory Thrall can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
    3 more reasons
    • Thrall can interrupt channels with stun (Sundering), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Thrall takes Sundering. Gul'dan must also take Health Funnel.
    • Gul'dan reduces enemy Armor (Haunt), offsetting Thrall's Physical Armor. Only when Gul'dan takes Haunt. Thrall must also take Feral Resilience.
    • Gul'dan's silence (Horrify) can stop Thrall in the middle of a dive. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
35 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. Artanis 63 Theory Artanis can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
  2. Kharazim 63 Theory Kharazim can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
  3. Deathwing 62 Theory Deathwing reduces enemy Armor (Death Drop), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Deathwing takes Death Drop. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  4. Diablo 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.
  5. Hogger 62 Theory Hogger reduces enemy Armor (Power Spike), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Hogger takes Power Spike. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  6. Stitches 62 Theory Stitches reduces enemy Armor (Pulverize), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Stitches takes Pulverize. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  7. Greymane 60 Theory Greymane can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
  8. Lunara 60 Theory Lunara can poke Gul'dan from range, and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  9. Malfurion 60 Theory Malfurion can poke Gul'dan from range, and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  10. Chromie 59 Theory Chromie can poke Gul'dan from range (Sand Blast, Dragon’s Breath), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  11. Junkrat 59 Theory Junkrat can poke Gul'dan from range (Frag Launcher, Concussion Mine), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  12. Varian 59 Theory Varian reduces enemy Armor (Colossus Smash), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Varian takes Colossus Smash. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  13. Hanzo 58 Theory Hanzo can poke Gul'dan from range (Storm Bow, Scatter Arrow), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  14. Ana 57 Theory Ana can interrupt channels with stun (Sleep Dart), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  15. Brightwing 57 Theory Brightwing can interrupt channels with silence (Polymorph, Hush!), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  16. Chen 57 Theory Chen reduces enemy Armor (Accumulating Flame), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Chen takes Accumulating Flame. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  17. Cho'gall 57 Theory Cho'gall can poke Gul'dan from range (Shadowflame, Dread Orb), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  18. D.Va 57 Theory D.Va reduces enemy Armor (Target Locked), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when D.Va takes Target Locked. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  19. Garrosh 57 Theory Garrosh can interrupt channels with stun (Groundbreaker, Warbreaker), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  20. Gazlowe 57 Theory Gazlowe can interrupt channels with stun (Xplodium Charge, Grav-O-Bomb 3000), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  21. Johanna 57 Theory Johanna can interrupt channels with stun (Condemn, Falling Sword), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  22. Leoric 57 Theory Leoric can interrupt channels with silence (Buried Alive), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Leoric takes Buried Alive. Gul'dan must also take Health Funnel.
  23. Lúcio 57 Theory Lúcio can interrupt channels with stun (Heavy Casters), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Lúcio takes Heavy Casters. Gul'dan must also take Health Funnel.
  24. Mei 57 Theory Mei can interrupt channels with stun (Blizzard, Avalanche), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  25. Raynor 57 Theory Raynor reduces enemy Armor (Dusk Wing), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Raynor takes Dusk Wing. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  26. Sylvanas 57 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  27. The Butcher 57 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
  28. Tyrande 57 Theory Tyrande can interrupt channels with stun (Lunar Flare), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  29. Uther 57 Theory Uther can interrupt channels with stun (Hammer of Justice, Divine Storm), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  30. Whitemane 57 Theory Whitemane reduces enemy Armor (Shared Punishment, Purge the Wicked), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Whitemane takes Shared Punishment or Purge the Wicked. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  31. Zarya 57 Theory Zarya can interrupt channels with silence (Gravity Kills), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Zarya takes Gravity Kills. Gul'dan must also take Health Funnel.
  32. Zul'jin 57 Theory Zul'jin reduces enemy Armor (No Mercy!), offsetting Gul'dan's Spell Armor. Only when Zul'jin takes No Mercy!. Gul'dan must also take Fel Armor.
  33. Nova 55 Theory Nova can poke Gul'dan from range (Snipe, Pinning Shot), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  34. Orphea 55 Theory Orphea can poke Gul'dan from range (Shadow Waltz, Chomp), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  35. Jaina 53 Theory Jaina can poke Gul'dan from range (Frostbolt, Blizzard), and Gul'dan has few ways to dodge or disengage.

Gul'dan works well with

Score 1–100 for how well the kits combine

  1. Malfurion Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedGul'dan never regenerates Mana and pays Health for Life Tap, so Innervate gives him free Mana and faster Fel Flame and Corruption cooldowns.via Innervate, Life Tap, Fel Flame, Corruption
    • TheoryMalfurion peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  2. Zarya Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedGraviton Surge holds heroes together so Horrify fears the whole group, or Rain of Destruction's meteors keep landing on them. Only when Zarya takes Graviton Surge (level 10).via Graviton Surge, Horrify, Rain of Destruction
    • TheoryZarya peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryZarya groups or freezes enemies (Graviton Surge) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Zarya takes Graviton Surge.
  3. Ana Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedNano Boost restores 200 mana to Gul'dan, who does not regenerate mana, and makes Fel Flame recharge 150% faster with 30% Spell Power. Only when Ana takes Nano Boost (level 10).via Nano Boost, Life Tap, Fel Flame
    • TheoryAna peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  4. E.T.C. Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedMosh Pit holds a group inside Rain of Destruction's falling meteors. Only when E.T.C. takes Mosh Pit (level 10), and Gul'dan takes Rain of Destruction (level 10).via Mosh Pit, Rain of Destruction
    • TheoryE.T.C. peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  5. Johanna Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryJohanna groups or freezes enemies (Condemn) for Gul'dan's area damage.
    • TheoryJohanna peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryJohanna holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  6. Cassia Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryCassia peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryCassia groups or freezes enemies (Valkyrie) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Cassia takes Valkyrie.
View 6 more
  1. Tassadar 72 Theory Tassadar peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
    1 more reason
    • Tassadar groups or freezes enemies (Black Hole) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Tassadar takes Black Hole.
  2. Arthas 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.
  3. Blaze 71 Theory Blaze peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
    1 more reason
    • Blaze holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  4. Chen 71 Theory Chen peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
    1 more reason
    • Chen holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  5. Cho'gall 71 Theory Cho'gall groups or freezes enemies (Upheaval) for Gul'dan's area damage.
    1 more reason
    • Cho'gall holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  6. D.Va 71 Theory D.Va peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
    1 more reason
    • D.Va holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
37 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. Diablo 71 Theory Diablo peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  2. Garrosh 71 Theory Garrosh peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  3. Hogger 71 Theory Hogger peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  4. Leoric 71 Theory Leoric peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  5. Mal'Ganis 71 Theory Mal'Ganis peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  6. Mei 71 Theory Mei peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  7. Stitches 71 Theory Stitches groups or freezes enemies (Hook) for Gul'dan's area damage.
  8. Varian 71 Theory Varian peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  9. Alarak 65 Theory Alarak peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  10. Alexstrasza 65 Theory Alexstrasza peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  11. Anub'arak 65 Theory Anub'arak peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  12. Auriel 65 Theory Auriel peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  13. Brightwing 65 Theory Brightwing peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  14. Chromie 65 Theory Chromie groups or freezes enemies (Time Trap, Chronic Conditions) for Gul'dan's area damage.
  15. Deckard 65 Theory Deckard peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  16. Dehaka 65 Theory Dehaka groups or freezes enemies (Drag) for Gul'dan's area damage.
  17. Kel'Thuzad 65 Theory Kel'Thuzad groups or freezes enemies (Chains of Kel'Thuzad) for Gul'dan's area damage.
  18. Kerrigan 65 Theory Kerrigan groups or freezes enemies (Primal Grasp) for Gul'dan's area damage.
  19. Li Li 65 Theory Li Li peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  20. Lúcio 65 Theory Lúcio peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  21. Maiev 65 Theory Maiev groups or freezes enemies (Umbral Bind) for Gul'dan's area damage.
  22. Rehgar 65 Theory Rehgar peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  23. Rexxar 65 Theory Rexxar peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  24. Stukov 65 Theory Stukov peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  25. Uther 65 Theory Uther peels divers off Gul'dan, who cannot escape alone.
  26. Gazlowe 59 Theory Gazlowe groups or freezes enemies (Grav-O-Bomb 3000) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Gazlowe takes Grav-O-Bomb 3000.
  27. Medivh 59 Theory Medivh groups or freezes enemies (Ley Line Seal, Medivh Cheats!) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Medivh takes Ley Line Seal or Medivh Cheats!.
  28. Orphea 59 Theory Orphea groups or freezes enemies (Crushing Jaws) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Orphea takes Crushing Jaws.
  29. Sylvanas 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  30. Whitemane 59 Theory Whitemane groups or freezes enemies (Judgment Day) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Whitemane takes Judgment Day.
  31. Zeratul 59 Theory Zeratul groups or freezes enemies (Void Prison) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Zeratul takes Void Prison.
  32. Deathwing 57 Theory Deathwing holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  33. Imperius 57 Theory Imperius holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  34. Muradin 57 Theory Muradin holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  35. Sonya 57 Theory Sonya holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  36. Tyrael 57 Theory Tyrael holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.
  37. Yrel 57 Theory Yrel holds the front line, giving Gul'dan room to deal damage from behind it.

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 Gul'dan

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

  1. Alterac Pass Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryGul'dan's sustained damage speeds up Alterac Pass's race against neutral units.
  2. Battlefield of Eternity Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryGul'dan's sustained damage speeds up Battlefield of Eternity's race against neutral units.
  3. Haunted Mines Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryGul'dan's sustained damage speeds up Haunted Mines's race against neutral units.
  4. Infernal Shrines Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryGul'dan's sustained damage speeds up Infernal Shrines's race against neutral units.
  5. Dragon Shire Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryGul'dan can reach channelling enemies quickly (Demonic Circle) to contest Dragon Shire's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.
    • TheoryGul'dan's silence (Horrify) stops enemies channelling Dragon Shire's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
  6. Towers of Doom Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryGul'dan can reach channelling enemies quickly (Demonic Circle) to contest Towers of Doom's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.
    • TheoryGul'dan's silence (Horrify) stops enemies channelling Towers of Doom's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
View 4 more
  1. Garden of Terror 55 Theory Gul'dan's sustained damage speeds up Garden of Terror's race against neutral units.
    2 more reasons
    • Gul'dan has little mobility to rotate across Garden of Terror's large layout.
    • Gul'dan can cover ground quickly (Demonic Circle) on Garden of Terror's large layout. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.
  2. Blackheart's Bay 53 Theory Gul'dan has little mobility to rotate across Blackheart's Bay's large layout.
    3 more reasons
    • Gul'dan can reach channelling enemies quickly (Demonic Circle) to contest Blackheart's Bay's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.
    • Gul'dan can cover ground quickly (Demonic Circle) on Blackheart's Bay's large layout. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.
    • Gul'dan's silence (Horrify) stops enemies channelling Blackheart's Bay's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
  3. Cursed Hollow 53 Theory Gul'dan has little mobility to rotate across Cursed Hollow's large layout.
    3 more reasons
    • Gul'dan can reach channelling enemies quickly (Demonic Circle) to contest Cursed Hollow's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.
    • Gul'dan can cover ground quickly (Demonic Circle) on Cursed Hollow's large layout. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.
    • Gul'dan's silence (Horrify) stops enemies channelling Cursed Hollow's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.
  4. Warhead Junction 53 Theory Gul'dan has little mobility to rotate across Warhead Junction's large layout.
    3 more reasons
    • Gul'dan can reach channelling enemies quickly (Demonic Circle) to contest Warhead Junction's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.
    • Gul'dan can cover ground quickly (Demonic Circle) on Warhead Junction's large layout. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.
    • Gul'dan's silence (Horrify) stops enemies channelling Warhead Junction's objective. Only when Gul'dan takes Horrify.

Harder maps for Gul'dan

Score under 50: the map's layout or objective works against the kit, hardest first

  1. Sky Temple Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryGul'dan has little mobility to rotate across Sky Temple's large layout.
    • TheoryGul'dan can cover ground quickly (Demonic Circle) on Sky Temple's large layout. Only when Gul'dan takes Demonic Circle.

All maps

Talents by level

  1. 1

    • Pursuit of Flame Q Quest

      Quest: Hit 30 enemy Heroes with Fel Flame without dying. Reward: Permanently increase Fel Flame's area by 33%.

    • Chaotic Energy W Quest

      Increases the cast range of Drain Life by 25%, and Regen Globes heal for 50% more. Quest: Gather 15 Regen Globes. Reward: Basic Ability Mana costs are permanently reduced by 20.

    • Echoed Corruption E Quest

      Quest: Hit enemy Heroes with Corruption. Reward: After hitting 40 heroes, Corruption gains new functionality. After the third strike, Corruption strikes 3 times in the opposite direction. Mythic Reward: After 85 hits, Corruption heals for 100% of the damage dealt.

  2. 4

    • Health Funnel W

      Drain Life's cooldown recharges 100% faster while it is channeling. If an enemy dies while under the effect of Drain Life, the cooldown is instantly refreshed.

    • Improved Life Tap Trait

      Increase the Mana restored by Life Tap to 40%.

    • Consume Soul Active

      Instantly kill an enemy Minion and heal for 365 (+4% per level) Health. Stores up to 3 charges.

  3. 7

    • Bound by Shadow Q

      Each enemy Hero hit with Fel Flame reduces the cooldown of Corruption by 1.75 seconds.

    • Curse of Exhaustion W

      Drain Life deals 50% more damage and Slows the target's Movement Speed by 40%.

    • Hunger for Power Passive

      Increases Spell Power by 15% but reduces healing received from allies by 25%.

  4. 10

    • Horrify Heroic

      After 0.5 seconds, deal 120 (+4% per level) damage to enemy Heroes in an area and Fear them for 2 seconds. While Feared, Heroes are Silenced and are forced to run away from Horrify's center.

    • Rain of Destruction Heroic

      After 1.5 seconds, summon a rain of meteors in an area for 7 seconds. Each meteor deals 165 (+4% per level) damage in a small area.

  5. 13

    • Fel Armor Q

      Hitting an enemy Hero with Fel Flame grants 50 Spell Armor for 2.5 seconds, reducing Ability Damage taken by 50%.

    • Harvest Life W

      Drain Life heals for 75% more Health when used on Heroes.

    • Dark Bargain Passive

      Gul'dan's maximum Health is permanently increased by 40% but his respawn time is increased by 10 seconds.

    • Healthstone Active

      Activate to heal for 25% of Gul'dan's maximum Health.

  6. 16

    • Rampant Hellfire Q

      Fel Flame's damage is increased by 12% for 5 seconds when hitting an enemy Hero. This can stack up to 5 times.

    • Ruinous Affliction E

      Corruption deals an additional 70 (+4% per level) damage on impact. If the enemy is hit by all three strikes, the third strike deals 242 (+4% per level) damage.

    • Darkness Within Trait

      Dealing 600 (+4% per level) damage to enemy Heroes causes the next cast of Life Tap to cost no Health and grant Gul'dan 25% Spell Power for 5 seconds.

  7. 20

    • Haunt Heroic

      Increases the duration of Horrify by 1 second, and while Feared, enemies lose 20 Armor, causing them to take 20% increased damage.

    • Deep Impact Heroic

      Rain of Destruction Slows enemies Movement Speed by 90% for 0.5 seconds.

    • Demonic Circle Active

      Summon a Demonic Circle at Gul'dan's location. Activate to teleport Gul'dan to the Demonic Circle.

  • Life Tap D Trait

    222 Life

    Gul'dan does not regenerate Mana. Activate to restore 25% of Gul'dan's Mana.

  • Fel Flame Q Ability

    1.5 s cooldown 75 Mana

    Release a wave of flame, dealing 210 (+4.5% per level) damage to enemies.

  • Drain Life W Ability

    10 s cooldown

    Drain the life from an enemy over 3 seconds, dealing 132 (+4% per level) damage per second and healing Gul'dan for 188 (+4% per level) Health per second.

  • Corruption E Ability

    14 s cooldown 90 Mana

    Call forth three bursts of shadow energy, dealing 204 (+4.5% per level) damage over 6 seconds. Corruption can stack up to 3 times on an enemy.

  • Horrify R Heroic

    80 s cooldown 90 Mana

    After 0.5 seconds, deal 120 (+4% per level) damage to enemy Heroes in an area and Fear them for 2 seconds. While Feared, Heroes are Silenced and are forced to run away from Horrify's center.

  • Rain of Destruction R Heroic

    70 s cooldown 80 Mana

    After 1.5 seconds, summon a rain of meteors in an area for 7 seconds. Each meteor deals 165 (+4% per level) damage in a small area.

Mechanics tags

What the theory layer reads from Gul'dan'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

Fear
Ability Horrify “After 0.5 seconds, deal 120 damage to enemy Heroes in an area and Fear them for 2 seconds.”
Silence
Ability Horrify “While Feared, Heroes are Silenced and are forced to run away from Horrify's center.”
Slow
Talent Curse of Exhaustion “Drain Life deals 50% more damage and Slows the target's Movement Speed by 40%.”
Talent Deep Impact “Rain of Destruction Slows enemies Movement Speed by 90% for 0.5 seconds.”

Defense and mobility

Self-healing
Ability Drain Life “…the life from an enemy over 3 seconds, dealing 132 damage per second and healing Gul'dan for 188 Health per second.”
Talent Chaotic Energy “Increases the cast range of Drain Life by 25%, and Regen Globes heal for 50% more.”
Talent Echoed Corruption “Mythic Reward: After 85 hits, Corruption heals for 100% of the damage dealt.”
Talent Harvest Life “Drain Life heals for 75% more Health when used on Heroes.”
Spell Armor
Talent Fel Armor “Hitting an enemy Hero with Fel Flame grants 50 Spell Armor for 2.5 seconds, reducing Ability Damage taken by 50%.”
Teleport
Talent Demonic Circle “Activate to teleport Gul'dan to the Demonic Circle.”

Damage and macro

Area damage
Ability Fel Flame “Release a wave of flame, dealing 210 damage to enemies.”
Ability Horrify “After 0.5 seconds, deal 120 damage to enemy Heroes in an area and Fear them for 2 seconds.”
Ability Rain of Destruction “Each meteor deals 165 damage in a small area.”
Armor shred
Talent Haunt “…duration of Horrify by 1 second, and while Feared, enemies lose 20 Armor, causing them to take 20% increased damage.”
Channeled abilities
Talent Health Funnel “Drain Life's cooldown recharges 100% faster while it is channeling.”
Damage over time
Ability Corruption “Call forth three bursts of shadow energy, dealing 204 damage over 6 seconds.”
Mana hungry
Curated note He never regenerates mana, so every Fel Flame spam has to be paid back with Life Tap.
Sustained damage
Curated note Fel Flame's short cooldown and stacking Corruption reward long fights more than one quick burst.

Play-style traits

Immobile
Curated note Gul'dan has no dash or blink until Demonic Circle at 20, so divers catch him easily.
  1. Heroes of the Storm Balance Patch Notes, 12 Dec 2025 Balance update Mixed

    2 buffs, 1 nerf

    • BuffEchoed Corruption: Pinnacle Reward healing 50% → 100%Level 1
    • BuffEchoed Corruption: Pinnacle Reward requirement 100 → 85Level 1
    • NerfRuinous Affliction: Damage −10%Level 16
  2. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 1 Dec 2025 Patch Mixed

    2 buffs, 1 nerf, 2 other changes

    • NerfCorruption: Mana cost 80 → 90Base
    • ChangeEchoed Corruption: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • BuffPursuit of Flame: Radius 10% → 15%Level 1
    • BuffPursuit of Flame: Value +33%Level 1
    • ChangePursuit of Flame: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
  3. Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes, 3 Nov 2025 PTR Buffed

    3 buffs, 1 other change

    • BuffEchoed Corruption: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • BuffPursuit of Flame: Radius 10% → 15%Level 1
    • BuffPursuit of Flame: Value +33%Level 1
    • ChangePursuit of Flame: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1

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