Whetstone
Heroes of the Storm

Patch 2.57 Updated

Ranged Assassin · Warcraft

Kael'thas

The Sun King

Role
Ranged Assassin
Attack
Ranged
Difficulty
Medium
Released
12 May 2015
Last patched
10 Feb 2026
Damage
9/10
Utility
5/10
Survivability
3/10
Complexity
7/10

Kael'thas is strong against

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

  1. The Lost Vikings Curated
    Why? 6
    • CuratedLiving Bomb's explosion spreads a new bomb to every nearby Hero, so three Vikings walking together each catch one, and an empowered Flamestrike's bigger radius hits all of them.via Living Bomb, Flamestrike, Verdant Spheres
    • CuratedLiving Bomb's explosion spreads to every nearby Hero, so grouped Vikings chain-explode, and a single Flamestrike covers all three.
    • TheoryKael'thas's burst (Flamestrike, Pyroblast) can delete The Lost Vikings's small Health pool before help arrives.
    • TheoryKael'thas clears waves quickly (Flamestrike, Living Bomb), so The Lost Vikings's lane pressure buys less.
    • TheoryKael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and The Lost Vikings relies on channelled abilities. Only when The Lost Vikings takes Play Again!.
    • TheoryThe Lost Vikings can deny a burst window (Jump!), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
  2. Azmodan Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedAll Shall Burn slows Azmodan and keeps him channeling in one spot, so Flamestrike connects reliably and Gravity Lapse stops the channel before its final burst.via All Shall Burn, Flamestrike, Gravity Lapse
    • TheoryKael'thas's area damage (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) clears Azmodan's summoned units quickly.
    • TheoryKael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Azmodan relies on channelled abilities.
  3. Murky Curated
    Why? 6
    • CuratedFlamestrike and a Living Bomb each take nearly half of Murky's 730 Health, so one rotation leaves him a hit from death, and the same area damage clears the Pufferfish he spits nearby.via Living Bomb, Flamestrike, Pufferfish
    • TheoryKael'thas's burst (Flamestrike, Pyroblast) can delete Murky's small Health pool before help arrives.
    • TheoryKael'thas clears waves quickly (Flamestrike, Living Bomb), so Murky's lane pressure buys less.
    • TheoryKael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Murky relies on channelled abilities. Only when Murky takes Never-Ending Murlocs.
    • TheoryMurky can deny a burst window (Safety Bubble), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
    • TheoryMurky brings Spell Armor (Tufferfish), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Murky takes Tufferfish.
  4. Sgt. Hammer Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedA sieging Sgt. Hammer stands still, so Flamestrike's 1-second delay always lands, and Pyroblast, if Kael'thas takes it, reaches her before she can leave Siege Mode and move.via Flamestrike, Pyroblast, Siege Mode
  5. Cassia Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedGravity Lapse's stun stops Cassia moving, so Avoidance's armor drains away, and Flamestrike lands on her while she stands still.via Gravity Lapse, Flamestrike, Avoidance
    • TheoryKael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Cassia relies on channelled abilities.
    • TheoryCassia can deny a burst window (War Matron), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns. Only when Cassia takes War Matron.
  6. Nazeebo Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedNazeebo cannot move while channeling Ravenous Spirit, so Gravity Lapse cancels it and Flamestrike lands on a target that cannot step out. Only when Nazeebo takes Ravenous Spirit (level 10).via Ravenous Spirit, Gravity Lapse, Flamestrike
    • TheoryKael'thas's area damage (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) clears Nazeebo's summoned units quickly.
    • TheoryKael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Nazeebo relies on channelled abilities. Only when Nazeebo takes Ravenous Spirit.
    • TheoryNazeebo brings Spell Armor (Superstition), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Nazeebo takes Superstition.
    • TheoryNazeebo can deny a burst window (Ice Block), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns. Only when Nazeebo takes Ice Block.
View 2 more
  1. Abathur 71 Theory Kael'thas's burst (Flamestrike, Pyroblast) can delete Abathur's small Health pool before help arrives.
    2 more reasons
    • Kael'thas's area damage (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) clears Abathur's summoned units quickly.
    • Kael'thas clears waves quickly (Flamestrike, Living Bomb), so Abathur's lane pressure buys less.
  2. Li Li 65 Theory Kael'thas's area damage (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) clears Li Li's summoned units quickly.
    1 more reason
    • Kael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Li Li relies on channelled abilities.
28 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. Xul 64 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Xul hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  2. Arthas 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. D.Va 63 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like D.Va hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  4. Yrel 63 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Yrel hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  5. Ragnaros 60 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Ragnaros hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  6. Rexxar 60 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Rexxar hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  7. Gazlowe 59 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Gazlowe hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  8. Hogger 59 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Hogger hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  9. Imperius 59 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Imperius hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  10. Johanna 59 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Johanna hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  11. Muradin 59 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Muradin hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  12. Deckard 57 Theory Kael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Deckard relies on channelled abilities.
  13. Stukov 57 Theory Kael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Stukov relies on channelled abilities.
  14. Whitemane 57 Theory Kael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Whitemane relies on channelled abilities.
  15. Blaze 56 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Blaze hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  16. Sylvanas 55 Theory Kael'thas clears waves quickly (Flamestrike, Living Bomb), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  17. Tychus 55 Theory Kael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Tychus relies on channelled abilities.
  18. Chen 53 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Chen hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  19. Cho'gall 53 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Cho'gall hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  20. Deathwing 53 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Deathwing hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  21. Leoric 53 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Leoric hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  22. Varian 53 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Varian hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  23. Malfurion 52 Theory Kael'thas's area damage (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) clears Malfurion's summoned units quickly. Only when Malfurion takes Vengeful Roots.
  24. Malthael 52 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  25. Mei 52 Theory Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Mei hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  26. Probius 52 Theory Kael'thas's burst (Flamestrike, Pyroblast) can delete Probius's small Health pool before help arrives.
  27. Lt. Morales 51 Theory Kael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Lt. Morales relies on channelled abilities.
  28. Zul'jin 51 Theory Kael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Zul'jin relies on channelled abilities.

Kael'thas is weak against

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

  1. Genji Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedDeflect blocks Flamestrike and Living Bomb while Genji dives a target with no escape; Kael's only answer is Gravity Lapse, a skillshot Genji can dash around.via Deflect, Swift Strike, Cyber Agility, Gravity Lapse
    • TheoryGenji can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryGenji can deny a burst window (Deflect), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
    • TheoryGenji brings Spell Armor (Cyber Shield), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Genji takes Cyber Shield.
    • TheoryKael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop Genji in the middle of a dive.
  2. Zeratul Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedZeratul opens from Permanent Cloak with Singularity Spike and Cleave on a target that has no mobility, before Kael'thas can aim Gravity Lapse at him.via Permanent Cloak, Singularity Spike, Cleave, Gravity Lapse
    • TheoryZeratul can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryZeratul brings Spell Armor (Spell Shield), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Zeratul takes Spell Shield.
    • TheoryKael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop Zeratul in the middle of a dive.
  3. Tracer Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedBlink dodges Gravity Lapse and Flamestrike's delayed hit, and Recall pulls Tracer back out after she bursts an immobile 1595-Health mage.via Blink, Recall, Gravity Lapse, Flamestrike
    • TheoryTracer can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryTracer can deny a burst window (Telefrag), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns. Only when Tracer takes Telefrag.
    • TheoryKael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop Tracer in the middle of a dive.
  4. Greymane Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedDarkflight (and Go for the Throat, if Greymane takes it) reaches an immobile Kael'thas, who has no way to escape the Worgen follow-up.via Darkflight, Go for the Throat
    • TheoryGreymane can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryKael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop Greymane in the middle of a dive.
  5. Medivh Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedFlamestrike, and Pyroblast if Kael'thas takes it, are slow, telegraphed bursts, so Medivh has time to put Force of Will on the target and block all of the damage.via Force of Will, Pyroblast, Flamestrike
    • TheoryMedivh can deny a burst window, wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
  6. Qhira Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedRevolving Sweep makes Qhira Immune while she swings, so Gravity Lapse cannot stop her, and Grappling Hook reaches an immobile Kael'thas.via Revolving Sweep, Gravity Lapse, Grappling Hook
    • TheoryQhira can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    • TheoryQhira brings Spell Armor (Swing Life Away), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Qhira takes Swing Life Away.
    • TheoryKael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop Qhira in the middle of a dive.
View 19 more
  1. Kerrigan 74 Curated Kael'thas has no movement ability, so Ravage reaches him and Primal Grasp pulls him into Impaling Blades before Gravity Lapse can peel.
    4 more reasons
    • Kerrigan can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    • Kerrigan brings Spell Armor (Psionic Barrier), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Kerrigan takes Psionic Barrier.
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop Kerrigan in the middle of a dive.
    • Kael'thas's area damage (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) clears Kerrigan's summoned units quickly. Only when Kerrigan takes Summon Ultralisk.
  2. Auriel 69 Curated Pyroblast's slow fireball gives Auriel time to Crystal Aegis its target, and the energy stored through Bestow Hope lets Ray of Heaven heal the splash damage afterwards. Only when Auriel takes Crystal Aegis (level 10), and Kael'thas takes Pyroblast (level 10).
    1 more reason
    • Auriel can deny a burst window, wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
  3. Anub'arak 66 Curated Burrow Charge surfaces under an immobile Kael'thas from range, and Harden Carapace's Spell Armor shrugs off Flamestrike and Living Bomb while Anub'arak sticks to him.
    4 more reasons
    • Harden Carapace's Spell Armor soaks Kael'thas's all-Ability damage, Burrow Charge reaches an immobile mage, and Cocoon, if Anub'arak takes it, removes him from the fight.
    • Anub'arak brings Spell Armor (Harden Carapace, The Traitor King), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst.
    • Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Anub'arak hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
    • Kael'thas's area damage (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) clears Anub'arak's summoned units quickly.
  4. Lúcio 65 Curated Sound Barrier gives every nearby ally a 1296-point shield, enough to absorb a Flamestrike plus Living Bomb chain that would otherwise wipe a clustered team. Only when Lúcio takes Sound Barrier (level 10).
    1 more reason
    • Lúcio can deny a burst window (Summer Anthem), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns. Only when Lúcio takes Summer Anthem.
  5. Dehaka 63 Curated Drag stuns and pulls an immobile Kael'thas for 1.75 seconds, and Burrow's 2 seconds of invulnerability sidesteps his Flamestrike, or a Pyroblast.
    4 more reasons
    • Dehaka can deny a burst window (Burrow), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
    • Dehaka brings Spell Armor (Enduring Swarm), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Dehaka takes Enduring Swarm.
    • Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Dehaka hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
    • Kael'thas clears waves quickly (Flamestrike, Living Bomb), so Dehaka's lane pressure buys less.
  6. Diablo 61 Curated Kael'thas has no escape; Shadow Charge into terrain stuns him for 1 second and Overpower drags him into Diablo's team.
    1 more reason
    • Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Diablo hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  7. Garrosh 61 Curated An immobile Kael'thas has no way back out after Wrecking Ball throws him into Garrosh's team.
    1 more reason
    • Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Garrosh hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  8. Tyrael 61 Curated Sanctification makes allies Invulnerable for 3 seconds, wasting Pyroblast or a Gravity Lapse into Flamestrike combo aimed at them. Only when Tyrael takes Sanctification (level 10).
    2 more reasons
    • Tyrael can deny a burst window (Archangel's Wrath, Sanctification), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
    • Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like Tyrael hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
  9. Li-Ming 60 Curated Teleport dodges Gravity Lapse and steps out of Flamestrike's delayed area, while Kael'thas has no mobility to avoid Arcane Orb.
    4 more reasons
    • Li-Ming can poke Kael'thas from range (Magic Missiles, Arcane Orb), and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
    • Li-Ming brings Spell Armor (Force Armor), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Li-Ming takes Force Armor.
    • Kael'thas's burst (Flamestrike, Pyroblast) can delete Li-Ming's small Health pool before help arrives.
    • Kael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and Li-Ming relies on channelled abilities. Only when Li-Ming takes Disintegrate.
  10. Nova 60 Curated Kael'thas has no movement ability, so a stealth Snipe and Pinning Shot set up the rest of Nova's burst, Triple Tap included if she takes it, on an immobile 1595-Health mage.
    3 more reasons
    • Nova can poke Kael'thas from range (Snipe, Pinning Shot), and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
    • Kael'thas's burst (Flamestrike, Pyroblast) can delete Nova's small Health pool before help arrives.
    • Kael'thas's area damage (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) clears Nova's summoned units quickly.
  11. E.T.C. 53 Curated Kael'thas has no escape; Powerslide stuns him for 1.25 seconds, and Mosh Pit, if E.T.C. takes it, keeps him stunned for his team to burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Kael'thas deals damage based on maximum Health (Burned Flesh), which hits high-Health heroes like E.T.C. hardest. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
    • Kael'thas can interrupt channels with stun (Gravity Lapse), and E.T.C. relies on channelled abilities.
  12. Kharazim 73 Theory Kharazim can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    3 more reasons
    • Kharazim can deny a burst window, wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
    • Kharazim brings Spell Armor (Spell Shield), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Kharazim takes Spell Shield.
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop Kharazim in the middle of a dive.
  13. Brightwing 71 Theory Brightwing brings Spell Armor (Pixie Dust), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst.
    1 more reason
    • Brightwing can deny a burst window, wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
  14. Illidan 69 Theory Illidan can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    2 more reasons
    • Illidan brings Spell Armor (Sixth Sense), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Illidan takes Sixth Sense.
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop Illidan in the middle of a dive.
  15. The Butcher 69 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    2 more reasons
    • The Butcher brings Spell Armor (Meat Shield), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when The Butcher takes Meat Shield.
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
  16. Valeera 69 Theory Valeera can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
    2 more reasons
    • Valeera brings Spell Armor (Cloak of Shadows), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Valeera takes Cloak of Shadows.
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) can stop Valeera in the middle of a dive.
  17. Uther 67 Theory Uther can deny a burst window (Devotion, Divine Shield), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
    1 more reason
    • Uther brings Spell Armor (Spell Shield), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Uther takes Spell Shield.
  18. Zarya 67 Theory Zarya can deny a burst window, wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
    1 more reason
    • Zarya brings Spell Armor (Spell Barrier), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Zarya takes Spell Barrier.
  19. Lunara 65 Theory Lunara can poke Kael'thas from range, and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
    1 more reason
    • Lunara brings Spell Armor (Greater Spell Shield), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Lunara takes Greater Spell Shield.
23 more below the bar

Weaker mechanical edges

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

  1. Mephisto 65 Theory Mephisto can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
  2. Orphea 65 Theory Orphea can poke Kael'thas from range (Shadow Waltz, Chomp), and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  3. Chromie 63 Theory Chromie can poke Kael'thas from range (Sand Blast, Dragon’s Breath), and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  4. Maiev 62 Theory Maiev can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
  5. Alexstrasza 60 Theory Alexstrasza can deny a burst window, wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
  6. Artanis 60 Theory Artanis can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
  7. Rehgar 60 Theory Rehgar can deny a burst window, wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
  8. Thrall 60 Theory Thrall can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
  9. Zagara 58 Theory Zagara can poke Kael'thas from range (Baneling Barrage, Infested Drop), and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  10. Falstad 57 Theory Falstad can poke Kael'thas from range (Hammerang, Lightning Rod), and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  11. Gul'dan 57 Theory Gul'dan brings Spell Armor (Fel Armor), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Gul'dan takes Fel Armor.
  12. Junkrat 57 Theory Junkrat can poke Kael'thas from range (Frag Launcher, Concussion Mine), and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  13. Kel'Thuzad 57 Theory Kel'Thuzad can poke Kael'thas from range (Death and Decay, Frost Nova), and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  14. Tyrande 57 Theory Tyrande brings Spell Armor (Kaldorei Resistance), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Tyrande takes Kaldorei Resistance.
  15. Valla 57 Theory Valla brings Spell Armor (Gloom), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Valla takes Gloom.
  16. Alarak 56 Theory Alarak can deny a burst window (Counter-Strike), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns. Only when Alarak takes Counter-Strike.
  17. Mal'Ganis 56 Theory Mal'Ganis brings Spell Armor (Necrotic Embrace), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst.
  18. Anduin 53 Theory Anduin can deny a burst window, wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
  19. Jaina 53 Theory Jaina can deny a burst window (Frostbite, Improved Ice Block), wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.
  20. Sonya 53 Theory Sonya can dive onto Kael'thas, who has little mobility to escape.
  21. Xal'atath 53 Theory Xal'atath can poke Kael'thas from range, and Kael'thas has few ways to dodge or disengage.
  22. Samuro 52 Theory Samuro brings Spell Armor (Mirage), which blunts Kael'thas's ability burst. Only when Samuro takes Mirage.
  23. Stitches 51 Theory Stitches can deny a burst window, wasting Kael'thas's cooldowns.

Kael'thas works well with

Score 1–100 for how well the kits combine

  1. Anub'arak Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedBurrow Charge's stun holds enemies for Flamestrike's 1-second delay, and Gravity Lapse extends the lockdown afterwards.via Burrow Charge, Flamestrike, Gravity Lapse
    • TheoryAnub'arak peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryAnub'arak's stun (Impale, Burrow Charge) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • TheoryAnub'arak starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
  2. Arthas 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.
  3. Blaze Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedOil Spill's 50% slow keeps enemies inside Flamestrike's area through its 1-second delay.via Oil Spill, Flamestrike
    • TheoryBlaze peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryBlaze's stun (Jet Propulsion) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • TheoryBlaze starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • TheoryBlaze holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  4. Johanna Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedCondemn pulls nearby enemies into Johanna after a 1-second wind-up, setting up a tight cluster for Flamestrike and Living Bomb spreads.via Condemn, Flamestrike, Living Bomb
    • TheoryJohanna groups or freezes enemies (Condemn) for Kael'thas's area damage.
    • TheoryJohanna peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryJohanna's stun (Condemn, Falling Sword) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • TheoryJohanna holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  5. Mei Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedBlizzard's end stun lets Flamestrike's delay land and Living Bomb spread through the frozen group, and Ice Wall, if Mei takes it, traps them for 2.5 seconds on top.via Ice Wall, Blizzard, Flamestrike, Living Bomb
    • TheoryMei peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • TheoryMei's stun (Blizzard, Avalanche) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • TheoryMei starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • TheoryMei holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  6. Stitches Curated
    Why? 5
    • CuratedHook drags a target onto Stitches, Gravity Lapse stuns them, and Flamestrike lands on the stationary victim.via Hook, Gravity Lapse, Flamestrike
    • TheoryStitches groups or freezes enemies (Hook) for Kael'thas's area damage.
    • TheoryStitches starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • TheoryStitches's stun (Gorge) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Stitches takes Gorge.
    • TheoryStitches holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
View 24 more
  1. Yrel 88 Curated A fully charged Righteous Hammer stuns and Avenging Wrath slows, holding enemies in Flamestrike's delayed blast.
    3 more reasons
    • Yrel's stun (Righteous Hammer) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • Yrel starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • Yrel holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  2. Deckard 87 Curated Scroll of Sealing roots for 1.5 seconds, enough for Flamestrike's 1-second delay to hit the rooted heroes.
    2 more reasons
    • Deckard peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • Deckard's root (Scroll Of Sealing) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  3. Malfurion 87 Curated Innervate covers Kael'thas's heavy Mana costs and speeds his cooldowns, and Entangling Roots holds targets through Flamestrike's 1-second delay.
    2 more reasons
    • Malfurion peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • Malfurion's root (Entangling Roots, Emerald Dreams) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  4. Rexxar 87 Curated Misha, Charge! holds targets in place for Flamestrike's delayed blast, and Gravity Lapse extends the lock for a Living Bomb spread.
    2 more reasons
    • Rexxar peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • Rexxar's stun (Misha, Charge!) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  5. Cho'gall 83 Curated Upheaval pulls enemies together after 1 second, then Flamestrike and Living Bomb hit the whole group. Only when Cho takes Upheaval (level 10).
    4 more reasons
    • Cho'gall groups or freezes enemies (Upheaval) for Kael'thas's area damage.
    • Cho'gall's stun (Hammer of Twilight, Leaden Orb) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • Cho'gall starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • Cho'gall holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  6. E.T.C. 83 Curated Mosh Pit holds enemies through Flamestrike's 1-second delay, and Living Bomb spreads through the packed group. Only when E.T.C. takes Mosh Pit (level 10).
    4 more reasons
    • Mosh Pit locks enemies in place for up to 4 seconds, guaranteeing Flamestrike and letting Living Bomb spread across the stunned group. Only when E.T.C. takes Mosh Pit (level 10).
    • E.T.C. peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • E.T.C.'s stun (Powerslide, Mosh Pit) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • E.T.C. starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
  7. Hogger 83 Curated Shockwave's initial slam stuns for 1.5 seconds, longer than Flamestrike's 1-second delay, so Kael'thas can land an empowered Flamestrike on everyone Hogger catches. Only when Hogger takes Shockwave (level 10).
    4 more reasons
    • Hogger peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • Hogger's stun (Staggering Blow, Shockwave) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • Hogger starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • Hogger holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  8. Maiev 83 Curated Warden's Cage keeps Heroes bunched near its center, so Flamestrike and Living Bomb spreads hit everyone trapped inside. Only when Maiev takes Warden's Cage (level 10).
    4 more reasons
    • Maiev groups or freezes enemies (Umbral Bind) for Kael'thas's area damage.
    • Maiev starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • Maiev's Time Stop (Containment Disc) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Maiev takes Containment Disc.
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) lets Maiev dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  9. Tassadar 83 Curated Black Hole pulls enemy Heroes together and stuns those at its center, a perfect setup for Flamestrike and a spreading Living Bomb. Only when Tassadar takes Black Hole (level 10).
    3 more reasons
    • Tassadar peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Tassadar's burst.
    • Tassadar groups or freezes enemies (Black Hole) for Kael'thas's area damage. Only when Tassadar takes Black Hole.
  10. Thrall 83 Curated Sundering's 1-second stun along a long line holds enemies in place for Flamestrike and a spreading Living Bomb. Only when Thrall takes Sundering (level 10).
    3 more reasons
    • Thrall's root (Feral Spirit, Alpha Wolf) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • Thrall starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) lets Thrall dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  11. Ana 82 Curated Nano Boost speeds Flamestrike, Living Bomb and Gravity Lapse cooldowns by 150% for 8 seconds with 30% Spell Power, turning one engage into a stream of burst. Only when Ana takes Nano Boost (level 10).
    2 more reasons
    • Ana peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • Ana's stun (Sleep Dart) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  12. Zarya 80 Curated Graviton Surge pulls the enemy team into a ball for 2.5 seconds, the ideal setup for Flamestrike (which adds 8% of maximum health with Burned Flesh at level 7 when it hits two or more) and chained Living Bombs. Only when Zarya takes Graviton Surge (level 10).
    2 more reasons
    • Zarya peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • Zarya groups or freezes enemies (Graviton Surge) for Kael'thas's area damage. Only when Zarya takes Graviton Surge.
  13. Chen 79 Curated Keg Smash's slow ramps to 40% after 1.25 seconds, holding enemies inside Flamestrike's area for its 1-second delay.
    2 more reasons
    • Chen peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • Chen holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  14. Leoric 79 Curated Entomb blocks a retreat path long enough for Flamestrike's 1-second delay and Living Bomb's spread to finish the trapped Heroes. Only when Leoric takes Entomb (level 10).
    2 more reasons
    • Leoric peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    • Leoric holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  15. Gazlowe 78 Curated Grav-O-Bomb 3000 pulls enemies together and stuns them, setting up Flamestrike and Living Bomb. Only when Gazlowe takes Grav-O-Bomb 3000 (level 10).
    2 more reasons
    • Gazlowe's stun (Xplodium Charge, Grav-O-Bomb 3000) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • Gazlowe groups or freezes enemies (Grav-O-Bomb 3000) for Kael'thas's area damage. Only when Gazlowe takes Grav-O-Bomb 3000.
  16. Li Li 73 Curated Water Dragon auto-targets the nearest enemy Hero and Slows everyone near them by 70% for 4 seconds, holding the group in place for Flamestrike's delayed blast. Only when Li Li takes Water Dragon (level 10).
    1 more reason
    • Li Li peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  17. Cassia 77 Theory Cassia peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • Cassia groups or freezes enemies (Valkyrie) for Kael'thas's area damage. Only when Cassia takes Valkyrie.
    • Cassia's stun (Valkyrie) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Cassia takes Valkyrie.
  18. D.Va 77 Theory D.Va peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • D.Va's stun (Bunny Hop, Hit the Nitrous) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when D.Va takes Bunny Hop or Hit the Nitrous.
    • D.Va holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  19. Diablo 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.
  20. Garrosh 77 Theory Garrosh peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    3 more reasons
    • Garrosh's stun (Groundbreaker, Warbreaker) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • Garrosh starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • Garrosh holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  21. Imperius 77 Theory Imperius's stun (Celestial Charge, Wrath of the Angiris) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    2 more reasons
    • Imperius starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • Imperius holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
  22. Kerrigan 77 Theory Kerrigan groups or freezes enemies (Primal Grasp) for Kael'thas's area damage.
    2 more reasons
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Kerrigan's burst.
    • Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) lets Kerrigan dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  23. Lúcio 77 Theory Lúcio peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • Lúcio starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
    • Lúcio's stun (Heavy Casters) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Lúcio takes Heavy Casters.
  24. Mal'Ganis 77 Theory Mal'Ganis peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
    2 more reasons
    • Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
    • Mal'Ganis holds the front line, giving Kael'thas room to deal damage from behind it.
48 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. Muradin 77 Theory Muradin's stun (Storm Bolt, Haymaker) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  2. Qhira 77 Theory Qhira's stun (Revolving Sweep, Unrelenting Strikes) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  3. Varian 77 Theory Varian peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  4. Zeratul 76 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Zeratul's burst.
  5. Alarak 75 Theory Alarak peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  6. Auriel 75 Theory Auriel peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  7. Brightwing 75 Theory Brightwing peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  8. Chromie 75 Theory Chromie groups or freezes enemies (Time Trap, Chronic Conditions) for Kael'thas's area damage.
  9. Dehaka 75 Theory Dehaka groups or freezes enemies (Drag) for Kael'thas's area damage.
  10. Kel'Thuzad 75 Theory Kel'Thuzad groups or freezes enemies (Chains of Kel'Thuzad) for Kael'thas's area damage.
  11. Sonya 75 Theory Sonya's stun (Ancient Spear, Leap) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  12. Uther 75 Theory Uther peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  13. Medivh 74 Theory Medivh starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
  14. Tyrael 73 Theory Tyrael starts fights on its own terms, giving Kael'thas grouped targets for area burst.
  15. Stukov 71 Theory Stukov peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  16. Orphea 70 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Orphea's burst.
  17. Deathwing 69 Theory Deathwing's stun (Onslaught) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  18. Genji 69 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Genji's burst.
  19. The Butcher 69 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  20. Tracer 69 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Tracer's burst.
  21. Valeera 69 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Valeera's burst.
  22. Whitemane 66 Theory Whitemane groups or freezes enemies (Judgment Day) for Kael'thas's area damage. Only when Whitemane takes Judgment Day.
  23. Alexstrasza 65 Theory Alexstrasza peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  24. Illidan 65 Theory Illidan's stun (The Hunt) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Illidan takes The Hunt.
  25. Mephisto 65 Theory Mephisto's root (Durance of Hate, Unspeakable Horror) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Mephisto takes Durance of Hate or Unspeakable Horror.
  26. Rehgar 65 Theory Rehgar peels divers off Kael'thas, who cannot escape alone.
  27. Anduin 62 Theory Anduin's root (Chastise, Censure) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  28. Hanzo 62 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Hanzo's burst.
  29. Jaina 62 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Jaina's burst.
  30. Junkrat 62 Theory Junkrat's root (Steel Trap) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  31. Li-Ming 62 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Li-Ming's burst.
  32. Murky 62 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Murky's burst.
  33. Nova 62 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Nova's burst.
  34. Probius 62 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Probius's burst.
  35. Ragnaros 62 Theory Ragnaros's stun (Empower Sulfuras, Molten Swing) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  36. Tyrande 62 Theory Tyrande's stun (Lunar Flare) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  37. Xal'atath 62 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) holds targets still for Xal'atath's burst.
  38. Xul 62 Theory Xul's root (Bone Prison, Amplify Damage) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
  39. Sylvanas 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Kael'thas's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  40. Abathur 57 Theory Abathur's stun (Slapathur) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Abathur takes Slapathur.
  41. Artanis 57 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) lets Artanis dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  42. Falstad 57 Theory Falstad's stun (Dishonorable Discharge) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Falstad takes Dishonorable Discharge.
  43. Greymane 57 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) lets Greymane dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  44. Kharazim 57 Theory Kael'thas's stun (Gravity Lapse) lets Kharazim dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
  45. The Lost Vikings 57 Theory The Lost Vikings's stun (Large and In Charge) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when The Lost Vikings takes Large and In Charge.
  46. Valla 57 Theory Valla's stun (Rain of Vengeance) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Valla takes Rain of Vengeance.
  47. Zagara 57 Theory Zagara's stun (Devouring Maw) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Zagara takes Devouring Maw.
  48. Zul'jin 57 Theory Zul'jin's root (Ensnare) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst. Only when Zul'jin takes Ensnare.

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 Kael'thas

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

  1. Alterac Pass Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryAlterac Pass's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    • TheoryKael'thas's percent-Health damage (Burned Flesh) speeds up Alterac Pass's race against neutral units. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
    • TheoryKael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Alterac Pass's pushing objective.
  2. Battlefield of Eternity Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryBattlefield of Eternity's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    • TheoryKael'thas's percent-Health damage (Burned Flesh) speeds up Battlefield of Eternity's race against neutral units. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
    • TheoryKael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Battlefield of Eternity's pushing objective.
  3. Infernal Shrines Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheoryInfernal Shrines's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    • TheoryKael'thas's percent-Health damage (Burned Flesh) speeds up Infernal Shrines's race against neutral units. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
    • TheoryKael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Infernal Shrines's pushing objective.
  4. Braxis Holdout Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryBraxis Holdout's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    • TheoryKael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Braxis Holdout's pushing objective.
  5. Braxis Outpost Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryBraxis Outpost's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    • TheoryKael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) holds Braxis Outpost's single lane.
  6. Hanamura Temple Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryHanamura Temple's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    • TheoryKael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Hanamura Temple's pushing objective.
View 10 more
  1. Industrial District 65 Theory Industrial District's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    1 more reason
    • Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) holds Industrial District's single lane.
  2. Lost Cavern 65 Theory Lost Cavern's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    1 more reason
    • Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) holds Lost Cavern's single lane.
  3. Silver City 65 Theory Silver City's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    1 more reason
    • Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) holds Silver City's single lane.
  4. Volskaya Foundry 65 Theory Volskaya Foundry's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    1 more reason
    • Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Volskaya Foundry's pushing objective.
  5. Haunted Mines 61 Theory Kael'thas's percent-Health damage (Burned Flesh) speeds up Haunted Mines's race against neutral units. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
    1 more reason
    • Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Haunted Mines's pushing objective.
  6. Sky Temple 57 Theory Sky Temple's objective forces teamfights where Kael'thas's area burst (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) hits several targets.
    2 more reasons
    • Kael'thas has little mobility to rotate across Sky Temple's large layout.
    • Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Sky Temple's pushing objective.
  7. Dragon Shire 55 Theory Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Dragon Shire's pushing objective.
  8. Tomb of the Spider Queen 55 Theory Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Tomb of the Spider Queen's pushing objective.
  9. Towers of Doom 55 Theory Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Towers of Doom's pushing objective.
  10. Garden of Terror 53 Theory Kael'thas has little mobility to rotate across Garden of Terror's large layout.
    2 more reasons
    • Kael'thas's percent-Health damage (Burned Flesh) speeds up Garden of Terror's race against neutral units. Only when Kael'thas takes Burned Flesh.
    • Kael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Garden of Terror's pushing objective.

Harder maps for Kael'thas

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

  1. Cursed Hollow Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryKael'thas has little mobility to rotate across Cursed Hollow's large layout.
  2. Warhead Junction Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryKael'thas has little mobility to rotate across Warhead Junction's large layout.
  3. Blackheart's Bay Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryKael'thas has little mobility to rotate across Blackheart's Bay's large layout.
    • TheoryKael'thas's waveclear (Flamestrike, Living Bomb) helps hold lanes against Blackheart's Bay's pushing objective.

All maps

Talents by level

  1. 1

    • Convection Q Quest

      Repeatable Quest: Hit 20 enemy Heroes with Flamestrike without dying. Repeatable Reward: Permanently increases Flamestrike damage by 200, and Kael'thas's maximum Health by 100.

    • Fel Infusion Trait

      Increases Kael'thas's Spell Power by 4%. Kael'thas heals for 94 (+4% per level) Health when activating Verdant Spheres.

    • Mana Addict Passive Quest

      Quest: Gathering a Regeneration Globe increases Kael'thas's maximum Mana by 15. Reward: After gathering 20 Globes, Kael'thas can activate Arcane Barrier to gain a Shield equal to 100% of his maximum Mana for 4 seconds. 45 second cooldown.

  2. 4

    • Nether Wind E

      Increases Gravity Lapse's range by 30%. When Gravity Lapse hits an enemy Hero, refund 80 Mana.

    • Energy Roil E

      Reduce the Mana cost of Gravity Lapse by 70. If Gravity Lapse hits a Hero, reduce its cooldown by 8 seconds.

    • Mana Tap Trait

      Activating Verdant Spheres restores 5% of Kael'thas's maximum Mana.

  3. 7

    • Burned Flesh Q

      When Flamestrike damages 2 or more Heroes, they take additional damage equal to 8% of their maximum Health.

    • Sun King's Fury W

      Living Bombs that have spread to enemy Heroes deal 35% more damage.

    • Sunfire Enchantment Trait

      Activating Verdant Spheres causes Kael'thas's next 2 Basic Attacks to instead deal 115 (+4% per level) Spell Damage. If both of these Attacks hit enemy Heroes, gain 15% Spell Power for 10 seconds.

  4. 10

    • Phoenix Heroic

      Launch a Phoenix to an area, dealing 84 (+4% per level) damage to enemies along the way. The Phoenix persists for 7 seconds, attacking enemies for 84 (+4% per level) damage and splashing for 42 (+4% per level) damage.

    • Pyroblast Heroic

      After 1.5 seconds, cast a slow-moving fireball that deals 810 (+5% per level) damage to an enemy Hero and 405 (+5% per level) damage to enemies nearby.

  5. 13

    • Pyromaniac W

      Each time Living Bomb deals periodic damage, Kael'thas's Basic Ability cooldowns are reduced by 0.5 seconds.

    • Backdraft W

      Living Bomb's explosion slows enemy Movement Speed by 30% for 2 seconds.

    • Fission Bomb W

      Increases Living Bomb's explosion radius by 20%.

  6. 16

    • Fury of the Sunwell Q

      Flamestrike will explode a second time 1.5 seconds later.

    • Ignite W

      Flamestrikes apply Living Bomb to the enemy Hero closest to its center who is not currently affected by Living Bomb.

    • Twin Spheres Trait

      Verdant Spheres gains a second charge. Passive: Kael'thas benefits from all of his level 7 talents.

  7. 20

    • Rebirth Heroic

      Increases Phoenix duration by 100%. While alive, the Phoenix may be ordered to move to a different location. Stores 3 charges.

    • Presence Of Mind Heroic

      Increases Pyroblast's explosion radius by 50%. Heroes that are hit by Flamestrike or have Living Bomb spread to them reduce the cooldown of Pyroblast by 10 seconds.

    • Master of Flames W

      Living Bomb's spread from explosions can now also spread Living Bomb.

    • Flamethrower Q

      Increases the cast range of Flamestrike by 40%. If Flamestrike hits 2 or more Heroes, its cooldown is reduced by 4 seconds.

  • Verdant Spheres D Trait

    6 s cooldown

    Activate to make Kael'thas's next Basic Ability more powerful.

  • Flamestrike Q Ability

    7 s cooldown 70 Mana

    After 1 second, deal 345 (+4% per level) damage in an area. Verdant Spheres increases the radius by 50%.

  • Living Bomb W Ability

    10 s cooldown 50 Mana

    Deal 126 (+4% per level) damage over 3 seconds to an enemy, then they explode dealing 215 (+4% per level) damage to all nearby enemies. Other Heroes damaged by this explosion are also affected by Living Bomb, though the secondary explosions cannot spread. Verdant Spheres makes this Ability cost no Mana and have no cooldown.

  • Gravity Lapse E Ability

    12 s cooldown 90 Mana

    Stun the first enemy hit for 1 second. Verdant Spheres causes Gravity Lapse to stun the first 3 enemies hit and increases the stun duration by 50%.

  • Phoenix R Heroic

    60 s cooldown 80 Mana

    Launch a Phoenix to an area, dealing 84 (+4% per level) damage to enemies along the way. The Phoenix persists for 7 seconds, attacking enemies for 84 (+4% per level) damage and splashing for 42 (+4% per level) damage.

  • Pyroblast R Heroic

    100 s cooldown 80 Mana

    After 1.5 seconds, cast a slow-moving fireball that deals 810 (+5% per level) damage to an enemy Hero and 405 (+5% per level) damage to enemies nearby.

Mechanics tags

What the theory layer reads from Kael'thas'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

Slow
Talent Backdraft “Living Bomb's explosion slows enemy Movement Speed by 30% for 2 seconds.”
Stun
Ability Gravity Lapse “Stun the first enemy hit for 1 second.”

Defense and mobility

Self-healing
Talent Fel Infusion “Kael'thas heals for 94 Health when activating Verdant Spheres.”
Shields
Talent Mana Addict “…20 Globes, Kael'thas can activate Arcane Barrier to gain a Shield equal to 100% of his maximum Mana for 4 seconds.”

Damage and macro

% Health damage
Talent Burned Flesh “When Flamestrike damages 2 or more Heroes, they take additional damage equal to 8% of their maximum Health.”
Area damage
Ability Flamestrike “After 1 second, deal 345 damage in an area.”
Ability Living Bomb “Deal 126 damage over 3 seconds to an enemy, then they explode dealing 215 damage to all nearby enemies.”
Ability Phoenix “Launch a Phoenix to an area, dealing 84 damage to enemies along the way.”
Burst
Ability Flamestrike “After 1 second, deal 345 damage in an area.”
Ability Pyroblast “After 1.5 seconds, cast a slow-moving fireball that deals 810 damage to an enemy Hero and 405 damage to enemies nearby.”
Curated note Verdant Spheres empowers Flamestrike or Living Bomb, and with Burned Flesh or Pyroblast one good cast becomes a kill on clustered or isolated targets.
Damage over time
Ability Living Bomb “Deal 126 damage over 3 seconds to an enemy, then they explode dealing 215 damage to all nearby enemies.”
Mana hungry
Curated note Flamestrike costs 70 and Gravity Lapse 90 Mana, so without Mana Tap or Energy Roil he can run out mid-fight.
Waveclear
Ability Flamestrike “After 1 second, deal 345 damage in an area.”
Ability Living Bomb “Deal 126 damage over 3 seconds to an enemy, then they explode dealing 215 damage to all nearby enemies.”

Play-style traits

Immobile
Curated note Kael'thas has no dash, blink or self-protection in his base kit, so he relies on Gravity Lapse and his frontline to survive divers.
  1. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 10 Feb 2026 Patch Buffed

    1 buff

    • BuffConvection: Reward damage and health 150 → 200Level 1
  2. Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes, 14 Jan 2026 PTR Buffed

    1 buff

    • BuffConvection: Reward damage and health 150 → 200Level 1
  3. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 1 Dec 2025 Patch Buffed

    1 buff

    • BuffConvection: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
  4. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 30 Sep 2025 Patch Changed

    1 other change

    • ChangeRebirth: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
  5. Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes, 2 Sep 2025 PTR Changed

    1 other change

    • ChangeRebirth: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20

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Guides and builds

Reference and esports

Whetstone links to these sites and never copies their write-ups; credit and copyright stay with their authors.