Whetstone
Heroes of the Storm

Patch 2.57 Updated

Bruiser · Diablo

Malthael

Aspect of Death

Role
Bruiser
Attack
Melee
Difficulty
Hard
Released
13 Jun 2017
Last patched
15 May 2025
Damage
7/10
Utility
4/10
Survivability
6/10
Complexity
6/10

Malthael is strong against

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

  1. Dehaka Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedReaper's Mark ticks percent maximum-health damage that Essence Collection can't keep up with, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves that healing.via Reaper's Mark, Touch of Death, Essence Collection
    • TheoryMalthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Dehaka hardest.
    • TheoryMalthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Dehaka's stealth. Only when Dehaka takes Lurker Strain.
    • TheoryMalthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Dehaka's stun. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End. Dehaka must also take Isolation.
  2. Deathwing Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedReaper's Mark ticks 2% of max health per second, and because Deathwing ignores his allies' heals and shields, nothing on his team offsets it.via Reaper's Mark, Aspect of Death
    • TheoryMalthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Deathwing hardest.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Deathwing's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death. Deathwing must also take Dragon Soul, Molten Blood, Draconic Might or Skyfall.
    • TheoryMalthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Deathwing's fear. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End. Deathwing must also take Bellowing Roar.
  3. Anub'arak Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedMalthael's damage and healing scale with max health: Reaper's Mark ticks 2% per second and Soul Rip heals him 4% of each marked hero's max health, so a tank feeds him.via Reaper's Mark, Soul Rip
    • TheoryMalthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Anub'arak hardest.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Anub'arak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death. Anub'arak must also take Locust Swarm or Hive Master.
  4. Blaze Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedReaper's Mark takes 2% of Blaze's large maximum health every second, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves the healing Blaze gets from standing in Ignited Oil Spills.via Reaper's Mark, Touch of Death, Oil Spill
    • TheoryMalthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Blaze hardest.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Blaze's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  5. Diablo 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.
  6. Imperius Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedReaper's Mark ticks 2% of maximum Health per second on Imperius's large pool, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves the Molten Armor and Valorous Brand healing that keeps him alive.via Reaper's Mark, Touch of Death, Molten Armor, Valorous Brand
    • TheoryMalthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Imperius hardest.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Imperius's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
View 25 more
  1. Ragnaros 84 Curated Reaper's Mark burns 2% of Ragnaros' max Health every second no matter how much Empower Sulfuras heals him back, and Soul Rip heals Malthael off him; Ragnaros has no way to shed the marks.
    2 more reasons
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Ragnaros hardest.
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Ragnaros's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  2. Cho'gall 83 Curated Reaper's Mark deals 2% of Cho's large maximum health every second, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves Consuming Blaze's healing.
    3 more reasons
    • Reaper's Mark ticks 2% of maximum Health per second and Soul Rip heals Malthael for 4% of a marked Hero's maximum Health, so Cho'gall's enormous pool is ideal fuel.
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Cho'gall hardest.
    • Malthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Cho'gall's stun. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End. Cho'gall must also take Favor of the Old Gods.
  3. Zeratul 83 Curated Reaper's Mark reveals marked enemies, so Zeratul can't re-cloak while Malthael's cleaving attacks keep reapplying it, and the 2% max-Health burn adds up on his 1622 Health.
    3 more reasons
    • Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Zeratul's stealth.
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Zeratul's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death. Zeratul must also take Mending Strikes or Shadow Mending.
    • Malthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Zeratul's Time Stop. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End. Zeratul must also take Void Prison.
  4. Garrosh 82 Curated Reaper's Mark deals percent maximum-health damage every second, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves the healing Garrosh gets from Bloodthirst.
    2 more reasons
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Garrosh hardest.
    • Malthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Garrosh's stun. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End. Garrosh must also take Warlord's Challenge.
  5. E.T.C. 78 Curated Reaper's Mark ticks 2% of E.T.C.'s maximum health per second, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves Guitar Solo's healing.
    3 more reasons
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like E.T.C. hardest.
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts E.T.C.'s self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • E.T.C. can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block Party), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when E.T.C. takes Block Party.
  6. Hogger 78 Curated Reaper's Mark deals 2% of maximum Health per second and Soul Rip heals Malthael for a share of Hogger's big pool, so Hogger's 2260 Health and Meat sustain feed Malthael instead of outlasting him.
    2 more reasons
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Hogger's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Hogger hardest.
  7. Muradin 78 Curated Reaper's Mark ticks every second, so a marked Muradin never goes 4 seconds without damage and Second Wind's regeneration never starts.
    4 more reasons
    • Reaper's Mark ticks every second, so a marked Muradin never goes 4 seconds without damage, shutting off Second Wind while percent damage eats his 2765 Health.
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Muradin hardest.
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Muradin's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • Muradin can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Dwarf Block), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Muradin takes Dwarf Block.
  8. Tyrael 78 Curated Reaper's Mark burns 2% of max Health per second while Righteousness' small shield barely slows it, and Soul Rip heals Malthael off Tyrael's large Health pool.
    2 more reasons
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Tyrael hardest.
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Tyrael's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death. Tyrael must also take Salvation, Ardent Restoration, Reciprocate or Divine Vigor.
  9. Alexstrasza 77 Curated Reaper's Mark ticks 2% of maximum health per second whatever she heals, Dragonqueen's extra health only makes the ticks bigger, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves healing on marked heroes.
    1 more reason
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Alexstrasza's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  10. Arthas 76 Curated Arthas' large health pool feeds Reaper's Mark's 2% max-health ticks and Soul Rip's healing, and with Touch of Death (level 7) Malthael also halves his Death Coil self-heal.
    4 more reasons
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest.
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Arthas's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • Arthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
    • Arthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting Malthael's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. Malthael must also take Ethereal Existence.
  11. D.Va 74 Curated Reaper's Mark ticks percent max-health damage on the mech, and Soul Rip heals Malthael off its large health pool.
    1 more reason
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like D.Va hardest.
  12. Leoric 74 Curated Reaper's Mark ticks percent-maximum-Health damage on Leoric's large pool, Soul Rip keeps Malthael healthy, and with Touch of Death (level 7) he also halves Drain Hope's healing.
    1 more reason
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Leoric's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  13. Mal'Ganis 74 Curated Reaper's Mark keeps ticking percent damage on Mal'Ganis's 2600-Health pool, and Touch of Death (level 7) halves his Vampiric Touch healing while he is marked.
    4 more reasons
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest.
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Mal'Ganis's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • Malthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End.
    • Mal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
  14. Stitches 74 Curated Stitches's 3020 Health makes every Reaper's Mark tick and Soul Rip heal larger, and Last Rites, if Malthael takes it, punishes the missing Health he carries between Devour heals.
    2 more reasons
    • Reaper's Mark burns 2% max Health per second and Soul Rip heals Malthael for a share of Stitches' max Health per hit, turning his huge pool into Malthael's sustain.
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Stitches hardest.
  15. Sonya 71 Curated Reaper's Mark burns 2% of Sonya's large max Health every second regardless of Whirlwind's healing, and Soul Rip heals Malthael for a share of her Health on every hit.
    3 more reasons
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Sonya's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Sonya hardest.
    • Sonya can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Tough As Nails), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Sonya takes Tough As Nails.
  16. Yrel 71 Curated Reaper's Mark burns 2% of Yrel's 2678 maximum Health per second, which even Sacred Ground's Armor only partly reduces, and Soul Rip heals Malthael off her.
    3 more reasons
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Yrel's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Yrel hardest.
    • Yrel can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Dauntless), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Yrel takes Dauntless.
  17. Rexxar 68 Curated Reaper's Mark burns 2% max Health per second on any marked non-Structure target, so Malthael's cleaving attacks drain Rexxar and Misha at once faster than Mend Pet can refill her, and Soul Rip heals him off both.
    3 more reasons
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Rexxar hardest.
    • Malthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Rexxar's stun. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End. Rexxar must also take Kill Command.
    • Rexxar can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Grizzled Fortitude), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Rexxar takes Grizzled Fortitude.
  18. Johanna 62 Curated Reaper's Mark ticks scale with Johanna's big pool and are not Basic Attacks, so even Divine Fortress Physical Armor does little against them, and Last Rites, if Malthael takes it, then punishes her missing Health.
    4 more reasons
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Johanna hardest.
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Johanna's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death. Johanna must also take Laws of Hope or Holy Renewal.
    • Johanna can Blind (Shield Glare), and Basic Attacks are most of Malthael's damage.
    • Johanna can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Divine Fortress), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Johanna takes Divine Fortress.
  19. Valeera 53 Curated Reaper's Mark reveals marked enemies and burns 2% of maximum Health per second, so Valeera can't Vanish out of Malthael's cleave once she is marked, unless she hides in Smoke Bomb's Unrevealable cloud.
    6 more reasons
    • Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Valeera's stealth.
    • Malthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Valeera's stun. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End.
    • Valeera can Blind (Blade Flurry, Blind), and Basic Attacks are most of Malthael's damage.
    • Valeera can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Combat Readiness), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Valeera takes Combat Readiness.
    • Valeera reduces healing received (Wound Poison), which blunts Malthael's self-healing in melee range. Only when Valeera takes Wound Poison.
    • Valeera reduces enemy Armor (Sinister Strike), offsetting Malthael's Physical Armor. Only when Malthael takes Ethereal Existence.
  20. Nova 75 Theory Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Nova's stealth.
    1 more reason
    • Malthael brings Spell Armor (Shroud of Wisdom), which blunts Nova's ability burst. Only when Malthael takes Shroud of Wisdom.
  21. Samuro 74 Theory Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Samuro's stealth.
    1 more reason
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Samuro's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  22. Brightwing 73 Theory Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Brightwing's stealth. Only when Brightwing takes Invisible Friends.
    2 more reasons
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Brightwing's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • Malthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Brightwing's polymorph. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End.
  23. Sgt. Hammer 70 Theory Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Sgt. Hammer's stealth. Only when Sgt. Hammer takes Ambush.
    1 more reason
    • Malthael can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Ethereal Existence), which Sgt. Hammer relies on for damage. Only when Malthael takes Ethereal Existence.
  24. Tyrande 66 Theory Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Tyrande's stealth. Only when Tyrande takes Shadowstalk.
    4 more reasons
    • Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Tyrande's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    • Malthael can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Ethereal Existence), which Tyrande relies on for damage. Only when Malthael takes Ethereal Existence.
    • Tyrande deals damage based on maximum Health (Empower), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Tyrande takes Empower.
    • Tyrande reduces enemy Armor (Hunter's Mark), offsetting Malthael's Physical Armor. Only when Malthael takes Ethereal Existence.
  25. Thrall 65 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Thrall's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
    2 more reasons
    • Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Thrall hardest.
    • Malthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Thrall's stun. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End. Thrall must also take Sundering.
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. Anduin 63 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Anduin's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  2. Malfurion 63 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Malfurion's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  3. Gazlowe 62 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Gazlowe's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  4. Greymane 62 Theory Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Greymane's stealth. Only when Greymane takes Eyes in the Dark.
  5. Genji 61 Theory Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Genji's stealth. Only when Genji takes Pathfinder.
  6. Chromie 60 Theory Malthael brings Spell Armor (Shroud of Wisdom), which blunts Chromie's ability burst. Only when Malthael takes Shroud of Wisdom.
  7. Kharazim 60 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Kharazim's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  8. Uther 60 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Uther's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  9. Falstad 59 Theory Malthael can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Ethereal Existence), which Falstad relies on for damage. Only when Malthael takes Ethereal Existence.
  10. Chen 58 Theory Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Chen hardest.
  11. Junkrat 57 Theory Malthael brings Spell Armor (Shroud of Wisdom), which blunts Junkrat's ability burst. Only when Malthael takes Shroud of Wisdom.
  12. Li-Ming 57 Theory Malthael brings Spell Armor (Shroud of Wisdom), which blunts Li-Ming's ability burst. Only when Malthael takes Shroud of Wisdom.
  13. Tassadar 57 Theory Malthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away Tassadar's stealth. Only when Tassadar takes Shadow Walk.
  14. Alarak 56 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Alarak's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  15. Kerrigan 56 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Kerrigan's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death. Kerrigan must also take Chrysalis.
  16. Xul 56 Theory Malthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Xul hardest.
  17. Lúcio 54 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Lúcio's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  18. Stukov 54 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Stukov's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  19. Hanzo 53 Theory Malthael can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Ethereal Existence), which Hanzo relies on for damage. Only when Malthael takes Ethereal Existence.
  20. Orphea 53 Theory Malthael can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Ethereal Existence), which Orphea relies on for damage. Only when Malthael takes Ethereal Existence.
  21. Tracer 53 Theory Malthael can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Ethereal Existence), which Tracer relies on for damage. Only when Malthael takes Ethereal Existence.
  22. Kel'Thuzad 51 Theory Malthael brings Spell Armor (Shroud of Wisdom), which blunts Kel'Thuzad's ability burst. Only when Malthael takes Shroud of Wisdom.
  23. Lt. Morales 51 Theory Malthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Lt. Morales's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.

Malthael is weak against

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

  1. Cassia Curated
    Why? 6
    • CuratedBlinding Light Blinds Malthael's marking attacks for 2 seconds, and Avoidance's Armor reduces his physical damage while Cassia kites.via Blinding Light, Avoidance, Reaper's Mark
    • TheoryCassia can Blind (Blinding Light, Imprisoning Light), and Basic Attacks are most of Malthael's damage.
    • TheoryCassia deals damage based on maximum Health (Martial Law), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Cassia takes Martial Law.
    • TheoryCassia reduces enemy Armor (Titan's Revenge), offsetting Malthael's Physical Armor. Only when Cassia takes Titan's Revenge. Malthael must also take Ethereal Existence.
    • TheoryMalthael can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Ethereal Existence), which Cassia relies on for damage. Only when Malthael takes Ethereal Existence.
    • TheoryMalthael can ignore or remove crowd control (Inevitable End), weakening Cassia's stun. Only when Malthael takes Inevitable End. Cassia must also take Valkyrie.
  2. Li Li Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedBlinding Wind stops Malthael's Basic Attacks, his only way to apply Reaper's Mark, so Soul Rip and Wraith Strike have nothing to work with.via Blinding Wind, Reaper's Mark, Soul Rip, Wraith Strike
    • TheoryLi Li can Blind (Blinding Wind, Gale Force), and Basic Attacks are most of Malthael's damage.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Li Li's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  3. The Lost Vikings Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedReaper's Mark and Soul Rip scale with max Health, so they do little to an individual Viking, and Malthael can't hold three soaked lanes against them.via Reaper's Mark, Soul Rip
    • TheoryThe Lost Vikings deals damage based on maximum Health (Nordic Attack Squad), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest.
    • TheoryThe Lost Vikings can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Olaf the Stout), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when The Lost Vikings takes Olaf the Stout.
    • TheoryMalthael can reveal enemies (Reaper's Mark), taking away The Lost Vikings's stealth. Only when The Lost Vikings takes Spy Games.
  4. Mei Curated
    Why? 6
    • CuratedSnow Blind Blinds every enemy in its area for 1.75 seconds, so Malthael cannot apply or refresh Reaper's Mark, and Blizzard's stun holds him once Wraith Strike commits him.via Snow Blind, Blizzard, Reaper's Mark, Wraith Strike
    • TheoryMei can Blind (Snow Blind), and Basic Attacks are most of Malthael's damage.
    • TheoryMei can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Skating Away), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Mei takes Skating Away.
    • TheoryMei reduces enemy Armor (Shatter), offsetting Malthael's Physical Armor. Only when Mei takes Shatter. Malthael must also take Ethereal Existence.
    • TheoryMalthael deals damage based on maximum Health (Reaper's Mark, Throwing Shade), which hits high-Health heroes like Mei hardest.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which blunts Mei's self-healing in melee range. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
  5. Whitemane Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedSubjugation halves all damage from the Inquisition target, blunting a lone Malthael's cleave, Soul Rip and Reaper's Mark burn while Inquisition slows him by 30%. Only when Whitemane takes Subjugation (level 13).via Inquisition, Subjugation, Reaper's Mark, Soul Rip
    • TheoryWhitemane reduces enemy Armor (Shared Punishment, Purge the Wicked), offsetting Malthael's Physical Armor. Only when Whitemane takes Shared Punishment or Purge the Wicked. Malthael must also take Ethereal Existence.
    • TheoryMalthael reduces healing received (Touch of Death), which cuts into Whitemane's healing. Only when Malthael takes Touch of Death.
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. Maiev 63 Theory Maiev deals damage based on maximum Health (Vengeful Knives), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Maiev takes Vengeful Knives.
  2. Illidan 59 Theory Illidan deals damage based on maximum Health (Fiery Brand), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Illidan takes Fiery Brand.
  3. Lunara 59 Theory Lunara deals damage based on maximum Health (Invigorating Spores), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Lunara takes Invigorating Spores.
  4. Mephisto 59 Theory Mephisto deals damage based on maximum Health (Static Field), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Mephisto takes Static Field.
  5. Sylvanas 59 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  6. Zagara 59 Theory Zagara deals damage based on maximum Health (Corrosive Saliva), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Zagara takes Corrosive Saliva.
  7. Zarya 59 Theory Zarya can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Defensive Shielding), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Zarya takes Defensive Shielding.
  8. Xal'atath 58 Theory Xal'atath can Blind (Void Eruption), and Basic Attacks are most of Malthael's damage. Only when Xal'atath takes Void Eruption.
  9. Ana 56 Theory Ana reduces healing received (Biotic Grenade), which blunts Malthael's self-healing in melee range.
  10. Artanis 56 Theory Artanis can Blind (Suppression Pulse), and Basic Attacks are most of Malthael's damage. Only when Artanis takes Suppression Pulse.
  11. Auriel 56 Theory Auriel can Blind (Blinding Flash), and Basic Attacks are most of Malthael's damage. Only when Auriel takes Blinding Flash.
  12. Jaina 56 Theory Jaina can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Frost Armor), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Jaina takes Frost Armor.
  13. Nazeebo 56 Theory Nazeebo reduces healing received (Annihilating Spirit), which blunts Malthael's self-healing in melee range. Only when Nazeebo takes Annihilating Spirit.
  14. Tychus 56 Theory Tychus deals damage based on maximum Health (Minigun, Titan Grenade), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest.
  15. Rehgar 55 Theory Rehgar deals damage based on maximum Health (Hunger of the Wolf), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Rehgar takes Hunger of the Wolf.
  16. Deckard 54 Theory Deckard can Blind (Respect the Elderly), and Basic Attacks are most of Malthael's damage. Only when Deckard takes Respect the Elderly.
  17. Qhira 54 Theory Qhira can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Upstage), which Malthael relies on for damage. Only when Qhira takes Upstage.
  18. Raynor 54 Theory Raynor deals damage based on maximum Health (Bounty Hunter), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Raynor takes Bounty Hunter.
  19. Zul'jin 54 Theory Zul'jin deals damage based on maximum Health (No Mercy!), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Zul'jin takes No Mercy!.
  20. Murky 53 Theory Murky deals damage based on maximum Health (Wrath of Cod), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Murky takes Wrath of Cod.
  21. Kael'thas 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.
  22. Probius 52 Theory Probius deals damage based on maximum Health (Shoot 'Em Up), which hits high-Health heroes like Malthael hardest. Only when Probius takes Shoot 'Em Up.
  23. Varian 51 Theory Varian can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Parry, Overpower), which Malthael relies on for damage.

Malthael works well with

Score 1–100 for how well the kits combine

  1. Kharazim Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedKharazim can follow Wraith Strike with Radiant Dash, and Cleansing Touch (level 16) or Divine Palm, whichever he takes, saves Malthael at the moment his dive gets punished.via Radiant Dash, Cleansing Touch, Divine Palm, Wraith Strike
    • TheoryKharazim can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Cleansing Touch) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Kharazim takes Cleansing Touch.
  2. Abathur Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedCarapace keeps Malthael alive while he dives for Soul Rip value, and with Adrenal Overload (level 4) the Symbiote's Attack Speed spreads and refreshes Reaper's Mark faster.via Adrenal Overload, Carapace, Reaper's Mark, Soul Rip
  3. Rehgar Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedBloodlust adds 40% Attack Speed and lifesteal on top of Soul Rip healing, letting Malthael mark the whole enemy team quickly. Only when Rehgar takes Bloodlust (level 10).via Bloodlust, Soul Rip, Reaper's Mark
    • TheoryRehgar can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Purge) to keep the attacks coming.
  4. Lúcio Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedWraith Strike needs a marked target, so Malthael struggles to start on kiting enemies; Speed Boost lets him walk up and apply Reaper's Mark first.via Crossfade, Wraith Strike, Reaper's Mark
    • TheoryLúcio can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (High Five) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Lúcio takes High Five.
  5. Tyrande Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedHunter's Mark lowers a target's Armor by 15, so Malthael's Basic Attacks and Reaper's Mark ticks hit harder on the Hero Tyrande has already focused.via Hunter's Mark, Reaper's Mark
    • TheoryTyrande can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Celestial Attunement) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Tyrande takes Celestial Attunement.
19 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. Anduin 60 Theory Anduin can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Leap of Faith) to keep the attacks coming.
  2. Brightwing 60 Theory Brightwing can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Soothing Mist) to keep the attacks coming.
  3. Garrosh 60 Theory Garrosh can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Into the Fray) to keep the attacks coming.
  4. Tracer 60 Theory Tracer can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Recall) to keep the attacks coming.
  5. Alarak 56 Theory Alarak can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Last Laugh) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh.
  6. Alexstrasza 56 Theory Alexstrasza can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Lifeblossom) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alexstrasza takes Lifeblossom.
  7. Ana 56 Theory Ana can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Purifying Darts, Smelling Salts) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Ana takes Purifying Darts or Smelling Salts.
  8. Arthas 56 Theory Arthas can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Icebound Fortitude) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Arthas takes Icebound Fortitude.
  9. Li Li 56 Theory Li Li can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Let's Go!) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Li Li takes Let's Go!.
  10. Lunara 56 Theory Lunara can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Abolish Magic) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Lunara takes Abolish Magic.
  11. Malfurion 56 Theory Malfurion can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Nature's Cure) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Malfurion takes Nature's Cure.
  12. Mei 56 Theory Mei can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Backup Battery) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Mei takes Backup Battery.
  13. Sonya 56 Theory Sonya can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Hurricane) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Sonya takes Hurricane.
  14. The Lost Vikings 56 Theory The Lost Vikings can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (64 KB Marathon) to keep the attacks coming. Only when The Lost Vikings takes 64 KB Marathon.
  15. Uther 56 Theory Uther can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Hand of Protection) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Uther takes Hand of Protection.
  16. Whitemane 56 Theory Whitemane can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Intercession, Scarlet Crusade) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Whitemane takes Intercession or Scarlet Crusade.
  17. Yrel 56 Theory Yrel can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Hand of Freedom) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Yrel takes Hand of Freedom.
  18. Zarya 56 Theory Zarya can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Cleansing Shield) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Zarya takes Cleansing Shield.
  19. Zul'jin 56 Theory Zul'jin can cleanse crowd control off Malthael (Voodoo Shuffle) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Zul'jin takes Voodoo Shuffle.

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 Malthael

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

  1. Garden of Terror Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryMalthael's sustained damage speeds up Garden of Terror's race against neutral units.
    • TheoryMalthael can cover ground quickly (Wraith Strike) on Garden of Terror's large layout.
  2. Blackheart's Bay Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryMalthael can reach channelling enemies quickly (Wraith Strike) to contest Blackheart's Bay's objective.
    • TheoryMalthael can cover ground quickly (Wraith Strike) on Blackheart's Bay's large layout.
  3. Cursed Hollow Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryMalthael can reach channelling enemies quickly (Wraith Strike) to contest Cursed Hollow's objective.
    • TheoryMalthael can cover ground quickly (Wraith Strike) on Cursed Hollow's large layout.
  4. Warhead Junction Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryMalthael can reach channelling enemies quickly (Wraith Strike) to contest Warhead Junction's objective.
    • TheoryMalthael can cover ground quickly (Wraith Strike) on Warhead Junction's large layout.
  5. Alterac Pass Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryMalthael's sustained damage speeds up Alterac Pass's race against neutral units.
  6. Battlefield of Eternity Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryMalthael's sustained damage speeds up Battlefield of Eternity's race against neutral units.
View 5 more
  1. Haunted Mines 60 Theory Malthael's sustained damage speeds up Haunted Mines's race against neutral units.
  2. Infernal Shrines 60 Theory Malthael's sustained damage speeds up Infernal Shrines's race against neutral units.
  3. Dragon Shire 57 Theory Malthael can reach channelling enemies quickly (Wraith Strike) to contest Dragon Shire's objective.
  4. Towers of Doom 57 Theory Malthael can reach channelling enemies quickly (Wraith Strike) to contest Towers of Doom's objective.
  5. Sky Temple 55 Theory Malthael can cover ground quickly (Wraith Strike) on Sky Temple's large layout.

All maps

Talents by level

  1. 1

    • Death's Reach W

      Increase Wraith Strike's range by 35%.

    • On a Pale Horse Passive

      Gain an additional 20% Movement Speed while mounted.

    • Fear the Reaper Active

      Activate to increase Movement Speed by 25% and pass through other units for 4 seconds.

  2. 4

    • Die Alone Q

      Soul Rip deals 50% more damage to Heroes if it hits only one Hero.

    • Throwing Shade E

      Increase Death Shroud's range by 33%, reduce its cooldown by 3 seconds, and reduce its Mana cost from 50 to 30. Death Shroud's initial impact deals 2% maximum Health as damage to non-Structure enemies.

    • Black Harvest Trait Quest

      Quest: Apply Reaper's Mark to Heroes for a total of 150 seconds. Reward: Permanently increase Reaper's Mark's duration by 2 seconds.

  3. 7

    • Cold Hand Q

      Soul Rip Slows enemies by 20% for 2.5 seconds.

    • Massacre W

      Wraith Strike now damages and applies Reaper's Mark to enemies around its target.

    • Touch of Death Active

      Activate to reduce healing received by Heroes afflicted by Reaper's Mark by 50% for 4 seconds.

  4. 10

    • Tormented Souls Heroic

      Unleash a torrent of souls, continually applying Reaper's Mark to nearby enemies for 4 seconds. Tormented Souls resets the cooldown of Wraith Strike when activated, and while active, Wraith Strike costs no Mana its cooldown is reduced to 2 seconds.

    • Last Rites Heroic Quest

      Apply a death sentence to an enemy Hero that, after 2 seconds, deals damage equal to 50% of their missing Health. Quest: Enemies killed between the application of Last Rites and within 1.5 seconds of it dealing damage permanently reduce its cooldown by 5 seconds, to a minimum of 20 seconds.

  5. 13

    • Soul Siphon Q

      Increase Soul Rip's bonus healing from Heroes to 4.75% of the Hero's maximum Health.

    • Ethereal Existence Trait

      Gain 10 Physical Armor per enemy Hero afflicted by Reaper's Mark, up to a maximum of 30.

    • Inevitable End Active

      Activate to become Unstoppable for 2 seconds, but remove all active Reaper's Marks.

    • Shroud of Wisdom Active

      After 2 seconds, gain 50 Spell Armor for 4 seconds.

  6. 16

    • Soul Collector Q

      Reduce Soul Rip's cooldown by 0.5 seconds and increase its range by 25%.

    • Mortality W

      When damaging a Hero, Wraith Strike deals bonus damage equal to 8% of the Hero's maximum Health.

    • Memento Mori Trait

      Reaper's Mark deals 60% increased damage after afflicting an enemy for more than 4 seconds.

  7. 20

    • Reaper of Souls Heroic

      Increase the duration of Tormented Souls to 6 seconds, and while Tormented Souls is active, Hero Takedowns refresh its duration. If 2 or more enemy Heroes are in Tormented Souls' radius, it does not decay.

    • Angel of Death Heroic

      Last Rites heals for 100% of the damage dealt, and its current and future cooldown reduction bonuses are doubled.

    • Final Curtain E

      Death Shroud leaves a trail in its wake for 4 seconds, applying Reaper's Mark to enemies in its area.

    • No One Can Stop Death Active

      Activate while dead to immediately respawn at the Hall of Storms but increase Malthael's next respawn time by 25%.

  • Reaper's Mark D Trait

    Basic Attacks cleave in an area in front of Malthael and afflict non-Structure targets with Reaper's Mark for 4 seconds. Marked enemies are revealed and take damage equal to 2% of their maximum Health every 1 second.

  • Soul Rip Q Ability

    2 s cooldown 25 Mana

    Extract the souls of nearby enemies afflicted by Reaper's Mark, dealing 100 (+4% per level) damage and healing Malthael for 25 (+4% per level) per target hit. Heroic targets heal Malthael for an additional 4% of the Hero's maximum Health.

  • Wraith Strike W Ability

    5 s cooldown 30 Mana

    Instantly teleport through an enemy afflicted by Reaper's Mark, dealing 59 (+4% per level) damage and refreshing Reaper's Mark.

  • Death Shroud E Ability

    8 s cooldown 50 Mana

    After 0.25 seconds, unleash a wave of dark mist that applies Reaper's Mark to enemies it hits.

  • Last Rites R Heroic

    70 s cooldown 100 Mana

    Apply a death sentence to an enemy Hero that, after 2 seconds, deals damage equal to 50% of their missing Health. Quest: Enemies killed between the application of Last Rites and within 1.5 seconds of it dealing damage permanently reduce its cooldown by 5 seconds, to a minimum of 20 seconds.

  • Tormented Souls R Heroic

    60 s cooldown 20 Mana

    Unleash a torrent of souls, continually applying Reaper's Mark to nearby enemies for 4 seconds. Tormented Souls resets the cooldown of Wraith Strike when activated, and while active, Wraith Strike costs no Mana its cooldown is reduced to 2 seconds.

Mechanics tags

What the theory layer reads from Malthael'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 Cold Hand “Soul Rip Slows enemies by 20% for 2.5 seconds.”

Defense and mobility

Physical Armor
Talent Ethereal Existence “Gain 10 Physical Armor per enemy Hero afflicted by Reaper's Mark, up to a maximum of 30.”
Reveal
Ability Reaper's Mark “Marked enemies are revealed and take damage equal to 2% of their maximum Health every 1 second.”
Self-healing
Ability Soul Rip “…souls of nearby enemies afflicted by Reaper's Mark, dealing 100 damage and healing Malthael for 25 per target hit.”
Talent Angel of Death “Last Rites heals for 100% of the damage dealt, and its current and future cooldown reduction bonuses are doubled.”
Spell Armor
Talent Shroud of Wisdom “After 2 seconds, gain 50 Spell Armor for 4 seconds.”
Teleport
Ability Wraith Strike “Instantly teleport through an enemy afflicted by Reaper's Mark, dealing 59 damage and refreshing Reaper's Mark.”
Unstoppable
Talent Inevitable End “Activate to become Unstoppable for 2 seconds, but remove all active Reaper's Marks.”

Damage and macro

% Health damage
Ability Reaper's Mark “Marked enemies are revealed and take damage equal to 2% of their maximum Health every 1 second.”
Talent Throwing Shade “Death Shroud's initial impact deals 2% maximum Health as damage to non-Structure enemies.”
Anti-heal
Talent Touch of Death “Activate to reduce healing received by Heroes afflicted by Reaper's Mark by 50% for 4 seconds.”
Basic-attack reliant
Curated note Reaper's Mark is applied and refreshed by his cleaving Basic Attacks, and Soul Rip and Wraith Strike only work on marked enemies.
Sustained damage
Curated note Reaper's Mark deals 2% of maximum Health every second to each marked target, so his damage grows with fight length and enemy Health pools.
  1. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 15 May 2025 Patch Mixed

    2 buffs, 2 nerfs, 1 other change

    • BuffWraith Strike: Range 6 → 7Base
    • NerfBlack Harvest: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • ChangeTormented Souls: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 10
    • NerfTormented Souls: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 10
    • BuffReaper of Souls: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20
  2. Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes, 21 Apr 2025 PTR Mixed

    2 buffs, 2 nerfs, 1 other change

    • BuffWraith Strike: Range 6 → 7Base
    • NerfBlack Harvest: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • ChangeTormented Souls: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 10
    • NerfTormented Souls: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 10
    • BuffReaper of Souls: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 20

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