Whetstone
Heroes of the Storm

Patch 2.57 Updated

Ranged Assassin · Warcraft

Sylvanas

The Banshee Queen

Role
Ranged Assassin
Attack
Ranged
Difficulty
Hard
Released
24 Mar 2015
Last patched
28 Sep 2026
Damage
9/10
Utility
7/10
Survivability
3/10
Complexity
6/10

Sylvanas is strong against

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

  1. The Lost Vikings Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedShadow Dagger spreads from Sylvanas' damage to every nearby enemy, so grouped Vikings all take it, and Withering Fire picks off a lone soaking Viking.via Shadow Dagger, Withering Fire
    • TheorySylvanas clears waves quickly, so The Lost Vikings's lane pressure buys less.
    • TheorySylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and The Lost Vikings relies on channelled abilities. Only when The Lost Vikings takes Play Again!.
  2. Nazeebo Curated
    Why? 4
    • CuratedEither Heroic interrupts Ravenous Spirit, Nazeebo's stationary channel (Wailing Arrow's Silence or Mind Control), and Shadow Dagger's spread clears his Corpse Spiders. Only when Nazeebo takes Ravenous Spirit (level 10).via Wailing Arrow, Mind Control, Ravenous Spirit, Corpse Spiders
    • TheorySylvanas's area damage clears Nazeebo's summoned units quickly.
    • TheorySylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Nazeebo relies on channelled abilities. Only when Nazeebo takes Ravenous Spirit.
    • TheoryNazeebo clears waves quickly, so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  3. Probius Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedHaunting Arrows makes Sylvanas' attacks and abilities stun Structures, which shuts down Probius' Photon Cannons and Pylons while she pushes into them. Only when Sylvanas takes Haunting Arrows (level 4).via Haunting Arrows, Photon Cannon, Warp In Pylon
    • TheorySylvanas's area damage clears Probius's summoned units quickly.
    • TheoryProbius clears waves quickly (Disruption Pulse, Warp Rift), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  4. Anub'arak Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheorySylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Anub'arak hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    • TheorySylvanas's area damage clears Anub'arak's summoned units quickly.
  5. Imperius Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheorySylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Imperius hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    • TheorySylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Imperius relies on channelled abilities.
  6. Thrall Theory
    Why? 3
    • TheorySylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Thrall hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    • TheorySylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Thrall in the middle of a dive.
    • TheorySylvanas can ignore or remove crowd control (Will of the Forsaken), weakening Thrall's stun. Only when Sylvanas takes Will of the Forsaken. Thrall must also take Sundering.
View 4 more
  1. Xul 66 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Xul hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    1 more reason
    • Sylvanas's area damage clears Xul's summoned units quickly.
  2. Cho'gall 65 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Cho'gall hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    3 more reasons
    • Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Cho'gall relies on channelled abilities.
    • Sylvanas can ignore or remove crowd control (Will of the Forsaken), weakening Cho'gall's stun. Only when Sylvanas takes Will of the Forsaken. Cho'gall must also take Favor of the Old Gods.
    • Cho'gall clears waves quickly (Shadowflame, Dread Orb), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  3. Li Li 65 Theory Sylvanas's area damage clears Li Li's summoned units quickly.
    1 more reason
    • Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Li Li relies on channelled abilities.
  4. Rexxar 65 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Rexxar hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    3 more reasons
    • Sylvanas's area damage clears Rexxar's summoned units quickly.
    • Sylvanas can ignore or remove crowd control (Will of the Forsaken), weakening Rexxar's stun. Only when Sylvanas takes Will of the Forsaken. Rexxar must also take Kill Command.
    • Rexxar clears waves quickly (Spirit Swoop, Misha, Charge!), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
45 more below the bar

Weaker mechanical edges

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

  1. Artanis 64 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Artanis hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  2. Sonya 64 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Sonya hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  3. Arthas 63 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  4. Chen 63 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Chen hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  5. Malfurion 62 Theory Sylvanas's area damage clears Malfurion's summoned units quickly. Only when Malfurion takes Vengeful Roots.
  6. Tychus 62 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Tychus relies on channelled abilities.
  7. Varian 62 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Varian hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  8. E.T.C. 61 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like E.T.C. hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  9. Mal'Ganis 61 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  10. Anduin 60 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Anduin relies on channelled abilities.
  11. Stukov 60 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Stukov relies on channelled abilities.
  12. Malthael 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.
  13. Mei 59 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Mei hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  14. Muradin 59 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Muradin hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  15. Murky 59 Theory Sylvanas clears waves quickly, so Murky's lane pressure buys less.
  16. Blaze 58 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Blaze hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  17. D.Va 58 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like D.Va hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  18. The Butcher 58 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
  19. Yrel 58 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Yrel hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  20. Deathwing 57 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Deathwing hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  21. Garrosh 57 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Garrosh hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  22. Gul'dan 57 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Gul'dan relies on channelled abilities. Only when Gul'dan takes Health Funnel.
  23. Lt. Morales 57 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Lt. Morales relies on channelled abilities.
  24. Nova 57 Theory Sylvanas's area damage clears Nova's summoned units quickly.
  25. Tassadar 57 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Tassadar relies on channelled abilities.
  26. Xal'atath 57 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Xal'atath relies on channelled abilities.
  27. Zul'jin 57 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Zul'jin relies on channelled abilities.
  28. Cassia 55 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Cassia relies on channelled abilities.
  29. Deckard 55 Theory Sylvanas can interrupt channels with silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control), and Deckard relies on channelled abilities.
  30. Greymane 55 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Greymane in the middle of a dive.
  31. Kharazim 55 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Kharazim in the middle of a dive.
  32. Samuro 55 Theory Sylvanas clears waves quickly, so Samuro's lane pressure buys less.
  33. Tracer 55 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Tracer in the middle of a dive.
  34. Gazlowe 54 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Gazlowe hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  35. Hogger 54 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Hogger hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  36. Kerrigan 54 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Kerrigan in the middle of a dive.
  37. Leoric 54 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Leoric hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  38. Mephisto 54 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Mephisto in the middle of a dive.
  39. Stitches 54 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Stitches hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  40. Tyrael 54 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Tyrael hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  41. Maiev 53 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Maiev in the middle of a dive.
  42. Qhira 53 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Qhira in the middle of a dive.
  43. Valeera 53 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Valeera in the middle of a dive.
  44. Zagara 52 Theory Sylvanas's area damage clears Zagara's summoned units quickly.
  45. Dehaka 51 Theory Sylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Dehaka hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.

Sylvanas is weak against

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

  1. Genji Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedDeflect blocks every shot of Withering Fire and throws kunai back, and Swift Strike plus Cyber Agility reach Sylvanas faster than Haunting Wave can carry her away.via Deflect, Swift Strike, Cyber Agility, Withering Fire, Haunting Wave
    • TheorySylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Genji in the middle of a dive.
  2. Johanna Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedShield Glare blinds Sylvanas for 1.5 seconds, so the basic attacks she needs to stack Black Arrows and spread Shadow Dagger all miss.via Shield Glare, Black Arrows, Shadow Dagger
    • TheoryJohanna clears waves quickly (Condemn), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
    • TheorySylvanas deals damage based on maximum Health (Overwhelming Affliction), which hits high-Health heroes like Johanna hardest. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
  3. Illidan Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedEvasion dodges Sylvanas' basic attacks and Dive follows her after a Haunting Wave teleport; with 1650 Health and no stun she struggles to peel him.via Evasion, Dive, Haunting Wave
    • TheorySylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Illidan in the middle of a dive.
  4. Zeratul Curated
    Why? 3
    • CuratedZeratul cloaks onto Sylvanas and Vorpal Blade follows her Haunting Wave teleport, leaving her little room to escape his burst.via Permanent Cloak, Vorpal Blade, Haunting Wave
    • TheorySylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop Zeratul in the middle of a dive.
    • TheorySylvanas can ignore or remove crowd control (Will of the Forsaken), weakening Zeratul's Time Stop. Only when Sylvanas takes Will of the Forsaken. Zeratul must also take Void Prison.
  5. Falstad Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryFalstad's map-wide reach (Flight) helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure.
    • TheoryFalstad clears waves quickly (Lightning Rod), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  6. Brightwing Theory
    Why? 1
    • TheoryBrightwing's map-wide reach helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure.
View 1 more
  1. Tyrande 65 Theory Tyrande's map-wide reach helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure.
13 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. Kel'Thuzad 64 Theory Kel'Thuzad's map-wide reach (Shadow Fissure) helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure. Only when Kel'Thuzad takes Shadow Fissure.
  2. Sgt. Hammer 64 Theory Sgt. Hammer's map-wide reach (Blunt Force Gun) helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure. Only when Sgt. Hammer takes Blunt Force Gun.
  3. Abathur 58 Theory Abathur's map-wide reach helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure.
  4. Fenix 57 Theory Fenix's map-wide reach (Planet Cracker) helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure. Only when Fenix takes Planet Cracker.
  5. Alexstrasza 55 Theory Alexstrasza clears waves quickly (Flame Buffet, Wing Buffet), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  6. Azmodan 55 Theory Azmodan's map-wide reach (Demon Lieutenant) helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure.
  7. Hanzo 55 Theory Hanzo's map-wide reach (Dragon's Arrow) helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure. Only when Hanzo takes Dragon's Arrow.
  8. Junkrat 55 Theory Junkrat clears waves quickly (Frag Launcher, Concussion Mine), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  9. Kael'thas 55 Theory Kael'thas clears waves quickly (Flamestrike, Living Bomb), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  10. Lúcio 55 Theory Lúcio clears waves quickly (Soundwave, Push Off), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  11. Orphea 55 Theory Orphea clears waves quickly (Shadow Waltz, Chomp), so Sylvanas's lane pressure buys less.
  12. Ragnaros 53 Theory Ragnaros's map-wide reach (Molten Core, Heroic Difficulty) helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure.
  13. Whitemane 52 Theory Whitemane's map-wide reach (Guiding Light) helps answer Sylvanas's side-lane pressure. Only when Whitemane takes Guiding Light.

Sylvanas works well with

Score 1–100 for how well the kits combine

  1. Falstad Curated
    Why? 2
    • CuratedFalstad's Flight lets him join fights anywhere while Sylvanas pushes a side lane with Possession, so her pressure doesn't cost the team a body.via Flight, Possession
    • TheoryFalstad has map-wide reach (Flight) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane.
  2. Medivh Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedPortal lets a split-pushing Sylvanas return to her team instantly, so her lane pressure costs less when a fight breaks out.via Portal, Possession
  3. Zarya Curated
    Why? 1
    • CuratedGraviton Surge holds enemies together so Wailing Arrow's center Silence, and Deafening Blast's bonus damage at level 20, lands on several Heroes at once. Only when Zarya takes Graviton Surge (level 10), and Sylvanas takes Wailing Arrow (level 10).via Graviton Surge, Wailing Arrow, Deafening Blast
  4. Ragnaros Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheoryRagnaros has map-wide reach (Molten Core, Heroic Difficulty) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane.
    • TheorySylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Ragnaros's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  5. Fenix Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheorySylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Fenix's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
    • TheoryFenix has map-wide reach (Planet Cracker) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane. Only when Fenix takes Planet Cracker.
  6. Hanzo Theory
    Why? 2
    • TheorySylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Hanzo's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control. Hanzo must also take Dragon's Arrow or Explosive Arrows.
    • TheoryHanzo has map-wide reach (Dragon's Arrow) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane. Only when Hanzo takes Dragon's Arrow.
View 2 more
  1. Kel'Thuzad 65 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Kel'Thuzad's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
    1 more reason
    • Kel'Thuzad has map-wide reach (Shadow Fissure) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane. Only when Kel'Thuzad takes Shadow Fissure.
  2. Sgt. Hammer 65 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Sgt. Hammer's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
    1 more reason
    • Sgt. Hammer has map-wide reach (Blunt Force Gun) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane. Only when Sgt. Hammer takes Blunt Force Gun.
40 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. Abathur 60 Theory Abathur has map-wide reach while Sylvanas pressures a side lane.
  2. Azmodan 60 Theory Azmodan has map-wide reach (Demon Lieutenant) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane.
  3. Brightwing 60 Theory Brightwing has map-wide reach while Sylvanas pressures a side lane.
  4. Dehaka 60 Theory Dehaka has map-wide reach (Brushstalker) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane.
  5. Tyrande 60 Theory Tyrande has map-wide reach while Sylvanas pressures a side lane.
  6. Alarak 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Alarak's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  7. Artanis 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Artanis's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  8. Chromie 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Chromie's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control. Chromie must also take Mobius Loop.
  9. Genji 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Genji's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  10. Greymane 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Greymane's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  11. Gul'dan 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Gul'dan's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  12. Illidan 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Illidan's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  13. Jaina 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Jaina's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  14. Junkrat 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Junkrat's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  15. Kael'thas 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Kael'thas's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  16. Kerrigan 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Kerrigan's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  17. Li-Ming 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Li-Ming's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control. Li-Ming must also take Wave of Force.
  18. Lunara 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Lunara's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  19. Mephisto 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Mephisto's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  20. Murky 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Murky's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  21. Nazeebo 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Nazeebo's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  22. Nova 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Nova's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control. Nova must also take Precision Strike or Explosive Round.
  23. Orphea 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Orphea's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  24. Probius 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Probius's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  25. Raynor 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Raynor's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  26. Samuro 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Samuro's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control. Samuro must also take Bladestorm or Burning Blade.
  27. Tassadar 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Tassadar's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  28. The Butcher 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for The Butcher's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control. The Butcher must also take Furnace Blast or Cleaver.
  29. Thrall 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Thrall's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  30. Tracer 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Tracer's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  31. Tychus 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Tychus's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control. Tychus must also take Melting Point.
  32. Valeera 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Valeera's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  33. Valla 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Valla's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  34. Xal'atath 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Xal'atath's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  35. Xul 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Xul's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  36. Zagara 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Zagara's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  37. Zeratul 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Zeratul's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  38. Zul'jin 59 Theory Sylvanas groups or freezes enemies (Mind Control) for Zul'jin's area damage. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  39. Diablo 56 Theory Diablo has map-wide reach (Apocalypse) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane. Only when Diablo takes Apocalypse.
  40. Whitemane 56 Theory Whitemane has map-wide reach (Guiding Light) while Sylvanas pressures a side lane. Only when Whitemane takes Guiding Light.

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 Sylvanas

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

  1. Blackheart's Bay Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryBlackheart's Bay has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    • TheorySylvanas can reach channelling enemies quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) to contest Blackheart's Bay's objective.
    • TheorySylvanas can cover ground quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) on Blackheart's Bay's large layout.
    • TheorySylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) stops enemies channelling Blackheart's Bay's objective.
  2. Cursed Hollow Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryCursed Hollow has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    • TheorySylvanas can reach channelling enemies quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) to contest Cursed Hollow's objective.
    • TheorySylvanas can cover ground quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) on Cursed Hollow's large layout.
    • TheorySylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) stops enemies channelling Cursed Hollow's objective.
  3. Dragon Shire Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryDragon Shire has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    • TheorySylvanas can reach channelling enemies quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) to contest Dragon Shire's objective.
    • TheorySylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) stops enemies channelling Dragon Shire's objective.
    • TheorySylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Dragon Shire's pushing objective.
  4. Towers of Doom Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryTowers of Doom has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    • TheorySylvanas can reach channelling enemies quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) to contest Towers of Doom's objective.
    • TheorySylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) stops enemies channelling Towers of Doom's objective.
    • TheorySylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Towers of Doom's pushing objective.
  5. Warhead Junction Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryWarhead Junction has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    • TheorySylvanas can reach channelling enemies quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) to contest Warhead Junction's objective.
    • TheorySylvanas can cover ground quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) on Warhead Junction's large layout.
    • TheorySylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) stops enemies channelling Warhead Junction's objective.
  6. Garden of Terror Theory
    Why? 4
    • TheoryGarden of Terror has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    • TheorySylvanas's percent-Health damage (Overwhelming Affliction) speeds up Garden of Terror's race against neutral units. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    • TheorySylvanas can cover ground quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) on Garden of Terror's large layout.
    • TheorySylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Garden of Terror's pushing objective.
View 13 more
  1. Alterac Pass 73 Theory Alterac Pass has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    3 more reasons
    • Sylvanas's percent-Health damage (Overwhelming Affliction) speeds up Alterac Pass's race against neutral units. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    • Sylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Alterac Pass's pushing objective.
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Alterac Pass's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  2. Infernal Shrines 73 Theory Infernal Shrines has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    3 more reasons
    • Sylvanas's percent-Health damage (Overwhelming Affliction) speeds up Infernal Shrines's race against neutral units. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    • Sylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Infernal Shrines's pushing objective.
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Infernal Shrines's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  3. Sky Temple 73 Theory Sky Temple has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    3 more reasons
    • Sylvanas can cover ground quickly (Haunting Wave, Windrunner) on Sky Temple's large layout.
    • Sylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Sky Temple's pushing objective.
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Sky Temple's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  4. Volskaya Foundry 69 Theory Volskaya Foundry has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    2 more reasons
    • Sylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Volskaya Foundry's pushing objective.
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Volskaya Foundry's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  5. Tomb of the Spider Queen 65 Theory Tomb of the Spider Queen has three lanes for Sylvanas to pressure while the team holds the objective.
    1 more reason
    • Sylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Tomb of the Spider Queen's pushing objective.
  6. Battlefield of Eternity 60 Theory Sylvanas's percent-Health damage (Overwhelming Affliction) speeds up Battlefield of Eternity's race against neutral units. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    3 more reasons
    • Battlefield of Eternity has only two lanes, so Sylvanas's side-lane pressure is easier to answer.
    • Sylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Battlefield of Eternity's pushing objective.
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Battlefield of Eternity's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  7. Braxis Outpost 59 Theory Sylvanas's waveclear holds Braxis Outpost's single lane.
    1 more reason
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Braxis Outpost's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  8. Industrial District 59 Theory Sylvanas's waveclear holds Industrial District's single lane.
    1 more reason
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Industrial District's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  9. Lost Cavern 59 Theory Sylvanas's waveclear holds Lost Cavern's single lane.
    1 more reason
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Lost Cavern's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  10. Silver City 59 Theory Sylvanas's waveclear holds Silver City's single lane.
    1 more reason
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Silver City's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  11. Haunted Mines 56 Theory Sylvanas's percent-Health damage (Overwhelming Affliction) speeds up Haunted Mines's race against neutral units. Only when Sylvanas takes Overwhelming Affliction.
    2 more reasons
    • Haunted Mines has only two lanes, so Sylvanas's side-lane pressure is easier to answer.
    • Sylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Haunted Mines's pushing objective.
  12. Braxis Holdout 54 Theory Braxis Holdout has only two lanes, so Sylvanas's side-lane pressure is easier to answer.
    2 more reasons
    • Sylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Braxis Holdout's pushing objective.
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Braxis Holdout's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.
  13. Hanamura Temple 54 Theory Hanamura Temple has only two lanes, so Sylvanas's side-lane pressure is easier to answer.
    2 more reasons
    • Sylvanas's waveclear helps hold lanes against Hanamura Temple's pushing objective.
    • Sylvanas can group or freeze enemies (Mind Control) in Hanamura Temple's objective fights. Only when Sylvanas takes Mind Control.

All maps

Talents by level

  1. 1

    • Might of the Banshee Queen Q

      Hitting an enemy Hero with Withering Fire increases Sylvanas's Attack Speed and Spell Power by 5% for 6 seconds, stacking up to 5 times.

    • Unrelenting Torment W

      Increase the damage of Shadow Dagger by 20% and increase its duration by 1 second.

    • Overwhelming Affliction Trait

      Enemy Heroes with 3 stacks of Black Arrows are Slowed by 15%. Sylvanas's Basic Attacks against Slowed enemy Heroes deal 1% of their maximum Health as damage.

  2. 4

    • Unstable Poison W

      Minions that die under the effects of Shadow Dagger or Sylvanas's Traits explode, dealing 150 (+4% per level) damage to nearby Minions, Mercenaries, and Summons.

    • Mercenary Queen Trait

      Friendly non-Elite Mercenaries near Sylvanas deal 60% more damage. Sylvanas's Basic Attacks Stun and instantly apply 3 stacks of Black Arrows to neutral Mercenaries. Sylvanas deals 30% additional damage to Mercenaries with 3 stacks of Black Arrows.

    • Haunting Arrows Trait

      Black Arrows can now be activated to cause all Basic Attacks and Abilities to Stun Minions and Structures for 3 seconds. Lasts for 10 seconds. Basic Attacks against Structures reduce this cooldown by 3 seconds.

  3. 7

    • Barbed Shot Q

      Hitting the same enemy with 5 shots of Withering Fire causes the 5th shot to deal 400% bonus damage.

    • Lost Soul W

      Basic Attacks against Heroes and Structures with 3 stacks of Black Arrows reduce the cooldown of Shadow Dagger by 0.75 seconds, doubled against Heroes.

    • Festering Wounds E

      Increase Haunting Wave's damage by 15%. Haunting Wave applies 3 stacks of Black Arrows.

  4. 10

    • Wailing Arrow Heroic

      Shoot an arrow that can be reactivated to deal 228 (+4% per level) damage and Silence enemies in an area for 2.5 seconds. The arrow detonates automatically if it reaches maximum range.

    • Mind Control Heroic

      After 0.25 seconds, fire a missile that Mind Controls the first enemy Hero hit. Heroes hit are Silenced, Slowed by 30%, have 3 stacks of Black Arrows applied to them, and are forced to walk towards Sylvanas for 1.75 seconds.

  5. 13

    • Cold Embrace W

      Shadow Dagger reduces the Armor of the initial target by 25 and any enemy it spreads to by 10 for 2.5 seconds.

    • Windrunner E

      Haunting Wave can be cast a second time for free within 4 seconds after teleporting. Teleporting with Haunting Wave resets the cooldown of Withering Fire.

    • Remorseless Trait

      Sylvanas's Basic Attacks against enemy Heroes with 3 stacks of Black Arrows shoot an untalented shot of Withering Fire. This shot of Withering Fire applies Black Arrows. Increase Sylvanas's Basic Attack range by 1.

  6. 16

    • Evasive Fire Q

      Hitting an enemy with Withering Fire grants 6% Movement Speed for 2 seconds, up to 30%. Basic Attacks refresh this duration.

    • Life Drain Trait

      Heal for 15% of damage dealt by Sylvanas to enemies with 3 stacks of Black Arrows. Healing is doubled against Heroes.

    • Will of the Forsaken Active

      Activate to become Unstoppable and gain 40% Movement Speed for 3 seconds.

  7. 20

    • Deafening Blast Heroic

      Enemies at the center of Wailing Arrow's explosion take 50% more damage and are Silenced for twice as long.

    • Dark Lady's Call Heroic

      Heroes hit by Mind Control have their vision radius greatly reduced for 5 seconds. Mind Control's cooldown is reduced by 25 seconds.

    • Withering Barrage Q

      Withering Fire applies Black Arrows, and Heroes hit by Withering Fire reduce its cooldown by 0.75 seconds.

    • Bolt of the Storm Active

      Activate to teleport to a nearby location.

  • Black Arrows D Trait

    Basic Attacks infect enemies with Black Arrows for 3 seconds, stacking up to 3 times. Sylvanas deals 15% more damage to enemies with 3 stacks. Quest: Damage Heroes and Structures with 3 stacks of Black Arrows. Reward: Upon damaging enemies 250 times, increase the damage bonus provided by Black Arrows to 50%. Mythic Reward: Upon damaging enemies 400 times, Black Arrows now heals Sylvanas for 25% of damage dealt at 3 stacks, doubled against Heroes.

  • Withering Fire Q Ability

    8 s cooldown 25 Mana

    Shoot the closest enemy up to 5 times over 1.5 seconds for 39 (+4% per level) damage, prioritizing Heroes. Cooldown is reset on getting a Takedown.

  • Shadow Dagger W Ability

    11 s cooldown 50 Mana

    Throw a dagger at a target enemy that deals 30 (+4% per level) damage and an additional 150 (+4% per level) damage over 2.5 seconds. Damage dealt by Sylvanas to the initial target spreads Shadow Dagger to all nearby enemies.

  • Haunting Wave E Ability

    11 s cooldown 75 Mana

    Send forth a wave of banshees dealing 114 (+4% per level) damage to all targets. Reactivate to teleport to the banshees' location.

  • Mind Control R Heroic

    40 s cooldown 50 Mana

    After 0.25 seconds, fire a missile that Mind Controls the first enemy Hero hit. Heroes hit are Silenced, Slowed by 30%, have 3 stacks of Black Arrows applied to them, and are forced to walk towards Sylvanas for 1.75 seconds.

  • Wailing Arrow R Heroic

    90 s cooldown 100 Mana

    Shoot an arrow that can be reactivated to deal 228 (+4% per level) damage and Silence enemies in an area for 2.5 seconds. The arrow detonates automatically if it reaches maximum range.

  • Possession Active

    25 s cooldown

    Activate to force an enemy Minion to fight for Sylvanas's team. Catapults require 3 charges. Stores up to 4 charges.

Mechanics tags

What the theory layer reads from Sylvanas'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

Pull
Ability Mind Control “…by 30%, have 3 stacks of Black Arrows applied to them, and are forced to walk towards Sylvanas for 1.75 seconds.”
Silence
Ability Wailing Arrow “Shoot an arrow that can be reactivated to deal 228 damage and Silence enemies in an area for 2.5 seconds.”
Ability Mind Control “Heroes hit are Silenced, Slowed by 30%, have 3 stacks of Black Arrows applied to them, and are forced to walk towards…”
Talent Deafening Blast “Enemies at the center of Wailing Arrow's explosion take 50% more damage and are Silenced for twice as long.”
Slow
Ability Mind Control “Heroes hit are Silenced, Slowed by 30%, have 3 stacks of Black Arrows applied to them, and are forced to walk towards…”
Talent Overwhelming Affliction “Enemy Heroes with 3 stacks of Black Arrows are Slowed by 15%.”

Defense and mobility

Self-healing
Ability Black Arrows “…damaging enemies 400 times, Black Arrows now heals Sylvanas for 25% of damage dealt at 3 stacks, doubled against…”
Talent Life Drain “Heal for 15% of damage dealt by Sylvanas to enemies with 3 stacks of Black Arrows.”
Teleport
Ability Haunting Wave “Reactivate to teleport to the banshees' location.”
Talent Windrunner “Haunting Wave can be cast a second time for free within 4 seconds after teleporting.”
Talent Bolt of the Storm “Activate to teleport to a nearby location.”
Unstoppable
Talent Will of the Forsaken “Activate to become Unstoppable and gain 40% Movement Speed for 3 seconds.”

Damage and macro

% Health damage
Talent Overwhelming Affliction “Sylvanas's Basic Attacks against Slowed enemy Heroes deal 1% of their maximum Health as damage.”
Area damage
Ability Shadow Dagger “Damage dealt by Sylvanas to the initial target spreads Shadow Dagger to all nearby enemies.”
Ability Wailing Arrow “Shoot an arrow that can be reactivated to deal 228 damage and Silence enemies in an area for 2.5 seconds.”
Damage over time
Ability Shadow Dagger “Throw a dagger at a target enemy that deals 30 damage and an additional 150 damage over 2.5 seconds.”
Waveclear
Curated note Shadow Dagger spreads from her damage to every nearby enemy, so Sylvanas clears whole minion waves fast.

Play-style traits

Split push
Curated note Possession steals enemy minions and Haunting Arrows can stun structures, so Sylvanas pushes a lane down quickly on her own.
  1. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 28 Sep 2026 Patch Changed

    1 other change

    • ChangeBlack Arrows: Cooldown 90 → —Game data
  2. Heroes of the Storm Balance Patch Notes, 19 Feb 2026 Balance update Changed

    1 other change

    • ChangeLost Soul: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 7
  3. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 10 Feb 2026 Patch Changed

    1 other change

    • ChangeMercenary Queen: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
  4. Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes, 14 Jan 2026 PTR Changed

    1 other change

    • ChangeMercenary Queen: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
  5. Heroes of the Storm Balance Patch Notes, 12 Dec 2025 Balance update Buffed

    1 buff, 2 other changes

    • ChangePossession: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • BuffUnstable Poison: Damage 130 → 150Level 4
    • ChangeHaunting Arrows: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
  6. Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 1 Dec 2025 Patch Mixed

    4 buffs, 2 nerfs, 4 other changes

    • ChangeBlack Arrows: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • BuffBlack Arrows: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • ChangeBlack Arrows: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • ChangeUnfurling Shadows: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • BuffUnrelenting Torment: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • BuffHaunting Arrows: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • ChangePossession: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • BuffBarbed Shot: Bonus damage 350% → 400%Level 7
    • NerfLost Soul: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 7
    • NerfWindrunner: Recast window 5 s → 4 sLevel 13
  7. Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes, 3 Nov 2025 PTR Mixed

    4 buffs, 2 nerfs, 4 other changes

    • ChangeBlack Arrows: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • BuffBlack Arrows: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • ChangeBlack Arrows: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Base
    • ChangeUnfurling Shadows: Effect removed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • BuffUnrelenting Torment: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Level 1
    • BuffHaunting Arrows: New effect (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • ChangePossession: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 4
    • BuffBarbed Shot: Bonus damage 350% → 400%Level 7
    • NerfLost Soul: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 7
    • NerfWindrunner: Recast window 5 s → 4 sLevel 13

Game-data changes between builds

Detected by comparing the game files of consecutive builds, including silent changes.

  1. 2.55.17.98025 → 2.57.0.98285

    • Black Arrows cooldown changed

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Guides and builds

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