Melee Assassin · Diablo
The Butcher
Flesh Carver
- Role
- Melee Assassin
- Attack
- Melee
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Released
- 30 Jun 2015
- Last patched
- 30 Sep 2025
Counters and synergies
The Butcher is strong against
Score 1–100 for The Butcher's net edge once both kits are weighed (50 = neutral)
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Why? 3
- CuratedRuthless Onslaught's Unstoppable charge ignores Concussive Blast's knockback and Spider Mines' slow, and a sieging Hammer can't escape without dropping Siege Mode.via Ruthless Onslaught, Concussive Blast, Spider Mines, Siege Mode
- TheoryThe Butcher can dive onto Sgt. Hammer, who has little mobility to escape.
- TheoryThe Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Sgt. Hammer relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
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Why? 6
- CuratedChromie's 1390 Health and lack of a dash make her easy prey once Ruthless Onslaught connects (less so once she has Time Out or Here and There at level 13), and Lamb to the Slaughter, if The Butcher takes it, can chain and silence her for 3 seconds.via Ruthless Onslaught, Lamb to the Slaughter, Time Out, Here and There
- TheoryThe Butcher can dive onto Chromie, who has little mobility to escape.
- TheoryThe Butcher brings Spell Armor (Meat Shield), which blunts Chromie's ability burst. Only when The Butcher takes Meat Shield.
- TheoryThe Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Chromie's Time Stop.
- TheoryChromie's Time Stop (Time Trap, Chronic Conditions) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- TheoryChromie reduces enemy Armor (Unravelling), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Chromie takes Unravelling. The Butcher must also take Block.
-
Why? 4
- CuratedLamb to the Slaughter chains and silences Li-Ming for 3 seconds so she can't Teleport out, and Butcher's Brand keeps him healthy while he hits her 1270 Health. Only when The Butcher takes Lamb to the Slaughter (level 10).via Lamb to the Slaughter, Teleport, Butcher's Brand
- TheoryThe Butcher can dive onto Li-Ming, whose small Health pool rarely survives a committed dive.
- TheoryThe Butcher brings Spell Armor (Meat Shield), which blunts Li-Ming's ability burst. Only when The Butcher takes Meat Shield.
- TheoryThe Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Li-Ming relies on channelled abilities. Only when Li-Ming takes Disintegrate.
-
Why? 3
- CuratedProbius has 1260 Health and Worker Rush ends when he takes damage; Hamstring's 50% Slow and Onslaught's stun keep him in reach until he dies.via Hamstring, Ruthless Onslaught, Worker Rush
- TheoryThe Butcher can dive onto Probius, whose small Health pool rarely survives a committed dive.
- TheoryThe Butcher brings Spell Armor (Meat Shield), which blunts Probius's ability burst. Only when The Butcher takes Meat Shield.
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Why? 2
- TheoryThe Butcher can dive onto Azmodan, who has little mobility to escape.
- TheoryThe Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Azmodan relies on channelled abilities.
-
Why? 2
- TheoryThe Butcher can dive onto Lt. Morales, who has little mobility to escape.
- TheoryThe Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Lt. Morales relies on channelled abilities.
View 6 more
- Anduin Score 69 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Anduin, who has little mobility to escape.
2 more reasons
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Anduin relies on channelled abilities.
- Anduin's root (Chastise, Censure) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Kael'thas Score 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.
- Nova Score 69 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Nova, whose small Health pool rarely survives a committed dive.
1 more reason
- The Butcher brings Spell Armor (Meat Shield), which blunts Nova's ability burst. Only when The Butcher takes Meat Shield.
- Zul'jin Score 69 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Zul'jin, who has little mobility to escape.
5 more reasons
- The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Zul'jin relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Zul'jin relies on channelled abilities.
- Zul'jin reduces enemy Armor (No Mercy!), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Zul'jin takes No Mercy!. The Butcher must also take Block.
- Zul'jin can ignore or remove crowd control (Voodoo Shuffle), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Zul'jin takes Voodoo Shuffle. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Zul'jin's root (Ensnare) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive. Only when Zul'jin takes Ensnare.
- Raynor Score 68 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Raynor, who has little mobility to escape.
3 more reasons
- The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Raynor relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Raynor reduces enemy Armor (Dusk Wing), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Raynor takes Dusk Wing. The Butcher must also take Block.
- Raynor can ignore or remove crowd control (Raiders Roll), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Raynor takes Raiders Roll. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Gazlowe Score 67 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Gazlowe, who has little mobility to escape.
3 more reasons
- The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Gazlowe hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- Gazlowe's stun (Xplodium Charge, Grav-O-Bomb 3000) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Gazlowe can ignore or remove crowd control (Robo-Goblin), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Gazlowe takes Robo-Goblin. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
24 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.
- Fenix Score 66 Theory The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Fenix relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Tychus Score 66 Theory The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Tychus relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Kel'Thuzad Score 65 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Kel'Thuzad, who has little mobility to escape.
- Tracer Score 64 Theory The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Tracer relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Hanzo Score 63 Theory The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Hanzo relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Abathur Score 62 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Abathur, whose small Health pool rarely survives a committed dive.
- Thrall Score 62 Theory The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Thrall hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- Ragnaros Score 61 Theory The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Ragnaros hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- Murky Score 60 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Murky, whose small Health pool rarely survives a committed dive.
- Orphea Score 59 Theory The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Orphea relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Tyrael Score 59 Theory The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Tyrael hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- Valla Score 59 Theory The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Valla relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Gul'dan Score 57 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Gul'dan, who has little mobility to escape.
- Mephisto Score 56 Theory The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Mephisto relies on channelled abilities. Only when Mephisto takes Consume Souls.
- Greymane Score 55 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) can stop Greymane in the middle of a dive.
- Kharazim Score 55 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) can stop Kharazim in the middle of a dive.
- Maiev Score 55 Theory The Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Maiev's Time Stop. Only when Maiev takes Containment Disc.
- Whitemane Score 55 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Whitemane, who has little mobility to escape.
- Zeratul Score 55 Theory The Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Zeratul's Time Stop. Only when Zeratul takes Void Prison.
- Imperius Score 54 Theory The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Imperius hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- Nazeebo Score 54 Theory The Butcher can dive onto Nazeebo, who has little mobility to escape.
- Xal'atath Score 54 Theory The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Xal'atath relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Genji Score 53 Theory The Butcher brings Spell Armor (Meat Shield), which blunts Genji's ability burst. Only when The Butcher takes Meat Shield.
- The Lost Vikings Score 51 Theory The Butcher can dive onto The Lost Vikings, whose small Health pool rarely survives a committed dive.
The Butcher is weak against
Score 1–100 for their net edge over The Butcher's kit
-
Why? 7
- CuratedShield Glare Blinds The Butcher for 1.5 seconds so his Basic Attacks miss, Iron Skin ignores the Ruthless Onslaught stun, and Divine Fortress (level 1) adds Physical Armor against the hits that land.via Shield Glare, Divine Fortress, Iron Skin, Ruthless Onslaught, Fresh Meat, Butcher's Brand
- CuratedShield Glare blinds The Butcher, so his Fresh Meat-boosted attacks miss and Butcher's Brand can't heal him, while Iron Skin absorbs his opening burst.
- TheoryJohanna can Blind (Shield Glare), and Basic Attacks are most of The Butcher's damage.
- TheoryJohanna has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- TheoryJohanna can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Divine Fortress), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Johanna takes Divine Fortress.
- TheoryJohanna's stun (Condemn, Falling Sword) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- TheoryThe Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Johanna hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
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Why? 5
- CuratedBlinding Wind prioritizes the nearest Heroes, which a diving Butcher always is, and the Blind stops both his damage and the healing from Butcher's Brand.via Blinding Wind, Butcher's Brand
- TheoryLi Li can Blind (Blinding Wind, Gale Force), and Basic Attacks are most of The Butcher's damage.
- TheoryLi Li has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- TheoryLi Li can ignore or remove crowd control (Let's Go!), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Li Li takes Let's Go!. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- TheoryThe Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Li Li relies on channelled abilities.
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Why? 7
- CuratedFrozen Tempest slows The Butcher's attacks by up to 40%, starving the Butcher's Brand healing that only comes from his basic attacks, and Rime (level 1) cuts the damage of his next hit by 75% every 5 seconds.via Frozen Tempest, Rime, Butcher's Brand, Howling Blast, Ruthless Onslaught
- CuratedFrozen Tempest stacks up to a 40% Attack Speed reduction on Heroes near Arthas, and Howling Blast's root stops The Butcher's chase once Ruthless Onslaught is spent.
- TheoryArthas has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- TheoryArthas can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Rime), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Arthas takes Rime.
- TheoryArthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- TheoryArthas reduces enemy Armor (Shattered Armor), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Arthas takes Shattered Armor. The Butcher must also take Block.
- TheoryThe Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Arthas hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
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Why? 6
- CuratedSnow Blind Blinds and slows The Butcher, Icing knocks him off his target, and Ice Wall, if Mei takes it, cuts him off from the backline.via Snow Blind, Icing, Ice Wall
- TheoryMei can Blind (Snow Blind), and Basic Attacks are most of The Butcher's damage.
- TheoryMei has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- TheoryMei can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Skating Away), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Mei takes Skating Away.
- TheoryMei's stun (Blizzard, Avalanche) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- TheoryThe Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Mei hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
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Why? 7
- CuratedParry blocks all basic attacks for 1.25 seconds with two charges, and Taunt, if Varian takes it at level 4, silences The Butcher and forces him to swing at Varian instead of his target.via Parry, Taunt, Fresh Meat
- TheoryVarian can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Parry, Overpower), which The Butcher relies on for damage.
- TheoryVarian has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- TheoryVarian reduces healing received (Mortal Strike), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range. Only when Varian takes Mortal Strike.
- TheoryVarian reduces enemy Armor (Colossus Smash), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Varian takes Colossus Smash. The Butcher must also take Block.
- TheoryThe Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Varian hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- TheoryThe Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Varian's taunt. Only when Varian takes Taunt.
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Why? 5
- CuratedSoundwave knocks The Butcher off his target once Ruthless Onslaught ends, and Speed Boost lets the team outrun a hero whose only gap closer has a 15-second cooldown.via Soundwave, Crossfade, Ruthless Onslaught
- TheoryLúcio has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- TheoryLúcio reduces healing received (Mixing Fire), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range. Only when Lúcio takes Mixing Fire.
- TheoryLúcio can ignore or remove crowd control (High Five), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Lúcio takes High Five. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- TheoryLúcio's stun (Heavy Casters) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive. Only when Lúcio takes Heavy Casters.
View 24 more
- Cassia Score 77 Curated Butcher's Brand only heals through basic attacks, so a Blinding Light on him stops both his damage and his sustain.
8 more reasons
- Blinding Light blinds The Butcher for 2 seconds and Avoidance gives Cassia Armor while she kites, so his basic attacks and Brand healing fall flat.
- Cassia can Blind (Blinding Light, Imprisoning Light), and Basic Attacks are most of The Butcher's damage.
- Cassia has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Cassia reduces enemy Armor (Titan's Revenge), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Cassia takes Titan's Revenge. The Butcher must also take Block.
- Cassia's stun (Valkyrie) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive. Only when Cassia takes Valkyrie.
- The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Cassia relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Cassia relies on channelled abilities.
- The Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Cassia's stun. Only when Cassia takes Valkyrie.
- Rehgar Score 76 Curated Purge's 80% Slow and Earthbind Totem drag The Butcher to a crawl once Ruthless Onslaught is spent, and Grounded Totem (level 7) also trims his attack speed.
3 more reasons
- Rehgar has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Rehgar reduces healing received (Purification), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range. Only when Rehgar takes Purification.
- Rehgar can ignore or remove crowd control (Purge), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when The Butcher takes Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Muradin Score 74 Curated Thunder Clap slows The Butcher's Attack Speed by 30% (50% with Reverberation at level 4), and Storm Bolt stuns him off a target after Ruthless Onslaught lands.
3 more reasons
- Muradin can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Dwarf Block), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Muradin takes Dwarf Block.
- Muradin's stun (Storm Bolt, Haymaker) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Muradin hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- Ana Score 73 Curated Butcher's Brand heals Butcher for most of his attack damage on branded heroes; Biotic Grenade blocks that healing, and Sleep Dart catches him once Ruthless Onslaught's Unstoppable ends.
5 more reasons
- Ana reduces healing received (Biotic Grenade), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range.
- Ana has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Ana's stun (Sleep Dart) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- The Butcher can dive onto Ana, who has little mobility to escape.
- The Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Ana's sleep.
- Chen Score 71 Curated Butcher heals only by hitting branded targets with basic attacks; Elusive Brawler's evasion and Keg Smash's slow deny him those free hits. Only when Chen takes Elusive Brawler (level 7).
6 more reasons
- Chen has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Chen can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Elusive Brawler), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Chen takes Elusive Brawler.
- Chen reduces enemy Armor (Accumulating Flame), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Chen takes Accumulating Flame. The Butcher must also take Block.
- Chen can ignore or remove crowd control (Wandering Keg, Purifying Brew), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Chen takes Wandering Keg or Purifying Brew. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Chen hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Chen relies on channelled abilities. Only when Chen takes Energizing Brew.
- Xul Score 71 Curated Cursed Strikes cuts The Butcher's attack speed by 40%, slashing both his damage and the healing he gets from Butcher's Brand.
3 more reasons
- Xul reduces healing received (Mortal Wound), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range. Only when Xul takes Mortal Wound.
- Xul's root (Bone Prison, Amplify Damage) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Xul hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- E.T.C. Score 67 Curated Face Melt pushes Butcher away right after Ruthless Onslaught, and Imposing Presence slows the basic attacks Butcher needs to heal. Only when E.T.C. takes Imposing Presence (level 16).
5 more reasons
- E.T.C. has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- E.T.C. can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block Party), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when E.T.C. takes Block Party.
- E.T.C.'s stun (Powerslide, Mosh Pit) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like E.T.C. hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and E.T.C. relies on channelled abilities.
- Mal'Ganis Score 65 Curated Night Rush puts The Butcher to Sleep after Ruthless Onslaught lands, and Vampiric Touch heals Mal'Ganis for half the damage he deals back.
6 more reasons
- Mal'Ganis has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Mal'Ganis can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Winged Guard), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Winged Guard.
- Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Mal'Ganis hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- The Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Mal'Ganis's sleep.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Mal'Ganis relies on channelled abilities. Only when Mal'Ganis takes Dark Conversion.
- Blaze Score 64 Curated The Butcher only heals by hitting branded targets in melee; Ignited Oil Spill burns him while he stands there, Pyromania's 40 Armor blunts his swings, and Nanomachine Coating (level 7) slows them.
5 more reasons
- Blaze has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Blaze's stun (Jet Propulsion) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Blaze can ignore or remove crowd control (New Habits), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Blaze takes New Habits. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Blaze hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Blaze relies on channelled abilities. Only when Blaze takes Combustion or Flash Fire.
- Yrel Score 64 Curated Yrel stacks Armor against his basic-attack burst: Dauntless (level 1) grants Physical Armor whenever she casts, Sacred Ground adds 50 Armor, and Aldor Peacekeeper (level 13) halves his damage. Only when Yrel takes Dauntless (level 1), Sacred Ground (level 10) or Aldor Peacekeeper (level 13).
5 more reasons
- Yrel can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Dauntless), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Yrel takes Dauntless.
- Yrel's stun (Righteous Hammer) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Yrel can ignore or remove crowd control (Hand of Freedom), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Yrel takes Hand of Freedom. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Yrel hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Yrel relies on channelled abilities. Only when Yrel takes Righteous Momentum.
- Lunara Score 63 Curated The Butcher must walk into melee range with only Ruthless Onslaught to close; Dryad's Swiftness and Crippling Spores, plus Leaping Strike if Lunara takes it, keep him poisoned and slowed out of reach.
1 more reason
- Lunara can ignore or remove crowd control (Abolish Magic), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Lunara takes Abolish Magic. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Deckard Score 62 Curated Ruthless Onslaught brings The Butcher straight into the group, where Scroll of Sealing roots him once the Unstoppable charge ends and Stay Awhile and Listen, if Deckard takes it, sleeps him.
7 more reasons
- Deckard can Blind (Respect the Elderly), and Basic Attacks are most of The Butcher's damage. Only when Deckard takes Respect the Elderly.
- Deckard has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Deckard reduces healing received (Emerald), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range. Only when Deckard takes Emerald.
- Deckard's root (Scroll Of Sealing) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- The Butcher can dive onto Deckard, who has little mobility to escape.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Deckard relies on channelled abilities.
- The Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Deckard's stun. Only when Deckard takes Horadric Staff.
- Tassadar Score 62 Curated Force Wall cuts The Butcher off after Ruthless Onslaught and Resonance Beam's slow kites him, while Psionic Storm punishes him for standing in melee.
5 more reasons
- Tassadar has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Tassadar reduces enemy Armor (Archon, Feedback), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Tassadar takes Archon, Feedback or Kugelblitz. The Butcher must also take Block.
- Tassadar's stun (Black Hole) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive. Only when Tassadar takes Black Hole.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Tassadar relies on channelled abilities.
- The Butcher brings Spell Armor (Meat Shield), which blunts Tassadar's ability burst. Only when The Butcher takes Meat Shield.
- Falstad Score 59 Curated Barrel Roll's dash and shield deny The Butcher melee time, and Mighty Gust, if Falstad takes it, shoves him away mid-charge.
3 more reasons
- Falstad reduces enemy Armor (BOOMerang), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Falstad takes BOOMerang. The Butcher must also take Block.
- Falstad's stun (Dishonorable Discharge) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive. Only when Falstad takes Dishonorable Discharge.
- The Butcher can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Block), which Falstad relies on for damage. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Jaina Score 59 Curated The Butcher must stay attached to deal damage; once Ruthless Onslaught lands, Chill slows and, if Jaina takes it, Ring of Frost's 3-second root let her team peel and burst him.
6 more reasons
- Jaina can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Frost Armor), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Jaina takes Frost Armor.
- Jaina reduces enemy Armor (Northern Exposure), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Jaina takes Northern Exposure. The Butcher must also take Block.
- Jaina can ignore or remove crowd control (Ice Cold), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when The Butcher takes Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Jaina's root (Ring of Frost, Numbing Blast) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive. Only when Jaina takes Ring of Frost, Numbing Blast or Cold Snap.
- The Butcher can dive onto Jaina, whose small Health pool rarely survives a committed dive.
- The Butcher brings Spell Armor (Meat Shield), which blunts Jaina's ability burst. Only when The Butcher takes Meat Shield.
- Stukov Score 57 Curated Lurking Arm silences The Butcher so he can't Hamstring or apply a fresh Brand, and Flailing Swipe, if Stukov takes it, knocks him off his target after Ruthless Onslaught lands.
6 more reasons
- Stukov has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Stukov can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Biotic Armor), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Stukov takes Biotic Armor.
- Stukov's silence (Lurking Arm, Bio-Explosion Switch) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- The Butcher can dive onto Stukov, who has little mobility to escape.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Stukov relies on channelled abilities.
- The Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Stukov's stun. Only when Stukov takes Massive Shove.
- Cho'gall Score 51 Curated Butcher has to stand in melee to heal; Ogre Hide's armor shrinks his hits while Gall's Shadowflame and Dread Orb chip him nonstop.
5 more reasons
- Cho'gall reduces healing received (Enraged Regeneration), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range. Only when Cho'gall takes Enraged Regeneration.
- Cho'gall's stun (Hammer of Twilight, Leaden Orb) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- The Butcher deals damage based on maximum Health (Savage Charge), which hits high-Health heroes like Cho'gall hardest. Only when The Butcher takes Savage Charge.
- The Butcher can interrupt channels with stun (Ruthless Onslaught), and Cho'gall relies on channelled abilities.
- The Butcher can ignore or remove crowd control (Ruthless Onslaught), weakening Cho'gall's stun. Only when Cho'gall takes Favor of the Old Gods.
- Auriel Score 77 Theory Auriel can Blind (Blinding Flash), and Basic Attacks are most of The Butcher's damage. Only when Auriel takes Blinding Flash.
3 more reasons
- Auriel has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Auriel's stun (Detainment Strike, Heavy Burden) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Auriel reduces enemy Armor (Wrath of Heaven), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Auriel takes Wrath of Heaven. The Butcher must also take Block.
- Valeera Score 77 Theory Valeera can Blind (Blade Flurry, Blind), and Basic Attacks are most of The Butcher's damage.
3 more reasons
- Valeera can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Combat Readiness), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Valeera takes Combat Readiness.
- Valeera reduces healing received (Wound Poison), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range. Only when Valeera takes Wound Poison.
- Valeera reduces enemy Armor (Sinister Strike), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when The Butcher takes Block.
- Zarya Score 73 Theory Zarya has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
3 more reasons
- Zarya can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Defensive Shielding), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Zarya takes Defensive Shielding.
- Zarya can ignore or remove crowd control (Cleansing Shield), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Zarya takes Cleansing Shield. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Zarya's silence (Gravity Kills) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive. Only when Zarya takes Gravity Kills.
- Brightwing Score 69 Theory Brightwing has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
2 more reasons
- Brightwing's silence (Polymorph, Hush!) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Brightwing reduces enemy Armor (Critterize), offsetting The Butcher's Physical Armor. Only when Brightwing takes Critterize. The Butcher must also take Block.
- Alarak Score 67 Theory Alarak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
2 more reasons
- Alarak's silence (Discord Strike, Dissonance) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Alarak can ignore or remove crowd control (Last Laugh), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Alarak takes Last Laugh. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Uther Score 67 Theory Uther has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
2 more reasons
- Uther's stun (Hammer of Justice, Divine Storm) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Uther can ignore or remove crowd control (Hand of Protection), weakening The Butcher's stun. Only when Uther takes Hand of Protection. The Butcher must also take Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Malfurion Score 65 Theory Malfurion has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
1 more reason
- Malfurion's root (Entangling Roots, Emerald Dreams) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
17 more below the bar
Weaker mechanical edges
Generic rule matches with no hand-written matchup behind them: scoring under 65, or past the 8 strongest.
- Alexstrasza Score 63 Theory Alexstrasza has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- D.Va Score 63 Theory D.Va has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Diablo Score 63 Theory Diablo has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Hogger Score 63 Theory Hogger has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Qhira Score 63 Theory Qhira can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Upstage), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Qhira takes Upstage.
- Garrosh Score 62 Theory Garrosh has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Rexxar Score 61 Theory Rexxar has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Sylvanas Score 58 Theory Sylvanas's silence (Wailing Arrow, Mind Control) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Stitches Score 57 Theory Stitches reduces healing received (Master Hooker), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range. Only when Stitches takes Master Hooker.
- Anub'arak Score 56 Theory Anub'arak has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Illidan Score 56 Theory Illidan can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Evasion, Reflexive Block), which The Butcher relies on for damage.
- Leoric Score 56 Theory Leoric has the crowd control and body-blocking to peel The Butcher off a target.
- Dehaka Score 53 Theory Dehaka reduces healing received (Paralyzing Enzymes), which blunts The Butcher's self-healing in melee range. Only when Dehaka takes Paralyzing Enzymes.
- Sonya Score 53 Theory Sonya can block or armor against Basic Attacks (Tough As Nails), which The Butcher relies on for damage. Only when Sonya takes Tough As Nails.
- Tyrande Score 53 Theory Tyrande's stun (Lunar Flare) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Junkrat Score 52 Theory Junkrat's root (Steel Trap) can stop The Butcher in the middle of a dive.
- Artanis Score 51 Theory Artanis can Blind (Suppression Pulse), and Basic Attacks are most of The Butcher's damage. Only when Artanis takes Suppression Pulse.
The Butcher works well with
Score 1–100 for how well the kits combine
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Why? 5
- CuratedBreath of Heaven's speed and heal help The Butcher reach and stay on targets, and Divine Palm, if Kharazim takes it, covers him when he overextends to collect Fresh Meat.via Breath of Heaven, Divine Palm, Fresh Meat
- TheoryKharazim can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
- TheoryKharazim can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- TheoryThe Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) lets Kharazim dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- TheoryKharazim can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Cleansing Touch) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Kharazim takes Cleansing Touch.
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Why? 4
- CuratedBloodlust's 40% Attack Speed and lifesteal stack with Butcher's Brand healing, making a Bloodlusted Butcher extremely hard to kill in melee. Only when Rehgar takes Bloodlust (level 10).via Bloodlust, Butcher's Brand
- TheoryRehgar can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
- TheoryRehgar can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- TheoryRehgar can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Purge) to keep the attacks coming.
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Why? 2
- CuratedSymbiote on The Butcher adds Carapace shields and Spike Burst damage as he charges in, and his large Health pool keeps the Symbiote riding along.via Symbiote, Carapace, Spike Burst, Ruthless Onslaught
- TheoryAbathur's stun (Slapathur) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away. Only when Abathur takes Slapathur.
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Why? 2
- CuratedStim Drone's 75% Attack Speed on The Butcher multiplies both his Fresh Meat-scaled damage and his Butcher's Brand healing. Only when Lt. Morales takes Stim Drone (level 10).via Stim Drone, Fresh Meat, Butcher's Brand
- TheoryLt. Morales can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
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Why? 3
- TheoryAlexstrasza can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
- TheoryAlexstrasza can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- TheoryAlexstrasza can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Lifeblossom) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Alexstrasza takes Lifeblossom.
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Why? 4
- TheoryAnduin can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
- TheoryAnduin can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- TheoryAnduin can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Leap of Faith) to keep the attacks coming.
- TheoryAnduin's root (Chastise, Censure) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
View 6 more
- Auriel Score 77 Theory Auriel can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
2 more reasons
- Auriel can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Auriel's stun (Detainment Strike, Heavy Burden) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Brightwing Score 77 Theory Brightwing can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
3 more reasons
- Brightwing can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Brightwing can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Soothing Mist) to keep the attacks coming.
- Brightwing's polymorph (Polymorph) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Tracer Score 77 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Tracer's burst.
2 more reasons
- Tracer can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Recall) to keep the attacks coming.
- The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) lets Tracer dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Uther Score 77 Theory Uther can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
3 more reasons
- Uther can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Uther's stun (Hammer of Justice, Divine Storm) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Uther can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Hand of Protection) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Uther takes Hand of Protection.
- Whitemane Score 77 Theory Whitemane can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
3 more reasons
- Whitemane groups or freezes enemies (Judgment Day) for The Butcher's area damage. Only when Whitemane takes Judgment Day. The Butcher must also take Furnace Blast or Cleaver.
- Whitemane can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Intercession, Scarlet Crusade) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Whitemane takes Intercession or Scarlet Crusade.
- Whitemane's root (Harsh Discipline) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away. Only when Whitemane takes Harsh Discipline.
- Zarya Score 77 Theory Zarya can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
2 more reasons
- Zarya groups or freezes enemies (Graviton Surge) for The Butcher's area damage. Only when Zarya takes Graviton Surge. The Butcher must also take Furnace Blast or Cleaver.
- Zarya can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Cleansing Shield) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Zarya takes Cleansing Shield.
61 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.
- Chromie Score 76 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Chromie's burst.
- Kel'Thuzad Score 76 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Kel'Thuzad's burst.
- Kerrigan Score 76 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Kerrigan's burst.
- Medivh Score 76 Theory Medivh can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
- Stitches Score 76 Theory Stitches can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
- Zeratul Score 76 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Zeratul's burst.
- Ana Score 74 Theory Ana can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Malfurion Score 74 Theory Malfurion can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Orphea Score 74 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Orphea's burst.
- Tassadar Score 74 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Tassadar's burst.
- Tyrande Score 74 Theory Tyrande can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Lúcio Score 72 Theory Lúcio can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Deckard Score 69 Theory Deckard can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Genji Score 69 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Genji's burst.
- Junkrat Score 69 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Junkrat's burst.
- Kael'thas Score 69 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Kael'thas's burst.
- Tyrael Score 69 Theory Tyrael can save The Butcher once the dive is committed.
- Valeera Score 69 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Valeera's burst.
- Alarak Score 68 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Alarak's burst.
- Li Li Score 68 Theory Li Li can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Garrosh Score 67 Theory Garrosh can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Into the Fray) to keep the attacks coming.
- Cho'gall Score 66 Theory Cho'gall groups or freezes enemies (Upheaval) for The Butcher's area damage. Only when The Butcher takes Furnace Blast or Cleaver.
- Dehaka Score 66 Theory Dehaka groups or freezes enemies (Drag) for The Butcher's area damage. Only when The Butcher takes Furnace Blast or Cleaver.
- Gazlowe Score 66 Theory Gazlowe groups or freezes enemies (Grav-O-Bomb 3000) for The Butcher's area damage. Only when Gazlowe takes Grav-O-Bomb 3000. The Butcher must also take Furnace Blast or Cleaver.
- Hanzo Score 66 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Hanzo's burst.
- Jaina Score 66 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Jaina's burst.
- Johanna Score 66 Theory Johanna groups or freezes enemies (Condemn) for The Butcher's area damage. Only when The Butcher takes Furnace Blast or Cleaver.
- Maiev Score 66 Theory Maiev groups or freezes enemies (Umbral Bind) for The Butcher's area damage. Only when The Butcher takes Furnace Blast or Cleaver.
- Murky Score 66 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Murky's burst.
- Stukov Score 66 Theory Stukov can keep The Butcher alive through a dive.
- Arthas Score 63 Theory Arthas's root (Howling Blast, Deathchill) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Cassia Score 63 Theory Cassia groups or freezes enemies (Valkyrie) for The Butcher's area damage. Only when Cassia takes Valkyrie. The Butcher must also take Furnace Blast or Cleaver.
- Mei Score 63 Theory Mei's stun (Blizzard, Avalanche) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Sonya Score 63 Theory Sonya's stun (Ancient Spear, Leap) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Yrel Score 63 Theory Yrel's stun (Righteous Hammer) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Li-Ming Score 62 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Li-Ming's burst.
- Nova Score 62 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Nova's burst.
- Probius Score 62 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Probius's burst.
- Xal'atath Score 62 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) holds targets still for Xal'atath's burst.
- The Lost Vikings Score 60 Theory The Lost Vikings can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (64 KB Marathon) to keep the attacks coming. Only when The Lost Vikings takes 64 KB Marathon.
- Zul'jin Score 60 Theory Zul'jin can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Voodoo Shuffle) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Zul'jin takes Voodoo Shuffle.
- Sylvanas Score 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.
- Anub'arak Score 57 Theory Anub'arak's stun (Impale, Burrow Charge) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Artanis Score 57 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) lets Artanis dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Blaze Score 57 Theory Blaze's stun (Jet Propulsion) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Deathwing Score 57 Theory Deathwing's stun (Onslaught) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Diablo Score 57 Theory Diablo's stun (Shadow Charge, Overpower) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- E.T.C. Score 57 Theory E.T.C.'s stun (Powerslide, Mosh Pit) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Greymane Score 57 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) lets Greymane dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Hogger Score 57 Theory Hogger's stun (Staggering Blow, Shockwave) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Illidan Score 57 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) lets Illidan dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Imperius Score 57 Theory Imperius's stun (Celestial Charge, Wrath of the Angiris) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Mal'Ganis Score 57 Theory Mal'Ganis's stun (Fel Claws, Will of Tichondrius) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Mephisto Score 57 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) lets Mephisto dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Muradin Score 57 Theory Muradin's stun (Storm Bolt, Haymaker) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Qhira Score 57 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) lets Qhira dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Ragnaros Score 57 Theory Ragnaros's stun (Empower Sulfuras, Molten Swing) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Rexxar Score 57 Theory Rexxar's stun (Misha, Charge!) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Thrall Score 57 Theory The Butcher's stun (Ruthless Onslaught) lets Thrall dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Xul Score 57 Theory Xul's root (Bone Prison, Amplify Damage) lets The Butcher dive onto a target that cannot walk away.
- Lunara Score 56 Theory Lunara can cleanse crowd control off The Butcher (Abolish Magic) to keep the attacks coming. Only when Lunara takes Abolish Magic.
Spot a wrong or missing matchup? Suggest a correction with the mechanical reason; accepted notes land in the theory layer for everyone.
Maps
Best maps for The Butcher
Score 1–100 from how the kit fits each map's layout and objective (50 = neutral)
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Why? 2
- TheoryThe Butcher's sustained damage (Hamstring, Butcher's Brand) speeds up Garden of Terror's race against neutral units.
- TheoryThe Butcher can cover ground quickly (Bolt of the Storm) on Garden of Terror's large layout. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
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Why? 1
- TheoryThe Butcher's sustained damage (Hamstring, Butcher's Brand) speeds up Alterac Pass's race against neutral units.
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Why? 1
- TheoryThe Butcher's sustained damage (Hamstring, Butcher's Brand) speeds up Battlefield of Eternity's race against neutral units.
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Why? 3
- TheoryThe Butcher can reach channelling enemies quickly (Bolt of the Storm) to contest Blackheart's Bay's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
- TheoryThe Butcher can cover ground quickly (Bolt of the Storm) on Blackheart's Bay's large layout. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
- TheoryThe Butcher's silence (Lamb to the Slaughter) stops enemies channelling Blackheart's Bay's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Lamb to the Slaughter.
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Why? 3
- TheoryThe Butcher can reach channelling enemies quickly (Bolt of the Storm) to contest Cursed Hollow's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
- TheoryThe Butcher can cover ground quickly (Bolt of the Storm) on Cursed Hollow's large layout. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
- TheoryThe Butcher's silence (Lamb to the Slaughter) stops enemies channelling Cursed Hollow's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Lamb to the Slaughter.
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Why? 1
- TheoryThe Butcher's sustained damage (Hamstring, Butcher's Brand) speeds up Haunted Mines's race against neutral units.
View 5 more
- Infernal Shrines Score 60 Theory The Butcher's sustained damage (Hamstring, Butcher's Brand) speeds up Infernal Shrines's race against neutral units.
- Warhead Junction Score 60 Theory The Butcher can reach channelling enemies quickly (Bolt of the Storm) to contest Warhead Junction's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
2 more reasons
- The Butcher can cover ground quickly (Bolt of the Storm) on Warhead Junction's large layout. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
- The Butcher's silence (Lamb to the Slaughter) stops enemies channelling Warhead Junction's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Dragon Shire Score 57 Theory The Butcher can reach channelling enemies quickly (Bolt of the Storm) to contest Dragon Shire's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
1 more reason
- The Butcher's silence (Lamb to the Slaughter) stops enemies channelling Dragon Shire's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Towers of Doom Score 57 Theory The Butcher can reach channelling enemies quickly (Bolt of the Storm) to contest Towers of Doom's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
1 more reason
- The Butcher's silence (Lamb to the Slaughter) stops enemies channelling Towers of Doom's objective. Only when The Butcher takes Lamb to the Slaughter.
- Sky Temple Score 53 Theory The Butcher can cover ground quickly (Bolt of the Storm) on Sky Temple's large layout. Only when The Butcher takes Bolt of the Storm.
Harder maps for The Butcher
Score under 50: the map's layout or objective works against the kit, hardest first
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Why? 1
- TheoryBraxis Outpost's single lane leaves The Butcher little room to flank around the front line.
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Why? 1
- TheoryIndustrial District's single lane leaves The Butcher little room to flank around the front line.
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Why? 1
- TheoryLost Cavern's single lane leaves The Butcher little room to flank around the front line.
View 1 more
- Silver City Score 45 Theory Silver City's single lane leaves The Butcher little room to flank around the front line.
Talents
Talents by level
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Level 1
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Invigoration Q
If Hamstring hits a Hero, half of the Mana cost is refunded and the cooldown is reduced by 1 second.
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Chop Meat Q
Increases Hamstring damage by 100% to Minions, Mercenaries, and Monsters.
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Block Passive
Every 5 seconds, gain 75 Physical Armor against the next enemy Hero Basic Attack, reducing the damage taken by 75%. Stores up to 2 charges.
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Level 4
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Flail Axe Q
Increases the length of Hamstring by 40%.
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Cheap Shot Q
Hamstring does 100% more damage to targets affected by a Slow, Root, or Stun.
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Unrelenting Pursuit E
Reduces the cooldown of Ruthless Onslaught by 33% upon impact.
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Level 7
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Insatiable Blade W
While facing a branded enemy, The Butcher's Movement Speed is increased by 25%.
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Meat Shield E
When Ruthless Onslaught impacts an enemy Hero, The Butcher gains 50 Spell Armor for 2.5 seconds, reducing Ability Damage taken by 50%.
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Victuals Trait
Every time a nearby enemy minion dies, The Butcher heals 5% of his maximum health.
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Level 10
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Furnace Blast Heroic
After a 3 second delay, fire explodes around The Butcher dealing 500 (+4% per level) damage to enemies. Can be cast while using Ruthless Onslaught.
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Lamb to the Slaughter Heroic
Throw a hitching post that attaches to the nearest enemy Hero after a 1 second delay. This deals 171 (+4% per level) damage and causes the enemy to be chained to the post and Silenced for 3 seconds.
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Level 13
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Brutal Strike Q
After using Hamstring, The Butcher's next 3 Basic Attacks within 5 seconds deal an additional 15% damage.
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Savage Charge E
Ruthless Onslaught deals bonus damage to Heroes equal to 10% of their maximum Health.
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Cleaver Passive
Basic Attacks deal 35% of The Butcher's Basic Attack Damage in an area around the target.
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Level 16
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Crippling Slam Q
Hamstring's Slow no longer decays, and its duration is increased by 30%.
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Enraged Passive
While below 50% of his maximum Health, taking damage causes The Butcher to become Enraged for 10 seconds, gaining 40% Attack Speed and 25 Armor, reducing damage taken by 25%. This effect has a 25 second cooldown.
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Blood Frenzy Passive
Basic Attacks against enemy Heroes grant 5% increased Attack and Movement Speed for 3 seconds, up to 25%.
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Level 20
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Fires of Hell Heroic
Furnace Blast explodes a second time 3 seconds after the initial explosion.
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Slaughterhouse Heroic
Lamb to the Slaughter now chains all enemy Heroes in range.
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Nexus Blades Passive
Basic Attacks deal 20% more damage and Slow enemy Movement Speed by 20% for 1 second.
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Bolt of the Storm Active
Activate to teleport to a nearby location.
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Abilities and mechanics
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Fresh Meat D Trait
Upon dying, nearby enemy Minions drop 1 Fresh Meat and enemy Heroes drop 20 Fresh Meat. Fresh Meat can be picked up to gain 0.5 Attack Damage per Meat. The Butcher loses 15 Fresh Meat upon dying. Quest: Collect 200 Fresh Meat. Reward: Gain an additional 125 Attack Damage and 25% increased Attack Speed. Heroes continue to drop 10 Fresh Meat, Minions no longer drop Fresh Meat, and Fresh Meat is no longer lost on death.
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Hamstring Q Ability
Deal 110 (+4% per level) damage and Slow enemies by 50%, decaying over 2 seconds. The Butcher's next Basic Attack will strike immediately.
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Butcher's Brand W Ability
Deal 37 (+4% per level) damage to an enemy and Brand them for 4 seconds. The Butcher's Basic Attacks against the Branded target heal him for 75% of the damage done. Basic Attacks against Branded Heroes heal for double and extend the duration of the Brand by 0.5 seconds.
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Ruthless Onslaught E Ability
Charge at an enemy, becoming Unstoppable and gaining Movement Speed. If The Butcher reaches the target, they are stunned for 1 second and take 119 (+4% per level) damage.
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Furnace Blast R Heroic
After a 3 second delay, fire explodes around The Butcher dealing 500 (+4% per level) damage to enemies. Can be cast while using Ruthless Onslaught.
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Lamb to the Slaughter R Heroic
Throw a hitching post that attaches to the nearest enemy Hero after a 1 second delay. This deals 171 (+4% per level) damage and causes the enemy to be chained to the post and Silenced for 3 seconds.
Mechanics tags
What the theory layer reads from The Butcher'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
Defense and mobility
Damage and macro
Play-style traits
Patch history
- Heroes of the Storm Live Patch Notes, 30 Sep 2025 Patch Changed
1 other change
- ChangeBrutal Strike: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 13
- Heroes of the Storm PTR Patch Notes, 2 Sep 2025 PTR Changed
1 other change
- ChangeBrutal Strike: Effect changed (see Blizzard's notes)Level 13
Guides and links
Guides and builds
Reference and esports
Whetstone links to these sites and never copies their write-ups; credit and copyright stay with their authors.