Deadlock Abrams Guide: Master the Tank Hero and Crush Your Opponents
Author: Hawk Live LLC
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Abrams, one of the most formidable heroes in Deadlock, excels at tanking and frontline engagements. Known for his close-range combat prowess, Abrams can soak up immense amounts of damage while dishing out punishing blows to enemies who dare to come too close. His high survivability, combined with his ability to control and disrupt teamfights, makes him a key asset in any team composition.
Overview of Abrams in Deadlock
Credit: Valve Corporation
Abrams is a close-range bruiser who thrives on engaging enemy teams head-on. His playstyle revolves around sustaining damage, using his powerful crowd control abilities, and creating space for his teammates to operate. With his shotgun and melee attacks, Abrams can quickly punish opponents who get too close, while his impressive health regeneration keeps him alive in extended skirmishes.
Role: Tank, Brawler Strengths: High survivability, excellent crowd control, strong in teamfights Weaknesses: Weak at long range, struggles against ranged and high-mobility heroes
Abrams' Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Incredible Health Recovery: Abrams' passive, Infernal Resilience, allows him to regenerate a portion of the damage taken, making him one of the hardest heroes to bring down.
High Mobility for a Tank: Abilities like Shoulder Charge enable Abrams to close gaps quickly, engage or disengage, and stun enemies in key moments.
Teamfight Monster: Abrams excels in teamfights, especially in tight spaces where his crowd control can disrupt entire enemy teams.
Weaknesses:
Limited Range: Abrams relies on getting close to his enemies, making him vulnerable to ranged heroes and kiting tactics.
Dependent on Healing: Anti-heal items or abilities can drastically reduce Abrams’ effectiveness in sustaining through fights.
Struggles in Wide-Open Spaces: In large, open areas, Abrams can be outmaneuvered by enemies with superior range or crowd control.
Deadlock Abrams Abilities
1. Siphon Life
Effect: Drains health from enemies within a 10m radius, dealing 35 damage per second and healing Abrams for the damage dealt to heroes.
Cooldown: 42s
Tips: This ability is perfect for sustaining during long fights or clearing neutral camps. Use it in teamfights to heal off multiple enemies and gain an edge.
2. Shoulder Charge
Effect: Abrams charges forward, colliding with enemies and dragging them along. Hitting a wall stuns enemies, dealing 40 damage and stunning for 0.85 seconds.
Cooldown: 37s
Tips: Use this ability to engage fights or escape dangerous situations. It’s particularly strong in narrow spaces where you can push enemies into walls for the stun.
3. Infernal Resilience (Passive)
Effect: Regenerates 15% of incoming damage over time, allowing Abrams to sustain through extended battles.
Upgrade Path: Maxing this ability increases health regen and overall toughness, making Abrams even harder to kill.
Tips: If the fight isn’t going your way, retreat briefly to let your passive regen kick in, then re-engage with a health advantage.
4. Seismic Impact (Ultimate)
Effect: Abrams leaps into the air and slams down, dealing 150 damage and stunning enemies in a 9m radius for 1 second.
Cooldown: 159s
Tips: Use Seismic Impact to initiate teamfights or follow up on an ally’s engage. This ability can turn the tide of a fight if used on multiple enemies.
Optimal Build for Abrams
Credit: Valve Corporation
To maximize Abrams’ potential in Deadlock, players should focus on a build that enhances his tankiness and ability to deal close-range damage. Here's a breakdown of the best build for Abrams at each stage of the game.
Early Game Build
Melee Lifesteal – Provides sustainability in the laning phase.
Close Quarters – Boosts damage in close-range combat.
Extra Regen – Increases Abrams' survivability by enhancing health regeneration.
Early on, focus on sustaining through lane and punishing enemies who get too close. Use Shoulder Charge to engage or disengage as needed.
Mid-Game Build
Kinetic Dash – Increases mobility, allowing Abrams to close gaps more easily.
Melee Charge – Boosts melee damage, adding burst potential to Abrams' kit.
Bullet Resist Shredder – Reduces enemy resistances, making Abrams more lethal in fights.
In the mid-game, Abrams becomes a strong initiator and tank. Use Shoulder Charge to start fights, and Siphon Life to sustain through the damage.
Late-Game Build
Vampiric Burst – Enhances Abrams' lifesteal and damage output, making him nearly unkillable in long fights.
Improved Bullet Armor – Reduces incoming bullet damage, ensuring Abrams can survive longer in teamfights.
Frenzy – Provides movement speed and fire rate boosts, turning Abrams into a true force on the battlefield.
By the late game, Abrams should be a near-unstoppable tank, capable of absorbing damage and dealing it back in spades. Frenzy ensures that Abrams can chase down fleeing enemies and sustain through even the toughest fights.
Situational Items for Abrams
Depending on the enemy team composition, certain items can give Abrams the edge:
Healbane: A must-buy if the enemy team has significant healing. This item shuts down life-stealing heroes and enhances Abrams' ability to stay alive.
Phantom Strike: Great for targeting enemy carries, giving Abrams more options in the late game.
Warp Stone: Provides extra movement speed and bullet resistance, perfect for chasing down mobile opponents.
Tips for Playing Abrams
Credit: Valve Corporation
Use Terrain to Your Advantage: Abrams excels in tight corridors or narrow spaces where he can push enemies into walls with Shoulder Charge. Look for opportunities to engage in these areas.
Don’t Overextend: While Abrams is tough, he’s not invincible. Always engage with your team and avoid diving alone into the enemy backline.
Time Your Ultimate: Seismic Impact can turn teamfights, but it has a long animation. Coordinate with your team to ensure you get the most out of it.
How to Counter Abrams
To counter Abrams, focus on maintaining distance and utilizing crowd control. Ranged heroes like Vindicta and Grey Talon are excellent counters, as they can kite Abrams and keep him at bay. Anti-heal items like Toxic Bullets also reduce Abrams' sustain, making him easier to deal with in longer fights.
Conclusion
Abrams is a fantastic choice for players who enjoy leading the charge and absorbing damage for their team. His high health regeneration, strong crowd control, and close-range damage make him a formidable tank. With the right build and strategy, Abrams can be an unbreakable wall on the frontlines, dominating teamfights and securing victory for his team.
