HOTS Tier List: A Comprehensive Guide to Hero Rankings in Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm (HOTS), Blizzard’s popular MOBA, has always been a game of strategy, teamwork, and hero composition. One of the most debated topics among players is the HOTS tier list, which ranks heroes based on their strength, viability, and impact in competitive play. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, understanding the tier list can help you make informed decisions and climb the ranks.
What is a HOTS Tier List?
A tier list is a ranking system that categorizes heroes into tiers based on their effectiveness in the current meta. The most common tiers are S, A, B, C, and D, with S being the strongest and D the weakest. These rankings are determined by factors such as hero balance changes, patch updates, and community feedback.
The Importance of Tier Lists in HOTS
Tier lists are not just for competitive play; they can also help casual players improve their gameplay. By knowing which heroes are strong in the current meta, players can:
Optimize their picks in draft mode.
Focus on learning strong heroes to improve their win rate.
Adapt to the meta and stay ahead of the curve.
Current HOTS Tier List (Seasonal Update)
As of the latest patch, the HOTS tier list has seen some significant shifts. Here’s a breakdown of the current rankings:
S-Tier Heroes
These heroes are considered the strongest in the game right now. They have high damage, strong survivability, or exceptional utility that makes them a must-pick in competitive play.
Genji: With his recent buffs, Genji has become a dominant force in the battlefield. His mobility and damage output make him a nightmare to deal with.
Raynor: Raynor’s sustain and versatility have solidified his place in the S-tier. His ability to deal consistent damage and heal himself makes him a reliable pick.
Dehaka: Dehaka’s crowd control and burst damage have made him a favorite among players. His ability to isolate enemies and burst them down quickly is unmatched.
A-Tier Heroes
These heroes are still very strong but slightly less dominant than S-tier heroes. They are great picks if the S-tier heroes are banned or picked by the enemy team.
Johanna: Johanna’s tankiness and crowd control make her a solid pick. Her ability to protect her team and lock down enemies is invaluable.
Fenix: Fenix’s high mobility and damage output make him a formidable opponent. His ability to kite and deal damage from a safe distance is a big plus.
Kharazim: Kharazim’s versatility and burst damage have kept him in the A-tier. His ability to heal, deal damage, and provide crowd control makes him a great all-rounder.
B-Tier Heroes
These heroes are decent but not as strong as A or S-tier heroes. They can still be viable in certain situations but may require more skill to play effectively.
Thrall: Thrall’s ability to deal damage and provide crowd control is still useful, but his lack of mobility holds him back from being an A-tier hero.
Zagara: Zagara’s minion-based playstyle can be effective, but it requires good micro-management. Her lack of burst damage makes her less impactful in the current meta.
Sylvanas: Sylvanas’ ability to control the battlefield with her abilities is still valuable, but her lack of mobility and sustain makes her vulnerable to divers.
C-Tier Heroes
These heroes are struggling in the current meta. They may have niche uses but are generally not recommended for competitive play.
Gazlowe: Gazlowe’s lack of mobility and sustain makes him a sitting duck in most matches. His abilities are situational and not very impactful.
Malfurion: Malfurion’s healing is still useful, but his lack of crowd control and mobility makes him less viable in the current meta.
Chen: Chen’s tankiness is still decent, but his lack of damage and mobility makes him less impactful compared to other tank heroes.
D-Tier Heroes
These heroes are currently the weakest in the game. They have limited utility and are generally not recommended unless you’re playing for fun.
Leoric: Leoric’s lack of mobility and sustain makes him a liability in most matches. His abilities are situational and not very impactful.
The Butcher: The Butcher’s lack of sustain and mobility makes him a glass cannon. His damage output is high, but he dies quickly in most matchups.
Nazeebo: Nazeebo’s lack of mobility and sustain makes him vulnerable to divers