How to play YamatoHow to play

47.4% win rate · #30 of 44 · Relentless · Acrobatics · Pursuer

Updated 2026-11-07 02:34 UTC · n = 5,242,263 matches

How to play Yamato

1Shadow Transformation Flying Slash

2Flying Slash Power Slash

3Power Slash Crimson Slash

4Crimson Slash

Your combo: Transform with Shadow Transformation (invincible during the transformation itself, then 5s of refreshed, faster abilities and immunity to CC), reel onto them with Flying Slash, then chain Power Slash and Crimson Slash.

Don’t waste: CC does nothing to you during Shadow Transformation; when it ends, enemies burst you (730 health).

Edge: Crimson Slash heals you on hero hits, and Flying Slash tier 3 can grapple to allies to escape.

From community hero guides, Oct 2026 patches, checked against deadlock.wiki. The same combo from the other side is on how to counter Yamato.

Your kit

Power Slash

Ability 1 · 12s cooldown

Channel to increase damage over 1.4 seconds, then release a fully-charged sword strike.Press Ability 1 or to trigger the strike early, dealing partial damage.

Flying Slash

Ability 2 · 36s cooldown · slow

Throw a grappling hook to reel yourself towards an enemy, dealingmelee damage and slowing the target when you arrive.

Crimson Slash

Ability 3 · 16s cooldown

Slash enemies in front of you, damaging them and slowing their fire rate. If any enemy heroes are hit, you heal.

Shadow Transformation

Ultimate · 160s cooldown · ultimate

Become infused with Yamato's shadow soul. After an initial invincible transformation your abilities are refreshed and are 60% faster. You gain immunity to negative status effects and have greatly increased bullet and spirit resist.When you get a hero kill, you heal and the duration is extended.