Deadlock Yamato build guide

A Deadlock Yamato guide's importance cannot be overstated, especially since many players are still finding their way. Yamato is a phantom samurai who can defeat any target in a 1v1 situation if built and played correctly. Yamato's kit has a short range. However, with her second ability, she can close the gap and use her close-range abilities to eliminate the target. Mastering Yamato requires significant effort and patience, but that's where this guide comes in handy.

In the Deadlock Yamato guide, we have shared everything you need to know about the character and how to play her in the new MOBA by Valve. We have provided details about her abilities, items you should prioritize, and the playstyle that best suits Yamato in Deadlock.

Note: This build has been updated till September 12, 2024 patch

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Deadlock Yamato build: Abilities explained

Deadlock Yamato Ability Name	Description
Power Slash (1)	Charge up your sword for 1.5 seconds to unleash a powerful strike. You can also activate the attack early by pressing [1] or [left-click], dealing reduced damage.
Flying Strike (2)	Launch a grappling hook to pull yourself towards an enemy, damaging and slowing them when you arrive at their location.
Crimson Slash (3)	Perform a sweeping attack that hits enemies in front of you, dealing damage and slowing their attack speed. Hitting enemy heroes restores your health.
Shadow Transformation (4)	Merge with Yamato's shadow soul, becoming briefly invincible. All your abilities reset and become 60% faster, your weapon gains unlimited ammo, and you resist damage while immune to negative effects. You also cannot be killed during this form.

The Flying Strike and Power Slash are the bread and butter for Yamato. Upgrade them as soon as you can. The third is your main sustain, so use it carefully and when needed. Upgrade your Ultimate last.

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How to play Yamato in Deadlock

Master positioning to play Yamato (Image via Valve)

Yamato is an Assassin. Assassins are excellent single-target classes that can eliminate any isolated carry they spot on the map. To play Yamato effectively, the first thing you need to master is positioning. After the laning phase, start split-pushing different lanes to locate your prey. The moment you spot a squishy carry character like Haze, Wraith, or Pocket running around, prepare to unleash everything you have.

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Use your second skill to reduce the gap between you and your target, then use your first skill to deal damage before finishing them off. If you find yourself in a tough situation and being hunted by a group of enemies, quickly use your third skill to restore health and escape.

Your ultimate is primarily for group fights. Whenever you see your team engaging the opponents head-on, move to the location, identify a group of squishy characters, and activate your ultimate near them. Once activated, spam your first and third abilities to deal damage to your targets and use your primary attacks to eliminate anyone who survives.

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Deadlock Yamato build: Best items [Explained]

Items you need to prioritize in-game (Image via Valve)

• Ammo Scavenger: Get ammo when securing or denying souls.
• Sprint Boots: Get more stamina and sustain.
• Glass Cannon: One of the core items that will give you a significant damage boost.
• Frenzy: Another core item that will significantly boost your 1v1 potential.

Other than these, focus on getting items that boost melee damage and increase mobility. If you win in your lane, buy damage items and lifesteal. If you see you are getting outplayed in your lane, buy as much sustain as you can; melee lifesteal is very effective for Yamato.

As said before in this Deadlock Yamato guide, Yamato is an Assassin. So, to make her effective, you have to balance her build between mobility, sustain, and damage.

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Check out more Deadlock guides:

• 5 things you may not know about Deadlock
• All Deadlock characters and their abilities
• Deadlock isn't even out yet and has cheaters already
• All Deadlock Items you can buy from The Curiosity Shop