Deadlock Fathom Build Guide

In Deadlock, Fathom is a versatile, stealth-oriented character designed for players who enjoy a more tactical, evasive playstyle. As an agile operative, Fathom excels at hit-and-run tactics, reconnaissance, and disrupting enemy lines with precision. Equipped with abilities that allow him to move quickly and remain undetected, Fathom is ideal for ambushing isolated enemies or gathering intel on enemy positioning without getting caught.

Fathom’s skillset includes invisibility, mobility boosts, and tools for misdirection, making him a valuable asset for teams looking to control the pace of the game through stealth and speed. His toolkit encourages players to strike strategically, then disappear before enemies have a chance to retaliate. In skilled hands, Fathom can single-handedly sow chaos among enemy ranks, creating openings and distractions for his teammates.

For players who favor a more methodical approach to combat and enjoy using stealth to outmaneuver opponents, Fathom offers an engaging and challenging playstyle that rewards patience and precision in Deadlock.

1. Strengths

• One of the highest close-range damage figures.
• Easily understandable abilities.
• Could hold multiple enemies during the end-game phase.

2. Weaknesses

• Range limitation of weapon can be challenging.
• Ultimate is not useful in most cases as ziplines also serve the same purpose.

Here are the four abilities of Fathom:

• Scalding Spray: Spray scalding water in a cone ahead of you. You build up bonus weapon damage as the spray damages an enemy hero. (40 seconds cooldown duration)

• Breach: Launch forward, damaging all enemies near where you land and knocking them into the air. (22 seconds cooldown duration)

• Bloodletting: Take only a portion of incoming damage immediately and defer the rest to be taken over time. Activate to clear a portion of the deferred damage. (21 seconds cooldown duration)

• Reefdweller Harpoon: Throw a harpoon that latches to a surface and pulls you in. While hanging attached to the harpoon surface, you are invisible and invulnerable. Enemies that look directly at Fathom reveal the invisibility. While out of combat and hidden on the minimap, heal a portion of your max health every second. (50 seconds cooldown duration)

1. Best early-game items

• Extra Charge: +1 Bonus Ability Charge, +10% Cooldown Reduction for Charged Abilities, +6% Weapon Damage.
• Extra Spirit: +9 Spirit Power, +1 Health Regen, +35 Bonus Health.
• Enduring Spirit: +75 Bonus Health, +10% Spirit Lifesteal, +4 Spirit Power.
• Spirit Lifesteal: +23% Spirit Lifesteal, +75 Bonus Health.
• Enchanter's Barrier: +300 Spirit Shield Health. When you are shielded, you get +20 Spirit Power and +8% Cooldown Reduction.

2. Best mid-game items

• Mystic Shot: +12% Weapon Damage, +4 Spirit Power.
• Soul Shredder Bullets: +7% Weapon Damage. Your Bullets apply a debuff for 6s that grants you +20% Spirit Lifesteal against them.
• Improved Cooldown: +16% Cooldown Reduction, +1.5 Health Regen.
• Suppressor: +50 Bonus Health, +2.5 Health Regen, +4 Spirit Power. The enemy gets -12% Fire Rate when you deal Spirit Damage.
• Rapid Recharge: +2 Bonus Ability Charges, +65% Faster Time Between Charges, +30% Charged Ability Cooldown Reduction, +12% Weapon Damage.
• Mystic Slow: +100 Bonus health, +3 Health regen, +6 Spirit Power. If enemy takes Spirit Damage their Movement Speed drops by 30% and Fire Rate by 40% (2s duration).

3. Best end-game items

• Superior Cooldown: +32% Imbued Ability Cooldown Reduction, +24% Non-Imbued Ability Cooldown Reduction, +4 Health Regen.
• Boundless Spirit: +60 Spirit Power, +25% Weapon Damage, +300 bonus health, +15 Health Regen, +2m/s Sprint Speed.
• Mystic Reverb: +15% Spirit Lifesteal, +15% Spirit Resist, +15% Ability Range. Apply it to one of your abilities granting +40% Damage, and +50% Movement Slow for 3s.
• Diviner's Kevlar: +20% Spirit Lifesteal, +12% Cooldown Reduction. When you use your Ultimate, you get 700 Bullet Shield and Spirit Shield for 15s.
• Leech: +35% Spirit Lifesteal, +35% Bullet Lifesteal, +175 Bonus Health, +12 Spirit Power, +15% Weapon Damage.
• Spiritual Overflow: +20% Fire Rate, +15% Cooldown Reduction, +10% Spirit Lifesteal. You gain an extra +45 Spirit Power by charging up bullets on enemies.

Here are some effective tips for playing Fathom in Deadlock:

1. Use Stealth to Control Engagements

• Fathom’s stealth abilities let you pick and choose your fights. Use invisibility to get behind enemy lines, scout their positioning, or set up ambushes.
• Avoid engaging directly unless you have an exit plan, as Fathom isn’t built for extended fights.

2. Focus on Isolated Targets

• Fathom excels at taking out lone or distracted enemies. Look for players who have strayed from their team, and strike with surprise attacks.
• If you can quickly eliminate or weaken a key enemy, it will make team fights easier for your allies.

3. Master Hit-and-Run Tactics

• Fathom’s toolkit is designed for quick attacks and immediate disengagement. Attack quickly and then retreat to avoid being targeted by multiple enemies.
• Use Fathom’s mobility boosts and invisibility to reposition and strike again from a different angle.

4. Gather Intel for Your Team

• Use Fathom’s stealth to gather intel on enemy positions and movements without engaging. Relay this information to your team so they can plan accordingly.
• Keep an eye on high-value targets like healers or snipers and inform your team of their locations.

5. Control Key Points

• Fathom can hold down important areas by ambushing anyone who approaches. Use this to your advantage in narrow corridors or areas where enemies frequently pass through.
• Staying hidden around these key points lets you pick off enemies attempting to secure the area.

6. Adapt and Evade

• If enemies begin to catch on to your tactics, change up your approach. Avoid staying in the same spots or using predictable paths, as your stealth abilities work best when opponents are unsure of your position.
• Use any decoys or misdirection tools to draw attention away from your true location, creating even more confusion for the enemy team.

By mastering these tactics, you can maximize Fathom’s potential as a disruptive and elusive force in Deadlock, creating chaos among enemies and paving the way for your team’s success.

In conclusion, Fathom in Deadlock is a strategic and stealth-focused character who thrives in the shadows, making him a powerful choice for players who favor precision, agility, and unpredictability. With his ability to disrupt, ambush, and gather intel, Fathom brings unique value to any team by controlling engagements and throwing enemy formations into disarray. His hit-and-run tactics, combined with stealth and mobility, allow him to create opportunities and openings that can shift the tide of battle in favor of his team.

Mastering Fathom requires patience, timing, and adaptability, as his strengths lie in remaining elusive and striking when least expected. For players who enjoy the challenge of outsmarting opponents and maneuvering behind enemy lines, Fathom offers an engaging and rewarding playstyle that can be instrumental in securing victory in Deadlock.