Hero Discussion of the Day: Sniper (February 1, 2012)
Sniper was last discussed on November 20.
While relatively weak in close ranged combat, the Sniper can be deadly from a distance. With precision accuracy, Kardel frequently lands Headshots, momentarily disrupting and dealing heavier damage. He also can attack from the greatest distance having mastered aiming with his trusty rifle. Combine these two skills with the fact that bullets are unrivaled in projectile velocity, and it doesn't take long to realize his unparalleled last hitting capability. For dealing with large waves and heavier structures, Kardel fires Shrapnel that spreads out dealing damage and slowing in an area. He is renowned for his ultimate attack, Assassinating victims from an astounding distance with quite the punch behind it, using a specialized and costly ammunition round.
Lore:
Kardel Sharpeye was born deep in the mountainous valleys of Knollen where, since time immemorial, the folk have survived by hunting the strange, cliff-dwelling steepstalkers above their village—killing them from a distance and collecting their carcasses where they fell. Sharpeye was among the best of these strange folk for whom projectile weapons are but another appendage, and to shoot is as natural as to touch.
On his day of summoning, when he was to gain full standing in his village, Sharpeye took the ancient test: a single shot from the valley floor to strike a beast down from the cliffs. To miss was to be dishonored. With his entire village standing vigil, Sharpeye took his shot. A steepstalker fell; the crowd cheered. But when the carcass was collected, the village grew silent, for the elders found that the bullet had pierced its glittering central eye then fallen to be clenched in the steepstalker's mandibles. This ominous sign was the literal opening of a dark prophesy, foretelling both greatness and exile for the gunman who made such a shot. Sharpeye the Sniper was thus, by his own skill, condemned to make his way apart from his people—and unwelcome back among them until he has fulfilled the remainder of the prophecy by attaining legendary stature on a field of battle.
"Easy as shooting gnats."
| Strength | Agility | Intelligence |
|---|---|---|
| 16 + 1.7 | 21 + 2.9 | 15 + 2.6 |
| Damage | Armor | Movespeed |
| 36-42 | 1.94 | 290 |
| Attack Range | Base Attack Time | Missile Speed |
| 550 | 1.7 | 3000 |
| Soundset | Icon | Fan Art |
Shrapnel
Fires a ball shrapnel that showers the target area in explosive pellets. Enemies are subject to damage and slowed movement. Deals 30% damage to buildings.
| Level | Mana Cost | Cooldown | Casting range | Area of Effect | Duration | Allowed Targets | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 120 | 15 | 1200 | 350 | 8 seconds | Enemy units | 15% Slow / 12 DPS |
| 2 | 120 | 15 | 1200 | 350 | 8 seconds | Enemy units | 20% Slow / 24 DPS |
| 3 | 120 | 15 | 1200 | 350 | 8 seconds | Enemy units | 25% Slow / 36 DPS |
| 4 | 120 | 15 | 1200 | 350 | 8 seconds | Enemy units | 30% Slow / 48 DPS |
- Damage type: magical
- Damage will be dealt 9 times, first time at spell effect and then every second.
- Effect is delayed 0.8 seconds.
Headshot
Sniper increases his accuracy, giving a chance to deal damage and mini-stun.
| Level | Mana Cost | Cooldown | Casting range | Area of Effect | Duration | Allowed Targets | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | .01 seconds | Any unit | 25% chance to deal 30 damage and ministun |
| 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | .1 seconds | Any unit | 30% chance to deal 30 damage and ministun |
| 3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | .2 seconds | Any unit | 35% chance to deal 40 damage and ministun |
| 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | .2 seconds | Any unit | 40% chance to deal 50 damage and ministun |
- Damage type: hero physical
- Works on allied creeps.
- Stun is blocked by magic immunity.
Take Aim
Extends the attack range of Sniper's rifle.
| Level | Mana Cost | Cooldown | Casting range | Area of Effect | Duration | Allowed Targets | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Attack Range +65 |
| 2 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Attack Range +130 |
| 3 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Attack Range +195 |
| 4 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Attack Range +260 |
- Level 3 and 4 of this ability allow Sniper to out-range towers.
Assassinate
Sniper locks onto a target enemy unit, and after a short time, fires a devastating shot that deals damage at long range.
| Level | Mana Cost | Cooldown | Casting range | Area of Effect | Duration | Allowed Targets | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 175 | 20 | 1500 | N/A | N/A | Enemy units | Deals 355 Damage |
| 2 | 275 | 15 | 2000 | N/A | N/A | Enemy units | Deals 505 Damage |
| 3 | 375 | 10 | 2500 | N/A | N/A | Enemy units | Deals 655 Damage |
- Damage type: magical
- Crosshair on target is visible to allies only.
- Invisibility doesn't affect the effect of this ability.
- Interrupts channeling spells.
- Interrupt works on magic immune units.
- Takes 1.7 seconds to cast.
You might be interested in danielftw's hero spotlight of Sniper. The community seems torn on whether it is good advice, but it is adequate enough for new players imo, and clearly he put a lot of effort into it.
The hero spotlight was heavily influenced by Piejonk's guide to Sniper, so check that out if you want to read the source material.
As always, check out yesterday's discussion of Dragon Knight or the (almost) complete HDotD archives.
Posted Feb 1, 2012, 6:01 PM UTC