Thanatos Build

2 min read 05-01-2025

Thanatos, the Grim Reaper himself, is a formidable force in Smite, known for his high burst damage and exceptional mobility. Building him effectively is key to unleashing his full potential and dominating the battlefield. This guide will explore several viable Thanatos builds, focusing on different playstyles and counter strategies.

Core Items: Essential for Every Build

Regardless of your preferred playstyle, these items form the bedrock of any successful Thanatos build:

Ninja Tabi: These boots offer crucial physical protection and movement speed, enhancing Thanatos' already impressive mobility. The added physical protection is vital for surviving early game skirmishes and harassing opponents.
Deathbringer: This item is a staple for any assassin focusing on burst damage. The raw power increase makes Thanatos' already potent abilities devastating.
Qin's Sais: This item amplifies Thanatos' ability to eliminate multiple targets quickly. The passive effect synergizes perfectly with his ultimate ability, allowing for rapid takedowns.
Bloodforge: This item provides essential sustain to offset Thanatos' inherent squishiness. The lifesteal allows for more aggressive play and greater survivability in prolonged fights.

Build Variations: Adapting to the Situation

While the core items provide a strong foundation, different situations call for different strategic adaptations.

The Burst Build: Prioritizing One-Shot Potential

This build maximizes Thanatos' ability to eliminate targets with a single, devastating combo. In addition to the core items, consider including:

Asi: This item boosts physical power and attack speed while providing crucial penetration.
Executioner: This item's execution passive complements Thanatos' burst damage, making low-health targets extremely vulnerable.

The Sustain Build: Extending Your Presence in Team Fights

If you find yourself needing more survivability in prolonged team fights, this build focuses on lifesteal and sustain. In addition to the core items, consider including:

Malice: Provides excellent physical penetration and lifesteal, extending your ability to stay in the fight.
Titan's Bane: This item provides significant power and penetration, further enhancing your damage output while mitigating enemy protections.

Counter-Building: Adapting to the Enemy Team

Adapting your build based on the enemy team composition is crucial for success. If facing high-physical protection enemies, consider replacing some items with penetration options such as Titan's Bane or Silverbranch. If facing strong magical damage dealers, incorporating defensive items like Midguardian Mail might be necessary.

Conclusion: Mastering the Reaper

Thanatos' power lies in his ability to swiftly eliminate high-value targets. Mastering these builds and adapting to the game's dynamic circumstances will unlock Thanatos' true potential, making him a truly formidable force on the battlefield. Remember, practice and adaptation are key to becoming a truly skilled Thanatos player.