Pocket’s main threat#
Pocket is a mage: deals heavy spirit damage with abilities rather than the gun.
The kit is spirit-leaning, so spirit resistance and spirit shields do the most to blunt it.
Abilities to play around#
Ability 1
Barrage
A channel that launches spirit projectiles which damage and slow enemies around the impact point. Hitting heroes grants Pocket stacking damage amplification.
Play around it Disable or displacement — this is what starts kills. Track its cooldown and punish the window after it’s used; Debuff Reducer shortens it, and Unstoppable or Indomitable answer the biggest ones.
Play around it Slows — Enduring Speed and Debuff Reducer help you walk out of it.
Ability 2
Flying Cloak
Launches a sentient cloak that travels forward and damages enemies. Recasting teleports Pocket to the cloak.
Play around it Disable or displacement — this is what starts kills. Track its cooldown and punish the window after it’s used; Debuff Reducer shortens it, and Unstoppable or Indomitable answer the biggest ones.
Play around it Mobility — it’s also the escape. Don’t chase it into their team; force it out first, then commit. Slowing Hex shuts down many movement abilities.
Ability 3
Enchanter's Satchel
Pocket hides inside a suitcase, then deals spirit damage to nearby enemies when the hiding ends. Any action ends it early.
Play around it Respect its range and cooldown; fight when it’s been used.
Ultimate
Affliction
Applies damage over time to nearby enemies. The damage is non-lethal and does not trigger item procs.
Play around it Respect its range and cooldown; fight when it’s been used.
Counter items, with reasons#
Specific answers to this kit
General answers
General answers are our editorial reading of the kit. Counter items only help if you’re the one being hit — buy for the threat you actually face.
How to beat Pocket#
- Slowing Hex disables the Flying Cloak teleport.
- Dispel Magic removes Pocket's ability effects.
- Unstoppable suppresses Pocket's crowd control.
- Debuff Resist shortens Pocket's debuffs.
Mistakes to avoid
- Fighting when all their abilities are ready.
- Clumping up for area damage.
Want to see the hero from the other side? Read the Pocket guide, or open the counter-pick helper to plan against a whole enemy team.