Sinclair Build Guide for Deadlock: Tips and Strategies

Sinclair Build Guide for Deadlock: Tips and Strategies

The Magnificent Sinclair has recently joined the roster of heroes in Deadlock with the latest game update. Previously confined to Hero Labs, players can now take this character into competitive matches to gauge his performance within the current meta. Understanding the optimal itemization and ability order is crucial, especially during the hero’s initial balancing phase. This guide aims to provide players an effective strategy to maximize their success using The Magnificent Sinclair.

Overview & Ability Details of The Magnificent Sinclair

Deadlock Hero The Magnificent Sinclair Overview

In the world of Deadlock, there is currently no hero quite like The Magnificent Sinclair. His primary attack delivers a two-shot projectile, each dealing 27 damage. While the projectile speed may seem lacking, its high accuracy compensates for this shortcoming. Sinclair functions similarly to an assassin, particularly excelling in 1v1 confrontations due to his remarkable burst damage capabilities. Building with Spirit Power items is highly recommended to leverage the hero’s strong Spirit Scaling.

Much like Grey Talon, Sinclair’s movement speed is enhanced by acquiring Spirit Power.

Ability Overview:

Ability Name Effects Upgrades
Vexing Bolt

Launch a magical bolt dealing Spirit Damage and applying a Fire Rate Slow effect. If an Assistant is present, it casts Vexing Bolt at reduced damage.

  • Spirit Damage: 110 (1.2x Spirit Scaling modifier)
  • Assistant Damage: 80 (0.8x Spirit Scaling modifier)
  • Range: 500m
  • Splash Radius: 3m
  • Fire Rate Slow: 15%
  • Max Redirects: 1
  • Debuff Duration: 5s
  • Charges: 1
  • Charge Cooldown: 3s
  • Cooldown: 15s

1 AP: -4s Cooldown

2 AP: -10% Spirit Resist

5 AP: +110 Damage. Assistant casts Vexing Bolt without reductions.

Spectral Assistant

Summon an Assistant at a chosen location. The Assistant will attack whenever you use your weapon, dealing Spirit Damage. You can swap positions with the Assistant by pressing the ability button.

  • Charges: 5s
  • Summon Range: 15m
  • Spirit Damage: 30 (0.3x Spirit Scaling modifier)
  • Maximum Swaps: 1
  • Duration: 6s
  • Maximum Leash Radius: 20m
  • Cooldown: 40s

1 AP: -10s Cooldown

2 AP: +5s Duration & 5m Range

5 AP: +45% Fire Rate and +15 Assistant Damage

Rabbit Hex

Transform a target into a Rabbit for a short time. Rabbits are diminutive and faster but receive increased Bullet Damage and cannot use most abilities.

  • Cast Range: 20m
  • Hexed Duration: 2s
  • Bullet Damage Amp: 25% (0.1x Spirit Scaling modifier)
  • Movement Speed Bonus: 35%
  • Cooldown: 45s

1 AP: -10s Cooldown

2 AP: +1s Duration

5 AP: Hex all enemies within 6m

Audience Participation

Duplicate the Ultimate of an opponent for a limited period. Reactivating the ability will utilize the duplicated Ultimate instead.

  • Cast Range: 10m
  • Copy Duration: 10s
  • Copied Cooldown: 100%
  • Cooldown: 90s

1 AP: Upgrade the Copy

2 AP: Upgrade the Copy AGAIN!

5 AP: Upgrade the Copy ONCE AGAIN!

Note that the copied Ultimate from Audience Participation does not benefit from Imbue items but retains the upgrade points for the ability.

Complete Build Guide for The Magnificent Sinclair (Ability Order & Item Progression)

Deadlock Sinclair Abilities Rabbit Hex Spectral Assistant

The Magnificent Sinclair thrives in head-to-head battles akin to Infernus. However, his effectiveness heavily relies on managing Ability Cooldowns to secure kills. Given that his abilities come with considerable cooldowns, expect to spend significant time acquiring resources and pressing forward in a preferred lane. Utilize his decent early-game poke from auto-attacks to harass.

While he can shine in solo lanes, Sinclair can also be effective in paired lanes. Our suggested build emphasizes Vexing Bolt and Rabbit Hex abilities, both of which are vital for his high burst damage.

Ability Order for The Magnificent Sinclair

Deadlock Sinclair Ability Upgrade Order

Begin by unlocking Vexing Bolt at the start of the laning phase, providing you with a reliable nuke to complement your ongoing auto-attack harassment. It can also assist in securing last hits and enhance jungle efficiency. Subsequently, unlock Spectral Assistant, followed by Rabbit Hex, and prioritize your Ultimate when you’ve accumulated sufficient Souls.

Concerning upgrades, invest the first AP in both Vexing Bolt and Spectral Assistant promptly. Following this, concentrate on maxing out Vexing Bolt and upgrading Rabbit Hex two times before advancing Spectral Assistant to the highest level. Lastly, boost Rabbit Hex one more time before enhancing Audience Participation.

This build treats Sinclair’s Ultimate primarily as a finisher, allowing you to postpone upgrade points for it until absolutely necessary.

Item Progression for The Magnificent Sinclair

Deadlock Sinclair Item Progression

When focusing on Vexing Bolt and Rabbit Hex, Sinclair’s item progression remains fairly simple. You’ll largely acquire Spirit-focused items to amplify your damage. Make sure to also fill out your Weapon and Vitality item slots with options that bolster Sinclair’s aggressive playstyle within Deadlock.

Recommended items for The Magnificent Sinclair include:

Early Game:

  • High-Velocity Mag
  • Hollow Point Ward
  • Enduring Spirit
  • Extra Stamina
  • Extra Charge
  • Extra Spirit
  • Infuse
  • Extra Regen (Optional)
  • Healing Rite (Optional)

Because Sinclair’s primary attack projectile is notably slow, start with High-Velocity Mag for a speed boost. Follow up with Hollow Point Ward to increase both your Spirit Power and Weapon Damage, allowing you to dominate early games. Add Enduring Speed and Extra Stamina for sustainability, as they contribute to mid-late game builds. Lastly, finish this stage with Extra Charge, Extra Spirit, and Infuser.

If you encounter aggressive opposition, consider purchasing Extra Regen and/or Healing Rite for in-lane healing, making it more convenient than retreating to base.

Mid Game:

  • Soul Shredder Bullets
  • Divine Barrier
  • Enchanter’s Barrier
  • Healing path
  • Improved Cooldown
  • Slowing Hex
  • Mystic Burst
  • Warp Stone
  • Rapid Recharge

In the mid-game phase, focus on enhancing your Spirit Power and survivability to secure those iconic 1v1 duels. Start with Soul Shredder Bullets to benefit from the Spirit Amp and Lifesteal effects. Following this, acquire three Vitality items in this order: Divine Barrier, Enchanter’s Barrier, and Healbane for maximum durability.

Then, select Improved Cooldown to permit swifter spellcasting. The Slowing Hex is an ideal choice for Sinclair, effectively slowing enemies affected by Rabbit Hex. Follow with the Mystic Burst and Rapid Recharge items to reinforce Vexing Bolt’s power. Finally, purchase Warp Stone for swift escapes or surprise attacks.

Deadlock The Magnificent Sinclair Gameplay

Late Game:

  • Spiritual Overflow
  • Improved Burst
  • Improved Spirit
  • Superior Cooldown
  • Ethereal Shift
  • Pristine Emblem
  • Boundless Spirit
  • Echo Shard
  • Escalating Exposure
  • Decay (Situational)
  • Withering Whip (Situational)
  • Suppressor (Situational)
  • Mystic Slow (Situational)
  • Knockdown (Situational)
  • Debuff Remover (Situational)
  • Metal Skin (Situational)
  • Restorative Locket (Situational)

The late game is where Sinclair’s true potential unfolds, enabling players to obliterate foes in a swift combo. Central to this approach is Spiritual Overflow, which greatly enhances Fire Rate and Spirit Power while drastically reducing ability cooldowns. Although a significant investment, aim to acquire it as soon as your mid-game items are in place.

Use your Flex Slots to gather even more Spirit Power items and upgrade older equipment during this phase. Prioritize purchasing Improved Burst, Improved Spirit, Superior Cooldown, and Ethereal Spirit right after acquiring Spiritual Overflow.

Make sure to enhance Spectral Assistant with Superior Cooldown to maximize its efficiency.

Upgrade the High-Velocity Mag you obtained during the laning phase into Pristine Emblem and then to Echo Shard. If you still have open slots, opt for Boundless Spirit and Escalating Exposure.

Situational items should only be selected based on your opponents’ strategies. For instance, if they are heavily reliant on crowd control abilities, consider acquiring Debuff Remover. If you find it challenging to catch fleeing enemies, Knockdown is a wise choice.

Mastering Sinclair can be complex, but the payoff in gameplay is substantial. Armed with knowledge about item builds and enhancements to abilities, you’re now better prepared to take on challenges with this hero in your Deadlock matches.

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