Note: The “My Go-To-Build” section of this guide is the only part that has been updated for season 2 as of 3/20/17.

My Go-To Build: (10 Points)

Twisting Blades: Focused Assault (3)

Razor Tempest: Void Empowered or Stalker’s Mark (3/2)

Void Strike: Elusive (2)

Shadowstalker: None (0)

Spectre of Death: Phantasmal Fury (2)

Overview:

Kaigin is the newest freelancer to grace the reactor with his presence and despite numerous shortcomings will surely be seeing a lot of play in ranked as soon as the devs allow him into the rotation. To help better the level of play when that does happen I wanted to make sure there was at least some point of reference with this catch-all Kaigin build.

As with any freelancer you’ll find that you want to switch mods depending on map and enemy/ally team composition. Please keep in mind this is only a general build (though I’ve tested all the mods and do believe these to be the best on him).

About myself:

I’ve been playing Atlas Reactor since the closed beta. I’m currently a Platinum II solo que player as well as one of two starting firepowers for team Oralgami No Jitsu who are competing in both the PPL and ESL Atlas Reactor tournaments this season.

If you want to see me and and my mates in action check out my stream:

http://www.twitch.tv/merdocgg

Hope this helps!

Catalyst Info:

I prefer to always take Turtle Tech, Shift and Second Wind. I believe these are the most effective for Kaigin, and almost every freelancer, with few exceptions.

Starting Tactics:

Similar to a PuP or Nix open, Kaigin is capable of scouting the enemy team early. Move as far forward turn 1 without exposing yourself to enemy line of sight. Turn 2, pop your Shadowstalker for invisibility and try and reach the enemy back line while making sure to pass through any brush you think your enemies may be in/moving to. Next, it’s time to attack. Weigh your options and pick a target. I prefer to focus supports and immobile firepowers while prioritizing brush and cover for the following turn. If I can I’ll try and open with a Twisting Blades on one or two targets and then move behind a half cover where I can follow up with Razor Tempest or Void Strike the next turn.

Overall Role:

Slippery damage dealer. Kaigin is an extremely finicky firepower. His damage output can be seriously impeded by a well timed double move from an opponent, a simple miscalculation about the flow of the battle on his part or any sort of focused aggression against him from the enemy team so it is imperative that you always be thinking 1-2 turns ahead of your enemies. Get in, do some damage, reposition, rinse and repeat.

All of Kaigin’s dashes are aggressive and predictable so try and play mind games with your opponents. Holding onto a dash or an ultimate will cause your opponents to predict and prepare unnecessarily (sometimes even catalyst) while you just smack them in the face for some free damage.

Maximize energy gains each turn. Double move for yellow orbs, try and hit multiple targets, etc. Kaigin’s ultimate is by far his best ability and so the more of these you can get off per game (good luck getting more than two – even with energy mods) the higher your chances of success with him will be.

The Combo Wombo:

1st turn: Razor Tempest 2-3 targets, Shadowstalker for might and invisibility.

2nd turn: Spectre of Death onto the marked targets. Remember, you’ve got Phantasmal Fury so the more the merrier.