Originally conceived as a contrast to the typical ADC/support tank duo, warriors were created as a physical tanks archetype. In Smite's closed beta meta, the 2-1-2 composition, warriors like Odin and Vamana allowed for much different lane comps and offset their lower health and defensive stats by dealing moderate damage with soft crowd control effects. Since the introduction of the jungler meta, warriors have found a new home in the solo lane.

They're effectively able to 'box' one-on-one and are less susceptible to ganks than sustain mages, like Chang'e or Ra. Warriors have decent mobility, moderate damage, and great teamfight potential. Warriors can initiate fights well and hold their own in 2 vs. 1 situations making them incredibly valuable pick-ups in both casual and competitive games.

Depth perception is for the weak.

6. Odin, The Allfather

The original physical tank, Odin has naturally high health and defense combined with strong HP5 from 'Gungnir 's Might'. Odin has fallen off in popularity recently with the release of Tyr and Wukong but the Alllfather still has a place in the current meta. Due to the nature of 'Ring of Spears and the abundance of leaps, as well as Combat Blink, Odin is more of a counter-pick to a low mobility team forcing enemies to purchase combat blink or risk being caught inside. Odin is still a strong solo lane and with the recent changes to 'Odin's Shout' to give him increased physical power Odin may start to see more playtime.

Good things come in small packages.

5. Vamana, the Fifth Avatar of Vishnu

Vamana used to be an incredibly scary god to go against. With the recent changes to his ultimate's regeneration he might start seeing more playtime; however like Odin, Vamana has fallen off recently due to his lack of sticking and kill potential. Vamana has a moderate amount of damage that works well with his passive 'Sleeping Giant' which allows him to build more team-oriented items such as Witch Stone and aura Voidblade without sacrificing damage like you would on the the other warriors. One of the biggest criticisms I see with Vamana is his ultimate, lacking in both damage and easily countered, Vamana's ultimate is much better suited to tank objectives rather than secure a kill. Giving Vamana a bit more damage or crowd-control on his abilities or adjusting his ultimate may allow Vamana to re-emerge as the powerhouse he used to be.

Kevin Sorbo wore the lion pelt better.

4. Hercules, Champion of Rome

Hercules, the unkillable, with good crowd-control that allows him to effectively peel for teammate and surprising burst potential, Hercules is most at home in the middle of everything. 'Mitigate Wounds' allows him to easily walk away from multiple ultimates and still be a presence even at low life with 'Strength From Pain'. In conjunction with Eye of Retaliation, arguably Hercules is most dangerous at low life. Excellent clear, burst potential, and incredibly tanky, Hercules main limitation is his skill-floor; it's hard to perform well without knowing his timing and consistently landing both 'Earthbreaker' and 'Driving Strike' whereas other warriors are a bit more forgiving to less-skilled players.

I'm on a horse.

3. Guan Yu, The Saint of War

When I first started playing, Guan's original ultimate was one of the most unique and his transition to warrior has only improved it. With ''Taolu Assault' protection shred, Guan Yu is perhaps the most dangerous warrior at level 1, allowing him to do true damage after the first few hits. Even today Guan Yu is a very competitive pick able to jungle, solo and support fairly well, as well as being disruptive and potentially lifesaving in teamfights. Guan's passive, 'Painless' encourages him to get in the middle of teamfights as well as giving him sustain during the laning phase.

I am the Law.

2. Tyr, The Lawgiver

When Tyr was announced I knew he'd quickly become one of my favorites. The 'Change Stance' mechanic is one of the reason Hel was a go to god for me. Tyr has perhaps the most disruptive kit with multiple knock-ups and a knockbacks with a strong heal and an ultimate suited to both escape and initiate. Juggling enemies with 'Fearless' and 'Power Cleave' is incredibly fun especially if you push them into tower. Tyr is perhaps the strongest solo pick at the moment and a common favorite among pros.

Happy New Year?

1. Sun Wukong, The Monkey King

One of the original gods, Sun Wukong made his triumphant return October 23rd, 2013 having been taken out for a temporarily remodel and rework. Sun Wukong's new kit accurately reflects his lore from 'Journey to the West' utilizing the Ruyi Jingu Bang taken from Ao Kuang and his legendary '72 Transformations'. Much like Tyr and Guan Yu, Wukong is fairly strong at level 1 due to 'Undefeated Body', making him one of only four gods with critical strike chances without items. Wukong also has the best ranged poke of all warriors which enables him to secure better than his counterparts.

Warriors are an integral part of any team; able to fit almost any role in the game, they are well suited to solo, jungle, tank and even carry. With good damage on their abilities, moderate crowd control and their high mobility, warriors can get into fights and disrupt and zone almost as well as any tank while dishing out a beating. All in all, I hope you enjoyed this brief overview of my favorite class/role and if you're new to the game I implore you to try any and all of the gods listed here, hopefully you'll find a favorite.