Sonya Build Guide “Time to die!”

Sonya is an aggressive Bruiser that uses an alternate resource called Fury. Her defining elements are her immense single-target damage output and self sustain. Since the majority of her Abilities have a very short range, Sonya players are reliant on their aptitude to position themselves properly so as to be able to both deal damage and survive.

Strengths

• One of the highest single-target damage output potential in the game
• Extremely strong duelist
• Great self-sustain through Whirlwind
• May quickly and safely solo claim any Mercenary Camp
• Outstanding solo laner

Weaknesses

• Susceptible to being kited
• No options to deal damage from range
• Excessively reliant on hitting her Ancient Spear Ability
• Whirlwind can be easily canceled by crowd control

Single Target Build

Recommended

Level 1 ?

Level 4

Level 7 ?

Level 10

Level 13

Level 16 ?

Level 20 ?

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Sonya's Single Target Build, differently from other options, will be a good choice in all games, as it does not depend on Whirlwind or Leap to deal damage. Shot Of Fury and Rampage will greatly increase her DPS, and Poisoned Spear can be a good choice if you do not need the extra self-sustain from Battle Rage.

Seismic Slam Build

Situational

Level 1

Level 4

Level 7 ?

Level 10 ?

Level 13

Level 16

Level 20

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Sonya's Seismic Slam Build has a different playstyle than the other options. It is focused on constantly hitting the enemy frontline with Basic Attacks and Seismic Slams, dealing high damage to the tank and to Melee Heroes near them.

Whirlwind Build

Situational

Level 1

Level 4

Level 7

Level 10

Level 13

Level 16

Level 20 ?

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This build excels against compositions without reliable ways to stun or silence Sonya during her Whirlwind. The Talents suggested in this build add more resistance than the other options, but it requires Sonya to be constantly spinning inside the enemy team.

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Sonya synergizes with

For Sonya, survival means damage, and damage means survival. As such, she works well with any Hero that can provide her with Shielding effects, added mobility, or reliable crowd control.

Sonya is countered by

Sonya can be easily punished after engaging, because she relies on the self-sustain from her Abilities and Talents. For this reason, heroes that can apply decent crowd control on her are a respectable threat for Sonya. Furthermore, since Wrath of the Berserker does not reduce the duration of silences, fears, or taunts, Sonya has a hard time against Brightwing, Garrosh, and Sylvanas.

Sonya's stronger maps

Sonya's average maps

Sonya's weaker maps

None

As a strong solo laner who is also able to clear Mercenary Camps with ease, Sonya can find a place on all Maps. She is, however, particularly effective on those Maps that feature several Mercenary Camps, such as Blackheart's Bay, and Garden of Terror. Sonya is also excellent on Maps with an important control point on the solo lane, such as Dragon Shire and Braxis Holdout.

• As Fury does not decay over time, try and keep it full before impending engagements.
• Ancient Spear is Sonya's most important Ability; avoid wasting it unless you are sure you can land it.
• Try and constantly keep on attacking while under the effects of Wrath of the Berserker to maintain its effects for as long as possible.
• Sonya has a great potential to destroy Towers and Forts; make sure to damage the towers with Seismic Slams and Basic Attacks when the opposing Offlaner is not there.
• Since Wrath of the Berserker's Cooldown runs during its buff, you can freely use this Heroic Ability in the Lane, as you will probably have it again when necessary.
• Shot Of Fury can be used to extend Wrath of the Berserker's duration by 5 seconds.
• Mostly, if you want to keep chasing a running target, it is better to only use Ancient Spear and Seismic Slams to reach it, as Basic Attacks will slow you down (assuming you have enough Fury for that).
• Nerves of Steel should not be used together with Ignore Pain. It is better to use them separately to maximize Sonya's survivability.

Although officially classified as a Bruiser, Sonya's playstyle is much more reminiscent of that of a Melee Assassin; her high damage output is offset by a limited access to crowd control, reliable early-game initiation, and defensive Abilities. Consequently, players should strongly consider drafting her with the mindset that she fills the role of a Melee Assassin, and bring along at least one other Hero that is capable of fulfilling the expected functions of a Tank. Furthermore, Sonya players are expected to hold the solo lane.

As a Melee Assassin, she tends to do well against team compositions that feature multiple melee Heroes, such as dive-oriented compositions, where opponents actually have to come to her or her allies to perform well. This gives Sonya players the opportunity to attack without having to constantly chase after key targets, greatly improving her effectiveness.

As the only Bruiser in the team, she is not a good pick against dive compositions, as her peeling capabilities are very limited. However, she is excellent to follow a Tank's engages or to burst a squishy enemy Hero.