Kunkka
Kunkka | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Kunkka, the Admiral, is a versatile melee strength hero built with an arsenal of powerful area-of-effect (AoE) spells. Two of his active spells are nukes that have long delay times, but can disable and disrupt the enemies' position. He is mostly played as a carry, initiator, or even as a ganking support. Kunkka is known for his Tidebringer sword, giving him the ability to cleave a large area around him with heavy potential damage on his next attack, which refreshes at a given period of time. Torrent calls upon the element of water to rise and burst out, dealing damage, disabling them up high, and slowing them on impact. There's a delay on this ability before it activates, so Kunkka must be wise in using this ability. X Marks the Spot targets any hero or Kunkka himself to be marked on their current position, and after a given time delay, instantly returns to the marked spot. Useful in setting up tricky spells, escape prevention, or even saving allies, X Marks the Spot makes the Admiral a great battle strategist. His ultimate lets him summon a Ghostship, which travels on ground, until it crashes a set distance away, stunning and damaging enemies on that location – potentially crippling the enemy team. The Ghostship also bolsters allies with Kunkka's Rum, granting them bonus movement speed and temporary numbness to damage. Capable of inflicting high burst damage with his spells, controlling their position while being able to survive the mayhem when his spells are used properly, Kunkka is a mighty offensive team fighter, built with strong physical and magical damage output, who can indeed turn the tide of a battle.
Contents
Bio[edit]
Abilities[edit]


Notes:
- The total delay is 2 seconds at all levels (cast time + effect delay).
- Torrent can be cast without having to face towards the targeted area.
- Units tossed in the air are stunned and still able to be attacked.
- While in the air, other units may pass below hit airborne units.
- The stun and slow are applied at the same time, so overall, the slow lasts for 2.6/3.6/4.6/5.6 seconds.
- The knockup itself lasts 1.53 seconds, so hit units are on the ground for the remaining 0.07 seconds of the stun.
- After casting, a visual effect appears at the targeted area and a sound effect plays for the delay period.
- These effects are visible and audible to allies only.
- Deals 9.375/18.75/28.125/37.5 (
21.875/31.25/40.625/50) damage in 0.2 second intervals, starting 0.2 seconds after the effect delay, resulting in 8 damage instances.
- Provides 350 radius ground vision over the targeted area upon cast for 3.13 seconds.

Notes:
- Upon leveling Tidebringer the first time, it has autocast active by default.
- Cleave damage cannot be amplified with spell damage amplification and cannot spell lifesteal.
- Cleave damage is reduced by Damage Block.
- The complete area is shaped like an isosceles trapezoid in front of Kunkka.
- Fully stacks with other sources of cleave. Each source of cleave works completely independent.
- The particle effects on hit enemies are visible on invisible enemies and through the Fog of War.
- Plays an audio effect when going off cooldown, audible to the player only.
- Shows a visual effect on the sword whenever it is ready, visible to allies and enemies.
Target Unit
Notes:
- The target is given a stop command as soon as it is teleported back, effectively canceling channeling spells.
- Does not disjoint projectiles for the target upon getting teleported back.
- Marks the target's current location with a red X. This X is visible to enemies only when they have vision over the unit, or the X itself.
- The affected unit leaves behind a red dotted line while walking, showing which direction it went.
- These lines stop drawing for the enemies if the unit is not visible. However, already drawn lines stay visible.
- Once the unit turns visible again, a straight line of red lines is drawn towards their last known location.
- These red lines ignore the actual path the unit took. They simply draw from its current to its previously last known location.
- Multiple instances of X Marks the Spot on the same target do not stack. Only the duration gets visually refreshed.
- Although refreshed, the return timer is unaffected, so that the unit still returns based on the first cast.
- Every cast creates its own X below the target. If the modifier expires, it returns to the X of the first cast.
- If any of the casters use the Return sub-spell, the unit returns to the X that caster created.
- Once the unit returned to any of the X's, all other instances get completely canceled, although not visually.
- Despite the visual effects, the target does not return to the X after dying and respawning during it.
- When the target is invulnerable, it does not get returned to the X, causing the spell to get wasted.
- Provides 300 radius ground vision around the X mark for 5.94 seconds.
No Target
Notes:
- Replaces X Marks the Spot until the X disappears on the target.
- Despite being a sub-spell, Return does proc all on-cast effects like a regular spell.
Notes:
- Requires Aghanim's Scepter to be unlocked.
- Creates a Torrent immediately upon cast, and then one every 0.25 seconds, for a total of 21 Torrents.
- Each Torrent can spawn within a random distance of 300 to 1100 away from Kunkka.
- The Torrent spawn radius is divided into four 90° segments (0°–90°, 90°–180°, 180°–270°, 270°–360°).
- The first Torrent occurs within the north-east segment of the circle, following Torrents proceed counterclockwise.
- The radius is always centered on Kunkka, following him wherever he goes.
- The Torrents are based on the current level of Torrent on Kunkka. If it is not learned, no Torrents spawn.
- Unlike a manually cast Torrent, the particle effect and the sound during the Torrents' delay are completely visible and audible to enemies.
- Multiple casts of Torrent Storm fully stack, with each cast creating its own independent instance.
- When Kunkka dies, the Torrents still occur at his location.
Notes:
- Requires Aghanim's Shard to be unlocked.
- The wave spawns 600 range away from the targeted point, from the opposite direction where Kunkka is facing.
- Moves hit enemies towards the direction the wave is traveling.
- Enemies are not disabled during the knockback. They can still turn, attack and use abilities and items. Channeling abilities are not interrupted.
- The wave first applies the debuff , then the damage.

Notes:
- Ghostship travels at a speed of 650, reaching the crash site in 3.08 seconds.
- The ship spawns 2000 range away from the targeted point, from the opposite direction where Kunkka is facing, and crashes at the targeted point.
- The ship first applies the damage, then the debuff.
- A visual indicator appears at the location, showing the ship's destination point and radius. The indicator is only visible to allies.
- The Ghost Ship Damage Absorb buff applies to allied heroes that come within 425 range of the ship at any time during its travel.
- Once the absorb buff expires, the Ghost Ship Damage Delay buff is placed, which lasts 1.4 seconds.
- This buff deals 5% of the previously reduced damage as damage in 1 second intervals until all the reduced damage is returned.
- The delayed damage dealt after the Rum wears off is flagged as HP Removal. It does not interact with any on-damage effects.
- Therefore, the delayed damage cannot be avoided by anything. However, it is not lethal.
- The Rum does not reduce damage for units under the effect of any damage negating effect.
- Rums from multiple casts do not stack, but refresh the duration instead. This delays the Rum wear-off buff.
- The Rum buff and Rum hangover buff do not interact with each other when having both (by recasting while having the hangover buff).
- The ship provides 300 radius flying vision around itself as it travels. This vision does not last.
- When choosing the fleet talent on level 25, 3 ships spawn at the same location, traveling towards the same destination.
- The ships spawn in 3.35 second intervals, starting immediately on cast, so that the last ship spawns 6.7 seconds after cast.
- The ships's spawn location is set upon cast and does not adapt to the caster's current position as they spawn.
Talents[edit]
Hero Talents | ||
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+140% Tidebringer Cleave | 25 | Ghostship Fleet |
+20 Strength | 20 | +80 Torrent AoE |
+100 Torrent Damage | 15 | +8 Health Regen |
+150 Cast Range | 10 | +30 Damage |
- This attack damage talent is added as raw attack damage, so it does not benefit illusions, and is not affected by most percentage-based damage increasing or reducing effects.
- The strength talent effectively grants Kunkka 400 health, 2 health regen, and 20 attack damage.
Recent Changes[edit]
- Aghanim's Shard upgrade:
- Tidal Wave
- Reduced mana cost from 150 to 75.
- Reduced cooldown from 16 to 14.
- Tidal Wave
- Increased intelligence gain from 1.5 to 1.8.
- Increased health regeneration from 0 to 0.25.
- Increased Ghostship rum movement speed bonus from 10% to 12%.
- Added Aghanim's Shard upgrade for Kunkka:
- Grants Kunkka the Tidal Wave ability.
- Tidal Wave
- Releases a Tidal Wave that spawns behind Kunkka, that deals damage and drags enemies along with it
- Cast tine: 0.2
- Cast range: 1400
- Tralve distance: 1400
- Radius: 750
- Damage: 225
- Knockback distance: 600
- Knockback duration: 1.25
- Mana cost: 150
- Cooldown: 16
- Notes: The wave spawns 600 range behind Kunkka and travels at a speed of 700. Enemies are not disabled during the knockback.
- Talents:
- Level 10 left talent changed: +6 armor ➜ +150 cast range.
- Level 20 left talent: +18 strength increased to +20.
- Level 25 left talent: +110% Tidebringer cleave damage increased to +140%.
- Talents:
- Level 25 left talent: +85% Tidebringer cleave damage increased to +110%.
Recommended items[edit]
Starting items:
- Clarity is very useful on Kunkka as his spells are all very mana-costly. Being able to use Torrent more than once without running completely out of mana greatly increases his ability to lock down foes and score early kills.
- Tango fulfills basic regen requirements in all lanes but mid. Having flexible regen allows Kunkka to remain in lane without being harassed out.
- Faerie Fire is a useful consumable to purchase as a mid Kunkka. The damage bonus gives him last-hitting power and allows him to splash more damage on his lane opponent with Tidebringer, and consuming it can give him some last-second burst HP regen that can save him during enemy gank attempts.
Early game:
- Boots of Speed are important on all heroes, but can be quite important on Kunkka for getting in position to cast X Marks the Spot on foes at early levels.
- Magic Stick is useful on all heroes. On Kunkka, it can help alleviate his mana issues by giving him some burst mana regen for casting his spells.
- Bottle is effectively mandatory if Kunkka is to be played mid. A Bottle is extremely useful for replenishing Kunkka's small mana pool, and can be easily replenished using X and a teleport to base.
Mid game:
- Phase Boots give him bonus attack damage with which he can last-hit more easily, as well as increasing the effectiveness of Tidebringer.
- Magic Wand is powerful for all the same reasons as Magic Stick, granting burst health and mana restoration to allow Kunkka to cast any of his spells.
- Drum of Endurance gives Kunkka attributes and bonus movement speed.
- Armlet of Mordiggian toggles on to grant huge attack damage and strength for Kunkka to hit hard with Tidebringer, then off promptly to minimize health drain. Furthermore, Ghostship's damage reduction and damage delay buy more time for armlet toggling as enemies cannot kill Kunkka quickly enough.
Late game:
- Shadow Blade allows him to inflict additional damage to the entire enemy team when combined with Tidebringer. As well, it can be used for mobility or escape as demanded.
- Blink Dagger, combined with X Marks the Spot, greatly extends Kunkka's reach when attacking with Tidebringer, and is useful no matter what role he plays. He can X himself and then blink forward, casting any spells or attacking with Tidebringer, and then returning to safety. Used by itself, Kunkka can instantly position himself in the best location from which to cleave the enemy, or jump within range to cast X on a foe during an initiation.
- Daedalus is an extremely powerful damage item in the hands of Kunkka, who can additionally benefit from building more than one to increase the proc chance. If his damage is high enough and he procs a crit alongside Tidebringer, Kunkka can potentially slay multiple enemy heroes with a single slash of his sword.
Situational items:
- Urn of Shadows gives Kunkka a measure of mana regen and some more HP and base damage, enhancing his power as a roamer-disabler. The item's active can be used to heal yourself or teammates, or add more damage in a gank.
- Battle Fury increases the cleave percentage of Tidebringer, while also adding a cleave that can be used while Tidebringer is on cooldown. It also gives Kunkka good health and mana regeneration, allowing him to remain out in the field for longer without returning to base.
- Black King Bar is useful both for increasing Kunkka's survivability and damage output, especially in situations where the enemy is trying to lock Kunkka down to prevent him from casting his spells.
- Heaven's Halberd provides some strength, status resistance, and evasion, and allows you to disarm the enemy carry in a teamfight. It is useful for giving Kunkka some damage alongside survivability against physical damage.
- Assault Cuirass reduces enemy armor, allowing you and your allies to deal more damage, while giving an armor and attack speed boost at the same time. While it lacks synergy with your spells and abilities, the aura it provides should never be underestimated.
- Heart of Tarrasque provides a lot of extra health and regeneration, and helps Kunkka recover from fights almost immediately. It's especially useful if you're always being focused in teamfights. As well, the additional base damage can help you inflict damage with Tidebringer as it can be augmented by percentage-based damage buffs from certain allies.
- Silver Edge adds more strength to Kunkka, giving more attack damage and a potential slow to proc on an attack. The Break component of Silver Edge can make killing certain enemy heroes easier, such as Phantom Assassin, Spectre or Bristleback.
- Boots of Travel frees up an item slot for Kunkka, giving him room to build another major item if needed, and allows him to use X for temporary returns to base. The ability to globally re-position is also very powerful, and the enhanced movement speed gives him better positioning, chasing, and escaping ability.
- Aghanim's Scepter adds new ability: Torrent Storm which disrupts enemies during teamfights with its powerful stun and slows.
- Divine Rapier is highly situational and very risky, but extremely powerful in Kunkka's hands. Combined with Tidebringer and a Daedalus, Kunkka can deal tremendous amounts of cleave damage and potentially wipe the entire enemy team under the right circumstances.
Gameplay[edit]
Roles: | Carry Support Disabler Initiator Durable Nuker |
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Complexity: | ★★☆ |
Playstyle: | It is said that none survived the battle at the Trembling Isle, save perhaps, the Admiral of the Claddish fleet. Man or phantom, Kunkka's presence on the battlefield is duly felt by all. Armed with the legendary Tidebringer, the Admiral strikes with a single blow at all who stand before him. A veteran of innumerable naval engagements, Kunkka times his skills with planned precision, catching opponents in a rising Torrent, before summoning the ephemeral Ghostship to dash them upon the rocks. |
Audio[edit]
History[edit]
Equipment[edit]
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Trivia[edit]
- Kunkka was named in honour of the artist who made numerous pieces of loading screen art for DotA and Dota 2.[1]
- Kunkka's official alternate/fun names were "Daelin Proudmoore", "CoCo", and "Captain Obvious". Daelin Proudmoore was a campaign boss in Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne; his hero model is borrowed by Kunkka in DotA.
- In his DotA biography, it is stated that some people called him "Jack Sparrow," but it was never seen as his name in-game. Jack Sparrow is the name of the main character in the Pirates of the Carribean movie franchise.
- His rival hero taunts against Slardar, Death Prophet, and Doom, and his allied lines for Windranger and Ancient Apparition, all come from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.
- His battle begin line ▶️ "Rough seas ahead, crew. Strap me to the mizzen when I give the word." is likely a reference to The Odyssey, where Odysseus commands his crew to strap him to the mast so he could hear the Sirens sing.