Pocket is a very strong hero that requires players to have excellent skills and a good understanding of the game, but investing time in mastering this character will definitely pay off. His abilities can serve multiple purposes: dealing significant damage, providing high mobility, or functioning as a defensive tool, which is why he is considered quite a versatile hero.

In this Pocket guide, we'll cover the following aspects:

• strengths and weaknesses of the hero
• up-to-date build and skill upgrade
• the best synergies 

THE GUIDE WAS MADE BASED ON THE 29/09/2024 PATCH

How to play as Pocket

When playing as Pocket, it's essential to strike the perfect balance between aggressive and defensive playstyles. With his high mobility, you can easily locate enemies in favorable positions, creating advantageous opportunities for rotations and applying pressure across the map. Keep an eye on the minimap and look for easy kills to maximize your momentum. This hero can effectively carry a game single-handedly, but don't forget about your allies; feel free to ask for their support with their abilities. Gather as many resources as possible, remember to engage neutral creeps, seek out easy kills, and utilize your abilities skillfully—these strategies will help you feel strong and in control on the map.

Strengths:

1. High mobility
2. Very strong in team fights, has tons of AOE damage
3. Versatile abilities 
4. Very strong lave phase 
5. Strong at all stages of the game

Weaknesses:

1. It's hard to play against ranged heroes
2. Difficult to play really good at a high level
3. Requires good knowledge of Deadlock: character’s abilities, items, etc.

Pocket abilities

Build and upgrade abilities

Pocket gameplay means that you have to escape a lot of damage. So, you could build items for increasing damage or something offensive for great engagement.  When you need defensive slots, you are able to take items that provide additional utility or debuffing enemies.

Early game:

• Close Quarters
• Improved Cooldown
  
• Mystic Burst
  
• Enduring Spirit
  
• Sprint Boots
  
• Kinetic Dash
  

Mid game:

• Warp Stone
• Superior Cooldown
  
• Mystic Vulnerability
  
• Majestic Leap
•  Enduring Speed
  
• Soul Shredder Bullets
  

 Late game:

• Diviner's Kevlar
• Spiritual Overflow
  
• Phantom Strike
  
• Improved Bullet Armor
  
• Diviner's Kevlar
  

This is the optimal build. Remember, you can change your items depending on the situation. This character needs a really smart item build in the late game. Think about Debuff Remover or Unstoppable, there are more items like this. So, try to make right decision

The priority of pumping abilities to the maximum

1. Enchanter's Satchel
2. Barrage
   
3. Flying Cloak
   
4. Enchanter's Satchel
   

The best synergies and counterspells

The best combinations with heroes:

Pocket is independent and selfish character, but he likes to have a front line or someone with great CC for easy kills.

Counters:

1. Warden

2. Wraith

These two could ignore his Flying Cloak. Warden has annoying traps. Wraith could teleport far from Pocket and ignore incoming damage 

Example of a Game on Pocket

You can watch this game to get a clear idea of how to press the keys on Pocket and pick up useful tips. You'll also see how to move around the map and snowball yourself.

Conclusion

Pocket is a powerful hero with great flexibility and potential for aggressive play. His versatile abilities allow him to adapt easily to different situations, and his high mobility makes him dangerous in both team fights and across the map. At the same time, he requires a deep understanding of the game and thoughtful item selection, especially in the late game. Skillful use of his abilities and a balanced approach between offense and defense are key to success. However, Pocket struggles against ranged opponents and demands mastery to fully realize his potential at a high level.