Tank BusterTank Buster Counter Guide
Tank Buster helps damage remain useful against large health pools through percentage current-health damage that bypasses spirit resistance. It addresses durability, while healing and defensive casts may still require separate answers from you or your team.
How to Use Tank Buster
Who should buy Tank Buster?
Damage builds that need their pressure to remain useful into a large enemy health pool.
When to activate or apply it
Choose it when high health is the reason a target takes too long to finish, then use a coordinated damage window rather than an unsupported chase.
Watch out for
High-health damage does not by itself stop healing or remove defensive casts. Add the relevant sustain or control answer when that is also extending the fight.
When to Buy Tank Buster in Deadlock
Consider it when raw health is the reason your target takes too long to finish. Confirm whether the real obstacle is health, healing, or a defensive cooldown before choosing the purchase.
Average purchase: 21.2 minutes
Game-stage ranges are approximate, and average purchase times are a guide rather than a deadline. Buy sooner when this item would change your next fight.
Purchase timing data & context
| Stage | Average purchase |
|---|---|
| Early game · 0–10 min | Not available |
| Mid game · 10–20 min | 19.1 min |
| Late game · 20+ min | 22.3 min |
Best Against
High-health frontliners such as Rat King and Abrams.
- Pressures high-health targets
- Its damage bypasses spirit resistance
These hero guides recommend Tank Buster. Check the individual matchup for the build, situation, and timing.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Siphon Bullets
Siphon Bullets creates a temporary health swing through repeated weapon hits, stealing a percentage of the enemy's maximum health. Against a large-health target, sustained contact and a coordinated finish help convert that temporary advantage before the stolen health returns.
Compare this option →
Scourge
Scourge pairs defensive resistance with a close-range aura that damages enemies based on maximum health. It suits heroes who can stay near a large-health target without losing the fight simply to maintain aura uptime.
Compare this option →
Toxic Bullets
Toxic Bullets gives weapon users anti-heal and percentage-health bleed after repeated shooting. It fits carries who can keep landing shots on a sustain target, with the application built before the enemy's important healing window.
Compare this option →