Apollo, a Deadlock hero
How to play

How to play Apollo in Deadlock

Mobile duelistFinesseMobilityA Cut Above
DifficultyModerate
WeaponSpreadshot
RoleSpirit Carry · Pick
Win rate52.2%
Pick rate18.1%
Trend +0.4% up
Average K / D / A7 / 6.9 / 12.2
Quick answer
Your job
Win short close-range exchanges against an exposed enemy, then finish them when it is safe. You want a controlled duel rather than everyone on the enemy team attacking you.
Positioning
Play around the side of a fight with cover and a route back to allies.
How to win fights
Practise the timing of Flawless Advance so your lunges are deliberate.
When you’re in trouble
Use your remaining movement to return towards allies.
Strong at
  • Controlled duelsTimed attacks reward picking a manageable isolated fight.
  • Reactive defenceRiposte can punish an enemy committing an attack.
  • Target accessMovement helps maintain contact with an exposed enemy.
Weak to
  • Timing dependenceMissed lunges or a failed counter waste important opportunities.
  • Spent movementUsing every approach tool can leave no safe exit.
  • Grouped protectionSeveral enemies can punish a duel before he finishes.

How to play Apollo

The full version of the quick answer.

Your goal

Win short close-range exchanges against an exposed enemy, then finish them when it is safe. You want a controlled duel rather than everyone on the enemy team attacking you.

Positioning

Play around the side of a fight with cover and a route back to allies. Stay close enough to threaten your lunges, but avoid spending every movement option just to reach someone. Tight or crowded routes can make both your attack and escape harder to manage.

How to fight

  1. Practise the timing of Flawless Advance so your lunges are deliberate. Attack when an enemy is occupied, has missed an important ability, or cannot easily retreat. Use Riposte in response to an attack they have actually committed, rather than guessing repeatedly while exposed.
  2. Mix your attacks with gunfire and movement instead of pressing everything at once. Look for a wounded target for Itani Lo Sahn, but check where the attack will leave you. A finish that strands you inside the enemy team can throw away the advantage.

When an enemy threatens you

Use your remaining movement to return towards allies. If Riposte misses or your target gains backup, stop forcing the duel and wait until your important tools are ready again.

Apollo Items & Ability Order

Popular Apollo Items

Explore popular item choices for Apollo, with purchase trends across the early, mid and late game for his mobile dueling playstyle.

0–9 min
  • Mystic Burst83%
  • Mystic Expansion70%
  • Extra Spirit65%
  • Extra Regen55%
9–20 min
  • Healing Booster41%
  • Healbane41%
  • Spirit Snatch33%
  • Improved Spirit28%
20–30 min
  • Tankbuster44%
  • Boundless Spirit43%
  • Superior Cooldown38%
  • Greater Expansion27%
30+ min
  • Spirit Burn22%
  • Greater Expansion16%
  • Transcendent Cooldown13%
  • Boundless Spirit12%

Apollo Ability Order

See how Apollo players spend their opening ability points, comparing different approaches to trading, mobility and finishing pressure.

Apollo ability order 1: used by 24% of players
Ability point12345678910
Disengaging Sigil1–––––––––
Flawless Advance–23–5–7–––
Riposte–––4–––8910
Itani Lo Sahn–––––6––––

Apollo game plan

Timings are approximate. When teams start grouping and pushing objectives, use the next phase’s advice.

Early game

~0–10 min

Collect souls and practise lunge timing in controlled exchanges. Preserve a movement option instead of spending everything to reach the enemy laner.

Mid game

~10–25 min

Look for separated enemies near a useful team fight. Check their backup before committing, and return to collecting souls when no safe duel exists.

Late game

~25+ min

Attack a reachable target after dangerous enemy control is spent. Finish safely, then leave before the rest of the team turns on you.

Tips

Good to know

  • Perfect Hold on Flawless Advance heals 35 HP per hero hit — timing is sustain, not just damage.
  • Riposte upgrades grant 75% lifesteal against your chosen target for 13 seconds, so always pick the duelist you'll keep fighting.
  • Apollo gains +60% bullet resist during Flawless Advance lunges, letting him tank return fire while charging the perfect hit.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Missing Riposte while already committed close to enemies.
  • Spending every movement option before their teammates arrive.

If you’re struggling

Take short exchanges near allies; avoid betting your remaining health on a missed counter.

One useful tip

Practise the lunge timing against bots before trying to chain several attacks in a real fight.

Matchups to watch

Heroes that change how you play Apollo. Situational adjustments, not rankings.

AbramsOpportunity · Lane
Watch for

Repeated close attacks create timing opportunities, but wall pins remain dangerous.

Do this

Fight away from a useful wall angle and use Riposte for a committed attack instead of guessing while already pinned.

VindictaThreat · Lane
Watch for

She can damage you before your close attacks connect.

Do this

Use cover and a side approach; keep movement for leaving if you cannot reach a useful fight.

Mo & KrillThreat · Teamfights
Watch for

A close single-target hold can deny your duelling movement.

Do this

Track their approach and wait until they are occupied before committing onto someone beside them.

Apollo Stats & Trends

Win Rate52.2% +0.4% up
TierAA tier
Pick Rate18.1%
Average K / D / A7Kills6.9Deaths12.2Assists

Damage Breakdown

Damage source
11%Gun89%Abilities
Kill style
71%Ability14%Gun14%Melee
Damage by range
  • Gun
  • Abilities
63%
0–10 m
30%
10–20 m
5%
20–30 m
2%
30–40 m
<1%
40–50 m
<1%
50+ m

See all heroes in the Meta Report