Kunkka

dota 2 kunkka

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.

Bio[]

Kunkka, the Admiral

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▶️ “Step lively now, your Admiral is on board!”

As The Admiral of the mighty Claddish Navy, Kunkka was charged with protecting the isles of his homeland when the demons of the Cataract made a concerted grab at the lands of men. After years of small sorties, and increasingly bold and devastating attacks, the demon fleet flung all its carnivorous ships at the Trembling Isle. Desperate, the Suicide-Mages of Cladd committed their ultimate rite, summoning a host of ancestral spirits to protect the fleet. Against the demons, this was just barely enough to turn the tide.

As Kunkka watched the demons take his ships down one by one, he had the satisfaction of wearing away their fleet with his ancestral magic. But at the battle’s peak, something in the clash of demons, men and atavistic spirits must have stirred a fourth power that had been slumbering in the depths. The waves rose up in towering spouts around the few remaining ships, and Maelrawn the Tentacular appeared amid the fray. His tendrils wove among the ships, drawing demon and human craft together, churning the water and wind into a raging chaos.

What happened in the crucible of that storm, none may truly say. The Cataract roars off into the void, deserted by its former denizens. Kunkka is now The Admiral of but one ship, a ghostly rig which endlessly replays the final seconds of its destruction. Whether he died in that crash is anyone’s guess. Not even Tidehunter, who summoned Maelrawn, knows for sure.

Abilities[]

Summons a rising torrent that, after a short delay, hurls enemy units into the sky, stunning, dealing damage and slowing movement speed.

Cast Animation: 0.4+0

Cast Range: 1300

Effect Radius: 225 ( 305)

Effect Delay: 1.6

Total Damage: 75/150/225/300 ( 175/250/325/400)

Move Speed Slow: 25%/30%/35%/40%

Slow Duration: 1/2/3/4

Stun Duration: 1.6 ( 2)

Knockup Duration: 1.53 ( 1.93)

16/14/12/10

90/100/110/120

Slow persists, and attempts to damage if debuff was placed before spell immunity and when not dispelled.

Modifiers

modifier_kunkka_torrent_thinker: Undispellable. Persists death.

modifier_kunkka_torrent: Dispellable with strong dispels.

modifier_kunkka_torrent_slow: Dispellable with any dispel.

An ancestral rush of water explodes from the center of the world, called upon by the Admiral.

Notes:

  • With the cast time and effect delay, the total delay is 2 seconds at all levels.
  • Torrent can be cast without having to face towards the targeted area, as long as the targeted area is in the cast range.
  • 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 ( 3/4/5/6) seconds.
  • The stun lasts slightly longer than the knockup, 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.
  • Provides 350 radius ground vision over the targeted area upon cast for 3.13 seconds.

Kunkka’s legendary sword grants increased damage and cleaves a large area of effect in front of him for a single strike.

Cast Range: 150

Starting Radius: 150

Distance: 650/800/950/1100

End Radius: 500/550/600/650

Cleave Damage: 150% ( 220%)

Attack Damage Bonus: 30/60/90/120

13/10/7/4 11/8/5/2)

Tidebringer is always toggled on for illusions. Illusions cannot make use of the attack damage bonus and cannow cleave.

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Modifiers

modifier_kunkka_tidebringer: Undispellable. Persists death.

A lost Claddish soul inhabits Kunkka’s trusty Tidebringer, empowering it to destroy demons of the Cataract.

Notes:

  • Upon leveling Tidebringer the first time, it has Autocast on by default.
  • Cleave damage cannot be amplified with outgoing spell damage amplification and cannot spell lifesteal.
    • Can be amplified by incoming spell damage amplification.
  • 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.
  • Does not cleave upon attacking wards, buildings or allied units. Wards and buildings are unaffected by cleave.
  • 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.

Targets a friendly or enemy Hero, marks their position with an X, and returns them to it after several seconds. Kunkka can trigger the return at any time during the duration. Lasts twice as long on allied heroes.

Cast Animation: 0.4+0

Cast Range: 400/600/800/1000

Enemy Duration: 4

Ally Duration: 8

24/20/16/12

50

Can target and return spell immune allies.

Cannot target or return spell immune enemies.

Blocked upon cast. Not blocked upon returning.

Root does not prevent the the target from being returned.

Modifiers

modifier_kunkka_x_marks_the_spot_thinker: Undispellable. Persists death.

modifier_kunkka_x_marks_the_spot: Dispellable with death only.

modifier_kunkka_x_marks_the_spot_marker: Dispellable with death only.

The Admiral’s set of arcane abilities includes some that can be used for battle as well as entertainment.

Notes:

  • ↓↓ Double-tapping automatically targets self.
  • The target is given a stop command as soon as it is teleported back, effectively canceling channeling abilities.
  • 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-ability, the unit returns to the X that the 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 ability to get wasted.
  • Provides 300 radius ground vision around the X mark for 5.94 seconds.

Return

EX

Returns the marked hero to the X.

Cast Animation: 0.4+0

1

Can return spell immune allies.

Cannot return spell immune enemies, but the modifier still lasts.

Notes:

  • Replaces X Marks the Spot until the sub-ability is used or the X disappears on the target.
  • Despite being a sub-ability, Return does proc all on-cast effects like a regular ability.

Releases a visible Torrent in a random area around you once every 0.25 for 5 seconds. Spawns in within 1100 range of you.

Cast Animation: 0.4+0.53

Min Spawn Radius: 300

Max Spawn Radius: 1100

Spawn Interval: 0.25

Storm Duration: 5

70

250

Slow persists, and attempts to damage if debuff was placed before spell immunity and when not dispelled.

Modifiers

modifier_kunkka_torrent_storm: Dispellable with death only.

modifier_kunkka_torrent_thinker: Undispellable. Persists death.

modifier_kunkka_torrent: Dispellable with strong dispels.

modifier_kunkka_torrent_slow: Dispellable with any dispel.

Ability Draft Notes:

This ability is not available in Ability Draft.

A hundred leagues of dry land couldn’t keep these seas at bay.

Notes:

  • Requires Aghanim’s Scepter to be unlocked.
  • Torrent Storm’s radius is centered on and follows Kunkka.
  • Creates a Torrent immediately upon cast, and then one every 0.25 seconds, for a total of 21 Torrents.
  • The Torrents are based on the current level of Torrent on Kunkka. If it is not learned, no Torrents spawn.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Releases a Tidal Wave that spawns behind Kunkka. Deals 250 damage and drags enemies along it for 600 distance. Enemies cannot attack while being dragged.

Cast Animation: 0.2+1

Cast Range: 1400

Travel Distance: 2300

Radius: 750

Damage: 250

Knockback Distance: 600

Knockback Duration: 1.25

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12

75

Modifiers

modifier_knockback: Dispellable with any dispel.

modifier_disarmed: Dispellable with any dispel.

Ability Draft Notes:

Notes:

  • Requires Aghanim’s Shard to be unlocked.
  • The wave travels at a speed of 700, taking 3.29 seconds to travel the full distance.
  • The wave spawns 900 range away from Kunkka, from the opposite direction where Kunkka is facing.
  • With the travel distance and radius, the wave can hit units up to 2150 range away.
  • Moves hit enemies towards the direction the wave is traveling.
    • Enemies are only disarmed during the knockback. They cannot attack, but can still turn and cast abilities and items. Channeling abilities are not interrupted.
  • The wave first applies the debuff, then the damage.

Summons a ghostly ship that sails through the battle before smashing apart, damaging and stunning all enemies caught near the wreckage. Allied heroes touched by the Ghostship are given a swig of The Admiral’s Rum, receiving bonus movement speed and a delayed reaction to incoming damage.

Cast Animation: 0.3+0

Cast Range: 1000

Ship Radius: 425

Travel Distance: 2000

Number of Ships: 1 ( 3)

Ship Spawn Interval: 3.5

Impact Damage: 400/500/600

Rum Move Speed Bonus: 12%

Rum Damage Reduction: 40%

Rum Duration: 10

Rum Hangover Duration: 10

Stun Duration: 1.4

80/70/60

125/175/225

Fully affects spell immune allies.

Does not affect spell immune enemies.

Illusions do not get the Rum buff nor its visual effect.

Modifiers

modifier_projectile_vision: Undispellable. Persists death.

modifier_kunkka_ghost_ship_damage_absorb: Dispellable with death only.

modifier_kunkka_ghost_ship_damage_delay: Dispellable with death only.

modifier_kunkka_ghost_ship_fleet: Undispellable. Persists death.

modifier_stunned: Dispellable with strong dispels.

The final ship of the Claddish Navy is nothing but a phantom, but it is all too real to the enemies of the Admiral.

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 Admiral’s Rum buff applies to allied heroes that come within 425 range of the ship at any time during its travel.
  • Applies unique incoming damage reduction on the buffed allies. Stacks multiplicatively with all other sources of incoming damage manipulation.
    • The reduction affects all damage the buffed allies take that is not flagged as HP removal.
  • Once the absorb buff expires, the Rum Hangover 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.
  • The Ghostship Fleet talent spawns 3 ships at the same location, traveling towards the same destination.
    • The ships spawn in 3.5-second intervals, starting immediately on cast, so that the last ship spawns 7 seconds after cast.
    • Ghostship’s spawn location is set upon cast and does not adapt to the caster’s current position as they spawn.

Talents[]

Recent Changes[]

Level 25 right talent: Increased fleet Ghostships spawn interval from 3.35s to 3.5s.

Recommended Items[]

Starting items:

Early game:

Mid game:

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[]

Audio[]

History[]

Equipment[]

Trivia[]

  • 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.
  • Jon St. John, Kunkka’s voice actor, originally suggested to base Kunkka’s voice on the voice of Varian Wrynn from World of Warcraft, whom he also voiced at the beginning, but was not used because the character was not used.
    • The final voice is based on a “bad impression” of Captain Picard, a character from the Star Trek universe.[2]

Gallery[]

  • Splash artwork

  • Ability icon progress

  • Hero icon progress

  • Kunkka T-shirt design

References[]

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