Shade is currently A-tier in Knockout with a score of 80/100. As an Assassin, Shade bursts down isolated targets and disrupts backline positions, making it a reliable pick when the meta favors Knockout.
Run Spooky Speedster as the default Star Power for Shade — it works in most situations. Switch to Hardened Hoodie on maps that punish your main weakness. For Gadgets, Longarms is the standard active pick; Jump Scare is situationally better on specific map types. Speed and Shield Gears are the standard choice.
Shade struggles against Charlie and Bibi, who can out-trade Shade at the ranges or map types where Shade is most exposed. On the flip side, Shade consistently beats Poco and Gene.
Shade performs best in Knockout (A-tier, 80/100). The Assassin kit — bursts down isolated targets and disrupts backline positions — is directly rewarded in Knockout, which is why Shade climbs higher here than in other modes. See the mode ratings section for a full breakdown.
Shade pairs best with Gene and Sandy. Since Shade bursts down isolated targets and disrupts backline positions, teammates that cover the opposite role — whether that is frontline presence, healing, or ranged poke — create the most complete comp.
To play Shade well, focus on Knockout where the mode rating is highest, and lean into being a Assassin that bursts down isolated targets and disrupts backline positions. Run Spooky Speedster as the core build, track Charlie and Bibi on the enemy team, and pair with Gene and Sandy when possible.
Shade is a dark-themed brawler who fires shadow projectiles and uses his Super to merge with shadows for brief invulnerability, enabling him to dodge incoming attacks at a critical moment. His shadow mechanics make him particularly effective on dark or low-visibility maps where his silhouette is harder to track. He is a flexible damage dealer whose invulnerability Super makes him reliable under focused fire.
Save Shade's shadow invulnerability Super for the moment before a high-damage enemy Super connects rather than using it preemptively on regular attacks. His shadow merge has a brief window, so anticipate the specific timing of incoming attacks rather than reacting after they are already fired.
SHADE DEEP DIVES
Mode-specific stats and the top ranked Shade players globally. Each page shows win rate, pick rate, best maps and tier for that specific combination.
Wait for a 1v1 opening before committing. Your burst is wasted against grouped enemies. Run Spooky Speedster in most situations, switching to Hardened Hoodie on maps where enemies can close distance. Use Gadgets as openers rather than saving them — an early Gadget creates the isolation your kit needs.
PRIORITY
Draft Around Counters
Watch for Charlie or Bibi. Both Longarms and Jump Scare are in your kit — learn which one punishes your counters versus which gives you an escape window. Use your Gadget early rather than saving it for a desperate moment.
MATCHUP
Best Team Shape
Pair Shade with Gene or Sandy when possible. Build toward The Frightener in safe positions — it swings fights instantly, so activate it when your team has the edge, not when you are already behind.
TEAMPLAY
SQUAD UP
Name your squad and share the link to coordinate your next session.
GEM GRAB
64
HOT ZONE
64
KNOCKOUT
80
BRAWL BALL
76
BOUNTY
60
HEIST
52
