Spellslinger Headshots: Rework & Bug Report

[ZzyluzZ]

Spellslinger Headshots is the least used item in the game, particularly in mid-to-high Elo matches. Despite recent buffs, the item remains fundamentally flawed due to its short duration and low application frequency.

Key problems:

1. Duration (6s) is too short – Maintaining uptime is unrealistic, especially in a meta where debuff removers are essential and always bought even if the item isn't needed in a match just because the item is that good.
2. Low application frequency (1.5s interval per stack) – It takes 15 seconds to reach the max 10 stacks, making it impractical given the effect’s short lifespan.
3. Does not apply to Jungle Camps or Minions – This long-standing issue has persisted for over three months despite multiple reports from a lot of people including me.

Proposed Rework
If the item were fixed to function like Soul Shredder, these adjustments would make it more viable:

1. Increase duration by at least 2 seconds – While it shouldn't match Escalating Exposure, 8 seconds would be much more practical than 6 and make the item worth the 4,25k souls that it costs.
2. Reduce max frequency from 1.5s to 1.2s or 1s – This would improve its usability while keeping it weaker than Escalating Exposure, this is the main issue it has.

With the current 6s duration and 1.5s interval, it’s nearly impossible to stack effectively and make use of the item, the only hero it would somewhat work on is Talon or Infernus with ricochet and even then it doesn't do its job well. A rework addressing these issues would make Spellslinger Headshots a somewhat "worth" buy, currently if u buy this item ur practically throwing/messing up ur game.

 

[micbenso66]

I want this item to be good so bad. Conceptually its good.

What if instead of increasing duration we just removed the frequency application completely but put a max stack of some where between 3-6. I dont remember how much the % buff is because, like you said, i rarely upgrade this but if we cap it at something like 18% i think that would be fine?

I know some characters would stack it super fast compared to others, but, i think thats fine as well. Items shouldnt be universally good on all characters anyways.

 

[nathanieljbrill]

I think the frequency is the only real issue, though also I wish you could see the effects of all items in the post game data. Like pristine emblem added this much total weapon damage.

I would say reduce the buff to 2% per stack, reduce stack frequency to 0.5 seconds. That should fix it.