Among my Heroes of the storm play group, we talk a lot of competitive strategy. We debate the current meta, dissect tier lists, create hypothetical patch notes: it's just what we love to do. One reoccurring theme (it started out as a joke) is how throughout the games history, Muradin has low-key been the best hero in the entire game. Dodging nerfs in every patch, slowly accumulating tiny buffs, one month at a time.
Muradin has always been powerful, but he isn't flashy. He doesn't pull off Jaina or Kael'thas levels of high profile plays and every new warrior released brings something new and exciting that leaves Muradin off of peoples mind. He is also one of the oldest heroes, thanklessly tanking since the Alpha days of OP Tychus and Falstad's Shock and Awe.
Take a look at the hero picks from the last six patches (followed by the meta we are in currently in). Notice any patterns?
- Muradin ties with a newly buffed Anub'arak for most picked warrior in the game.
- This is the last time we will ever see Brightwing on this list. RIP.
- Johanna hits the scene and Anub'arak gets less play.
- Muradin still in the top 5.
- This is the last we will see Rehgar be played so heavily.
- Pre-nerf Leoric and Johanna were the best warriors you could choose from.
- Anub'arak and Muradin are still picked, just less so.
- Anub'arak has left the meta. Muradin gets to see even more play thanks to the double warrior popularity.
- Arthas makes his surprise rise.
- Muradin is the most popular warrior in a big way.
- Double warrior becomes less popular, creating the ideal environment for a strong solo tank to flourish.
- Muradin also got a small buff to Haymaker. This does not change his competitive viability at all.
- Sonya buffs finally put her on the board.
- Cho'Gall Patch
- Muradin has withstood the test of time.
- Johanna and Leoric had their moments, but you just can't beat the stuns and mobility Muradin can offer.
- E.T.C. makes a surprise comeback.
- It took a long time, but Muradin has done it. He has beaten out both Kael'thas and Jaina as the most picked competitive hero.
- Sonya being picked the most then she
The take away:
Jaina is the most universally picked assassin, Uther is the most universally picked support, and Muradin is the most universally picked warrior. He doesn't come up often when people talk about the most powerful heroes, but the stats tell a different story. Muradin has remained virtually unerfed since his earliest incarnations and may actually be the strongest, most useful hero in the game.
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