August 13, 2023
Ashe is a long-range DPS hero with a devastatingly powerful rifle. She can fling explosives at her enemies and shoot a close-range blast for a quick escape. Ashe may be a solid choice if you’re trying your hand at DPS but feel more comfortable with mid to long-range battles. Her rifle blasts deal a good amount of damage by themselves, but when you utilize her built-in scope, you can deal even more damage.
While a powerful shot, Ashe lacks mobility, and her reload time can leave you in a tricky spot, so she is not ideal for close-range combat. If you do find yourself up close with an enemy, you can always use your dynamite as a cover blast to keep your foes busy. Just make sure your teammates aren’t nearby, or it will set them on fire too.
Ashe has a great kit for sharpshooters, so if you can find some high ground and make each shot count, you can be unstoppable. This guide will help you get familiar with Ashe’s kit, which will hopefully help you become the quickest rifle on the map.
The Viper
Semi-automatic rifle. Hold right-click to zoom in, increasing damage and accuracy but slowing the rate of fire.
This is Ashe’s primary weapon and comes with two modes. In the Primary Weapon mode, this semi-automatic rifle can damage an enemy based on where you shoot them. Unlock most other heroes’ in the game, this weapon being semi-automatic means you have to keep pressing and clicking to shoot rather than just holding down the shoot button.
The Secondary Weapon mode allows you to aim down the sights of the weapon and shoot more precisely. This increases the damage dealt but slows the rate of fire.
It’s important to make each shot count. The Viper has around a 12-round limit before Ashe needs to reload, and the reload time is a little slow, which can leave Ashe vulnerable. While this gun is powerful, it usually takes at least a headshot and a follow-up shot to take enemies down. It’s best to focus on either softening enemies up or finishing them off rather than taking them all on.
A common approach to using Ashe’s long-range advantage is seeking the high ground. Since her weapon has a hit scan mechanic that connects the shot as soon as you click fire, it is best to find high ground and aim down the sights to maximize damage.
Coach Gun
Blast enemies in front of you and knock yourself backward.
Whenever an enemy gets close to you, you can press this ability to pull out a shotgun and blast them. This knocks both you and the enemy back, so be careful not to use it when your back is against an edge. This is a great way to put distance between yourself and the enemy if you’re ever in a pinch.
Timing is key with this ability, as it has a pretty long cooldown. Utilizing the high ground, so you can save your coach gun is the best strategy, but if you do have to be on the ground, try to save the coach gun for areas where you can actually put distance between yourself and the enemy. Try to stay away from small areas where enemies can easily get close to you without a way to knock them back.
The Coach Gun can also be used as extra mobility if you’re not in any immediate danger. If you turn around and aim in the opposite direction of where you want to go, you can shoot to give yourself a small boost to get to your destination a little faster.
If you aim at the ground, you can also knock yourself up in the air, so you can land on small ledges if any are nearby.
Dynamite
Throw an explosive that detonates after a short delay or immediately when shot.
This is a pretty straightforward ability. Ashe will toss dynamite in the direction you’re aiming, and it will deal damage to the enemy and apply a burning effect for a few seconds. The dynamite can’t be hurled too long of a distance, so keep that in mind when throwing it.
If your Coach Gun is on cooldown, Dynamite is another great way to get out of a sticky situation. You can toss the Dynamite as cover and either try to make a hasty retreat or stand your ground and shoot and hope the extra damage takes your foe down before they have a chance to take you down.
If you shoot the Dynamite will it is still in the air, it will cause fire to rain down on the field, which is a good way to catch enemy groups off guard.
B.O.B (Ultimate Ability)
Deploy Bob. He charges forward and knocks enemies into the air, then attacks with his arm cannons.
Bob is a pretty nifty ability because not only does he apply damage, but he also benefits from team buffs which means he can be healed as well. He also counts as a player in a capture zone if you need someone to hold down the point.
Learning the best way to position Bob is key to using this ultimate. He springs into action with a charge, which can launch foes in the air and cause heavy damage when it connects, then he unleashes a turret. When he is shooting, he stands still and shoots for a long period of time, so making sure to use him where he is positioned to where the enemy has to either fall back or risk getting eliminated is ideal.
Tips and Tricks
- Get to high ground and aim down the sights with The Viper to utilize Ashe’s long-range capabilities
- Save the Coach Gun for when you really need it and make sure you’re not in a cramped space or with your back facing a cliff before use.
- Coach Gun can also be used for added mobility
- Toss the dynamite for added cover in sticky situations. Or toss the dynamite over a group of enemies and shoot it to rain down fire
- Positioning Bob is key. If you call him out and he hits a wall before getting to the enemies, he can be utterly useless.
Ashe is a great DPS for players who like to stick to mid and long-range attacks. She can be a powerful asset for taking out enemy snipers as well as taking down more squishy enemies like opposing team healers. She may lack mobility, but if your aim is true, you will be a force to be reckoned with.