Scorch

Scorch is a rare laser hero once obtainable by winning the The Beast Howls. Also available for purchase on special occasions.

Utility
Strategy while leveling:

Scorch levels easily and doesn't require any special strategy to level. She is pretty squishy at her first level but that doesn't last long. Once Scorch unlocks Plasma Ball at level two, she becomes very formidable. Scorch can be counted on to kill chunks of creeps before dying in her earliest levels. This kill ratio ensures quick grindless level progression throughout Scorch's level tree. Light armor removes Scorch's squishiness, she has decent health that is complemented by the 25% damage resistance. When Scorch unlocks Flash Bang, she gains real defensive utility. Flash Bang reduces both creep speed and damage by 25%; Oracle has a similar ability but it is inferior as it only reduces damage by 25%. When Scorch unlocks Health Reinvigorator she gains 100 health, which stacks with her already amazing health value. A level 16 Scorch has 635 health, a level 18 Flak has 490. Scorch is only less hardy than Cinder among all the heroes. Scorch was able to do damage side by side with the best of heroes before she acquires Plasma Ball Upgrade. After her final ability is unlocked, Scorch becomes a monster and master of offensive defense.

Max ability strategy:

Scorch is predominantly built around her Plasma Ball Ability and a series of Defensive Perks. Plasma Ball fires of explosive blasts at roughly 5-second intervals that hits creeps from half-way across the map. Plasma Ball shots will seriously maim or kill both individual creeps and groups of creeps when creeps are grouped close together. If possible, design your defense to create chock points where creeps are forced to huddle up. Scorch will destroy creeps en mass at chokepoints. Scorch's great hardiness and Flash Bang attack make her well suited to manning an infantry line. It is often best to keep Scorch at the rear. She can often hit Creeps at a reliable frequency even from the rear and offers great support to infantry. However, Scorch has great offensive potential when positioned centrally; she can hit targets anywhere on the map in a central position. Hence, a top-level Scorch shines in offense but reaches her full potential when backing a defensive position.

Most complementary heroes:

Scorch is a good partner with any hero. The only time it would be wise not to include Scorch in a mission are in missions that have creeps that other heroes effectively counter. Scorch works effectively with Flak who gathers more money. When paired with Skybolt, the duo protect from earth and air and dish out map wide damage. When paired with Roxie, Oracle, or especially Cinder, Scorch adds some serious offense and additional defense to very tough defensive lines. Surge and Scorch work together as the king and queen of extreme offense. Surge deals more damage and overall killing than Scorch, However, Scorch has more hardiness than Surge. They pair together so well that it feels as if few perks other heroes offer are missing from the pairing.

How fun is this hero to use:

Scorch is very fun to use from the beginning. Her Plasma Ball is more deadly and impactful on a map than Flaks C5 Grenade. Scorch unlocks Plasma Ball at level 2 while Flak gets C5 Grenade at level 14. Thanks to Plasma Ball, there is no grind in Scorch's progression, she only gets more fun to use over time.

Should you invest:

Opportunities to buy or earn Scorch are rare. Considering how powerful she is, it is suggested that you take those opportunities. Scorch is a valuable addition on nearly any mission, second only to Surge.