Smitefire logo

Join the leading SMITE community.
Create and share God Guides and Builds.

Create an MFN Account






Or

Not Updated For Current Season

This guide has not yet been updated for the current season. Please keep this in mind while reading. You can see the most recently updated guides on the browse guides page

x

Vote received! Would you like to let the author know their guide helped you and leave them a message?

Banner for Xbalanque guides

Xbalanque: "Death Comes By Night" (S4, patch 4.2)

9 0 151,993
9.2
by strassattack updated March 5, 2017

Smite God: Xbalanque

Build Guide Discussion 4 More Guides
Choose a Build: Conquest/Arena/Clash ADC build.
Conquest/Arena/Clash ADC build. Ranked Build
Tap Mouse over an item or ability icon for detailed info

Xbalanque Build

Conquest start

Build Item Charged Morningstar Charged Morningstar
Build Item Healing Potion Healing Potion
3
Build Item Multi Potion Multi Potion
2

First back (except for arena)

Build Item Transcendence Transcendence
Build Item Healing Potion Healing Potion
2
Build Item Ward Ward

Core

Build Item Transcendence Transcendence
Build Item Warrior Tabi Warrior Tabi
Build Item Asi Asi

4th item. (against at 3 or more people with high protections, get executioner)

Build Item Hastened Fatalis Hastened Fatalis
Build Item The Executioner The Executioner

5th/6th items

Build Item Demon Blade Demon Blade
Build Item Deathbringer Deathbringer

Relics to consider, from most useful to least

Build Item Purification Beads Purification Beads
Build Item Aegis Amulet Aegis Amulet
Build Item Heavenly Wings Heavenly Wings
Build Item Shield of Thorns Shield of Thorns

Consumables, from best to worst (elixirs and wards not included)

Build Item Potion of Power Potion of Power
Build Item Frenzied Ritual Frenzied Ritual
Build Item Revealing Ritual Revealing Ritual
Build Item Flickering Ritual Flickering Ritual
Build Item Rallying Ritual Rallying Ritual

Final build (most case scenario)

Build Item Transcendence Transcendence
Build Item Warrior Tabi Warrior Tabi
Build Item Asi Asi
Build Item Hastened Fatalis Hastened Fatalis
Build Item Demon Blade Demon Blade
Build Item Deathbringer Deathbringer

Alternative start (high skill)

Build Item Bluestone Pendant Bluestone Pendant
Build Item Morningstar Morningstar
Build Item Healing Potion Healing Potion
2
Build Item Mana Potion Mana Potion

Xbalanque's Skill Order

Branching Bola

1 X Y
Branching Bola
2 4 7 9 10

Poison Darts

2 A B
Poison Darts
1 6 8 11 15

Rising Jaguar

3 B A
Rising Jaguar
3 12 14 17 19

Darkest of Nights

4 Y X
Darkest of Nights
5 13 16 18 20
Branching Bola
2 4 7 9 10

Branching Bola

1 X
When Xbalanque toggles on this ability, his Basic Attacks deal additional damage. When the bola hits, it splits into 2 that hit enemies up to 30 units behind the target for 37.5% damage (on-hit effects do not apply). Pressing the ability again cancels the toggle.

Ability Type: Buff
Damage: 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 / 50
Cost: 5 / 8 / 11 / 14 / 17 per shot
Cooldown: .5s
Poison Darts
1 6 8 11 15

Poison Darts

2 A
Xbalanque shoots 15 darts in a cone in front of him, dealing damage with each one. An enemy can be hit by 5 darts, with the other 4 doing 30% damage. Enemies hit are poisoned, taking additional damage every .5s and are Slowed.

Ability Type: Cone
Damage Per Dart: 30 / 45 / 60 / 75 / 90 (+40% of your Physical Power)
Poison Damage: 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 (+10% of your Physical Power)
Poison Slow: 20%
Poison Duration: 3s
Cost: 60 / 65 / 70 / 75 / 80
Cooldown: 16 / 15.5 / 15 / 14.5 / 14s
Rising Jaguar
3 12 14 17 19

Rising Jaguar

3 B
Xbalanque rushes forward and then jumps into the air. While in the air, he fires darts at all nearby enemies, dealing damage to all in the area. Any enemies that were poisoned by Xbalanque take additional damage.

Ability Type: Dash
Damage: 80 / 130 / 180 / 230 / 280 (+50% of your Physical Power)
Additional Poisoned Damage: 40%
Damage (Max): 104 / 169 / 234 / 299 / 364 (+39% of your Physical Power)
Radius: 30
Cost: 60 / 65 / 70 / 75 / 80
Cooldown: 16s
Darkest of Nights
5 13 16 18 20

Darkest of Nights

4 Y
Xbalanque shrouds enemies in darkness for 3s. During this time, Xbalanque's Basic Attack range, Attack Speed and Movement Speed are increased.

Ability Type: Area
Attack Speed: 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60%
Movement Speed: 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 60%
Basic Attack Range Increase: 40
Cost: 100
Cooldown: 90s

Introduction

Hello smitefire, and welcome to my second guide.


My name is str***attack, and this time, I'll be covering Xbalanque, one of the hero twins of mayan legend. He is part of my core set and my third diamond mastery, so I'm pretty sure I know what i'm doing.

Xbalanque is a technical god with a great level 1 (like Osiris) and a slightly better than average late game compared to other hunters. I recommend him to anyone who enjoys using Ah Muzen Cab, Apollo, Artemis, Bellona, Erlang Shen and Zhong Kui. These are all auto-attack based gods who use abilities in conjunction with their autos (yes, Zhong Kui is an auto-attack reliant god if used correctly).

If you have never played Xbalanque much before reading this guide, you will probably not carry your team just because you read this. However, this should allow you to stop worrying about your build and just focus on how to play the hidden jaguar sun.

Overview of Xbalanque

Pros and Cons

Pros: Cons:
    High sustained damage
    Dash has CC immunity
    Branching Bola adds to crit damage
    Poison Darts has high area early-game damage
    Good late game
    High mana consumption
    Horrible early clear
    Needs lifesteal early game
    Can only work as an ADC
    No CC
    Squishy, but what hunter isn't?


This build specializes in squishy destruction, as Xbalanques kit favors a crit build because of Branching Bola, and the only form of penetration that works well with crit builds is the executioner, and Xbalanque is one of the three hunters which absolutely need Hastened Fatalis.

Ability walkthrough

Abilities
Xbalanque's passive is quite easy. You get free physical power as you get kills. The only thing you have to do about this is to attempt to kill-steal early game and if your mid has decent mobility, have them gank the duo lane early as you might get 10 free power (if all goes well).


Again, a relatively uncomplicated ability that you're able to sneak in some extra value out of it. Basically, this increases the damage of your auto attacks. This should be your first priority to level after you have completed Transcendence, as it is much easier clear than Poison Darts. Also, whenever you and whatever enemies happen to be in the same lane as you are clearing their waves, prioritize poking the enemy with the branching bolas,this is much easier than it sounds.


Xbalanques early game poke and late game kill secure ability. Early game, this will deal tons of poke damage early game (say, levels 0-7), especially with Bluestone Pendant.


Now this ability is nice. Rising Jaguar primarily is your escape, and it's a good escape, it's instantaneous and travels a fair distance. However, a good Xbalanque player will use it for more than just that. Early game, this is my preferred method of finishing off an enemy who is at one bar of health or less, as it's range is good and can take them by surprise. But the most important thing to remember about it is the CC immunity. Remember to use it against Ares, Artemis, Chronos, Amaterasu or any god who's devastating CC is broadcasted ahead of time. Just remember that this exists.


The ability that you are playing Xbalanque for. In my opinion, the second-best teamfight ultimate in the game (Curse you Odin!). 90% of the time, use this in the middle of a teamfight. This can be used to escape, but I would recommend not using it like that because it is much more useful on the offensive.

Item explanations and replacements

Build explanation
My commonest build, as I mentioned earlier, is all about squishy damage.

The only reason I get this first is that it builds into Transcendence. Otherwise, it doesn't give much to Xbalanque.

Alternative Start
Used by a skilled Xbalanque player. Always get this against Izanami, since you want a prayer at staying alive. Basically, it adds to your early game damage while delaying the end of your mana problems (which is Transcenedence).

Core items
If you are to keep one item and Xbalanque as synonymous, this would be it. Not only is it a large increaser of damage, it permanently fixes all your mana problems. In 600 hours of smite, maybe twice have I ran out of mana while having this item.


This item is debatable. You could in theory get Ninja Tabi instead of this, but since attack speed has been added to Wind Demon, I cannot recommend Ninja Tabi over Warrior Tabi. The power is just way too good.

Asi, hands down, is the second most efficient item in the game (behind Ichival and Silverbranch Bow). It's so cheap and gives so much in the way of lifesteal, pen and attack speed.It's a 90% of the time must have.

As for most gods that use this item, they come online once they buy it. Mobility, attack speed, a tiny bit of penetration and most of all, its passive, which is just overall so useful. The only reason not to get this item is because all your opponents have physical defense items.

Alternative to Hastened Fatalis
As I said above, this is a situational item if enemy protections are too high for you to deal with, and it provides somewhat similar stats as Hastened Fatalis.


Final Items
Wind Demon Currently, this is the de facto best crit item in the current meta, and while it's no longer cheap, it's just way too strong not to buy it in a crit build. It has attack speed, crit chance and power. There is nothing to lose. The passive is most useful in taking fire giant or gold fury, but it will give you a slight edge in teamfights.


The most damaging item in the game, especially on crit builds. This will turn your crits from dealing say, 300 damage per hit to dealing 800. It is insane, always get this item on Xbalanque.


Alternatives to Deathbringer
This item is thought highly of in the current meta, but I'm not so sure. The only reason I would get this over Deathbringer is if your opponents had high movement speed teams or you are having trouble connecting you autos, as it functions as a Frostbound Hammer with attack speed and crit chance.


Basically, Deathbringers' younger brother. While it does boast massive increases to damage, it's still not as much as Deathbringer. I would get this if you're having trouble against Izanami or other stealth gods, as the tick damage will reveal them. (NOTE: Don't bother with this against Ao Kuang, as you probably won't have crit him before he stealths. )

Support pairings (With and Against)

Support Matchups

Status = A bad friend, a worse enemy
While Ares is capable of using his chains to pressure the enemy duo lane, his waveclear doesn't add much to Xbalanque's abysmal early game laning phase. Also, Xbalanque does not have any difficult high-burst damage skill shots like Spirit of the Nine Winds or Desert Fury to take advantage of No Escape.
As for when you are against the god of war, his shackles will lock down your Rising Jaguar and will swiftly result in your death. Just keep out of his way underneath the tower and get Purification Beads.

Status = A good friend and enemy (#goodFrenemy)
Athena will nicely complement Xbalanque because her taunt is an excellent opportunity to hit both of the enemy duo lane with all 3 Poison Darts. Also, since her waveclear is decent enough to make her a semi-viable solo laner, she will make your laning phase much easier.
Fighting against Athena is like trying to hit the ground after jumping off a roof, you can't help but do it. If you see her charging up her dash, just be ready to let loose your own dash for the CC immunity, preventing her from pulling off her combo and dealing some damage to her.


Status = An okay friend, a horrible enemy
Bacchuss' main asset to Xbalanque is his ability to peel the enemy ADC or jungler off of you with Belly Flop and Belch of the Gods. Otherwise, he's just so-so.
As an enemy, it's completely different. Bacchus is capable of easily killing you with his high base damage. From early to mid game, he can solo you if you are caught far enough away from your tower, so don't aggress without your support.


Status = Could be a good friend, but a worse enemy
Good Cabrakan support players are rare, and they're both rewarding and risky. Early game, if they know what they're doing, they can successfully peel enemies off you with their two stuns. Or they can not know what they're doing and let you die. Risky, like I said.
Now you're into some deep waters. A Cabrakan will likely run towards you with their auto-attack buff ready, and if you don't have your dash up, you're screwed, because he will stun-ult-refraction shield-tremors and you will be dead, sending you way behind. Moral: Don't waste your dash.

Status = An excellent friend, a bad enemy.
As I said in my previous guide (on Skadi), Fafnir is the most versatile guardian in smite. Therefore, he is an excellent asset to Xbalanque. His clear is decent, his damage high and his CC is numerous, meaning that he can clear, weaken and peel for you at all stages of the game.
On the other hand, he can also clear, weaken and peel against you.

Status = A good friend,an average enemy
Geb]s' main contribution to [[Xbalanques' laning phase is his wave clear, which is decent for a guardian. Also, his two will poke the enemy duo, making it less likely that they'll aggress, making things easier on you. Also, his shield will probably save your life a few times, if your support is good with it and you don't aggress without him.
Geb vs. Xbalanque will result in a stalemate. In the laning phase, his Shock Wave will consistently poke you as it is quite difficult to dodge. Also, if the enemy geb is paired with a semi-decent adc, once they reach level five, Geb will probably rollout-shockwave-ult you which will keep you CC'd for 2-3 seconds and dealing maybe 250 damage to you. If you are careful, you won't die, if you do stupid things, you will. could go either way.

Status = BFF, pushover opponent
Khepri is an amazing support pair for Xbalanque. For starters, his wave clear is just okay but will lower the damage that your minions take, allowing you to AA longer. Also, his two CC abilities hold your opponents still for long amounts of time, which is the best CC for Xbalanque to capitalize on. Oh yeah, and his ult will save you.
Against you, Khepri has no poke, limited range and his Rising Dawn is easy to dodge. And he won't be able to aim his ult under Darkest of Nights. Easy game.

Status = Good friend, worst nightmare enemy.
Kumbhakarna adds a lot to the table when paired with Xblanque. Mainly, his early game lane clear. And his peel potential. And his ability to solo anyone. Basically, Khumba will give you a free ride through the laning phase, to where you won't need his help.
Against Khumba, pray for help, cus you'll need it. His high early damage will definitely poke you under your tower, and if you aren't careful, he'll go for the kill with his ult. And he will succeed. Just remember, caution above all else.

Status = Great friend, easy enemy
Sobeks' waveclear isn't very good, but since his peel is good, he can make up for it. If you are paired with a sobek, you can afford to be aggressive-ish early game because he has early peel, and will make your opponents think twice.
Sobek's only ability that is a threat to you is his dash/pull, and if you get good with Rising Jaguar, the CC immunity will cancel it out. Easy game.


Status = A decent friend, a bad enemy
Terra can heel you, and peel with her root. Enough said. She adds nothing else to Xbalanqeues' laning phase.
Against her, is a different story. Her root, which is nigh impossible to miss will force you to use your Rising Jaguar. This is bad enough, but late game, whenever you ult, her Terra's Blessing will also come out, canceling out your movement speed buff and healing that god you're targeting if you damage him/her enough. It's annoying as anything.


Status = A bad friend, a good enemy
Sylvanus may have good level one clear and a heal, but that's all. His utl is really meant to be taken advantage of by high burst gods, such as Anhur. Otherwise, he can't effectively peel for you or set you up well.
However, all this is still true against you. His CC is predictable, and therefore dodgeable. Also, if you see him aiming to blink in with Wrath of Terra, just dash on the spot and CC immune it and get the hell out of dodge.


Status = A great friend, a average enemy
Xing Tian has efficient peeling CC with his dash and root combo that will make most enemies back off. Also the high damage of his Furious Roar will secure early kills. But his ult is where he shines. While he's spinning your enemies, they are staying in one place for like, 3 seconds, enough time to take out a squishy. Just aim towards Xing, and you'll probably hit one the enemies being spinned.

Status = Good friend, bad enemy
He has early game pressure, and an excellent kit for preventing you being chased down. Overall, a very good partner. Also, he has a 2.5 second stun with Frost Breath, which you can take advantage of.
Bad news my friend. Ymir is easily capable of killing you at all stages of the game, with his Frost Breath-AA- Glacial Strike-AA- Shards of Ice. And you can't dash through his wall, so you are screwed if you don't have aegis. Just always buy aegis against him.

Status = bad friend, bad enemy
Kuzembo has no waveclear, no damage and his ult knocks enemies away from you. Bad choice.
Against him, your Rising Jaguar is useless against his ult, as it takes place over a long time, and his spiky shell, if you don't keep track of your health can accidentally kill you. Use caution and a long distance against him.

ADC matchups

These Matchups aren't in depth, just good or bad.


Good matchup


Bad matchup

Equal matchup


Bad matchup



Good matchup



Really bad matchup



Equal matchup



Bad matchup



Bad matchup



Good matchup



Good matchup



Really bad matchup



Equal matchup



Equal matchup



Good matchup

Ranked Tips

A few tips for ranked Xbalanque play.
This assumes that you are able to play ranked and know Xbalanque.
    Clear using your 3 and level it first. It's faster than your darts.
    If your team is ahead on your side of the map, buy attack speed boots, as it provides more damage against the gold fury.
    Don't follow the enemy ADC if you have to give up a minion wave, as farming is paramount for you. (you'll know when the exceptions to this rule are).
    You don't need lifesteal if you are good and cautious.

Normal Person Tips

For anyone who decided that they got screamed at a bit too much in their first ranked match.
(I hope i'm not alone in this)
    Don't hold down leftclick, choose when to fire an auto
    Don't waste bola shots, mana is precious to you.
    WARD! you'll thank yourself later.
    Keep your support between you and the enemy
    Don't be toxic to your teammates, it might be your fault.
    VCC!

Conclusion

In summary of this guide: YOU are Xbalanque. You will strike your enemies under the dark of night, and they will never feel a thing. Afterwards, you roar triumphantly at the moon and begin to feast on the bodies of your opponents. Then you will snap back into reality and realize that it's 3 AM and you will substitute some hot pockets for your dead enemies after that penta kill you just got.


If you don't know what I mean, then you haven't played Xbalanque enough.


Authors Note:

Finally, thank you so much for reading this to the end. That shows persistence and makes me feel good. well done. If you could please give this a thumbs up if you like the guide, that would be fantastic, if you want to leave a thumbs down because you hated it, well, I guess that's my fault. If you have any suggestions on what guide I should do next, leave it in the comments (I am an expert on all hunters, most warriors, most guardians, some mages and a few assassins). Also, if you have a comment, leave it in the comments. If you have a question, leave it in the comments. In fact, just put anything in the comments. It's lonely here.

Leave a Comment

You need to log in before commenting.

Collapse All Comments

1
Nait02 | March 5, 2017 1:40am
You've forgotten Asi in the Build section...
1
DrinksAdmirer (1) | March 3, 2017 9:46am
I have found the right place to learn about Xbalanque.If you have him diamond then know what is going on here.My thanks for sharing your expirience
1
strassattack (1) | March 3, 2017 2:14pm
Thank you, this means a lot to me.
1
DrinksAdmirer (1) | March 4, 2017 11:00am
Im going to stay tuned :D
Loading Comments...
Load More Comments

SMITEFire is the place to find the perfect build guide to take your game to the next level. Learn how to play a new god, or fine tune your favorite SMITE gods’s build and strategy.

Copyright © 2019 SMITEFire | All Rights Reserved