Kenji, the legendary sushi chef from Starr Park, is more than just a culinary expert; he's also a highly skilled brawler with a unique blend of high health, fast movement speed, and versatile attacks. While he keeps his past a mystery, his presence in the arena is anything but inconspicuous. His attack pattern alternates between a dash and a slash, while his healing trait allows him to sustain himself in combat. But what’s the best build to maximize Kenji's potential? Let's break it down.
Kenji's Core Abilities
Trait: Health Regain
Kenji’s trait is a key feature that makes him a resilient fighter. Every time he deals damage to an enemy, he regains 35% of the damage dealt as health. This ability allows him to stay in the fight longer, making him an excellent choice for brawlers who prefer sustained combat.
Attack: Dash 'n' Slash
Kenji’s attack alternates between two modes:
· Dash: Kenji dashes a short distance, damaging any enemies in his path. This is a relatively low-damage attack but provides mobility and positioning.
· Slash: A close-ranged, wide arc attack that deals moderate damage to all enemies in front of him.
Super: Slashimi
Kenji's Super involves throwing a fish over obstacles and becoming invulnerable for a short time. Upon landing, he quickly slashes in a cross pattern, dealing massive splash damage. The key to using his Super effectively is to time it when multiple enemies are clustered together, maximizing the damage potential. Kenji returns to his original position after the Super ends, so positioning is essential.
What is the Best Build for Kenji in Brawl Stars?
Gadget 1: Dashi Dash
Kenji’s Dashi Dash Gadget makes him dash with every attack for 3 seconds. This is useful for quickly closing the gap between Kenji and his enemies or getting to objectives like gems in Gem Grab or the ball in Brawl Ball. It can also help Kenji escape tight situations by rapidly repositioning himself.
When to Use:
· Chasing down low-health enemies: The increased mobility helps Kenji catch up with fleeing brawlers like Piper or Shelly, especially after they’ve missed their attacks.
· Objective play: Use it to quickly reach important locations like the gem mine or Hot Zone.
While Dashi Dash offers great mobility, it requires careful timing and precision. Predictable dashing can make you an easy target, so try to keep your movement erratic.
Gadget 2: Hosomaki Healing
Kenji’s Hosomaki Healing Gadget allows him to instantly recover 50% of the damage taken over the last 3 seconds. This is a great way to turn the tide in a fight if you’ve taken heavy damage, like from an enemy Shelly or a fast burst of damage.
When to Use:
· After taking significant damage: Use it right after taking a few hits to quickly restore health and stay in the fight.
· Escaping danger: If you’re in a bad position and need to retreat, the instant healing can buy you enough time to get out.
One important note: Don't wait too long to activate this Gadget. If you delay the activation, you may lose the healing window, and the damage may be too much for you to recover from.
Star Power 1: Studied the Blade
Kenji's Studied the Blade Star Power increases the range of his Super slashes by 30%. This extra range is critical for landing more hits on multiple enemies, especially when they try to scatter after Kenji activates his Super. The additional reach can also help you finish off enemies who think they’re out of range.
When to Use:
· In tight spots with multiple enemies: The extended range ensures that even if the enemies try to run away from your Super, you can still hit them.
· Positioning: Use this Star Power when you expect to be surrounded by enemies so you can maximize the damage from your Super.
Star Power 2: Nigiri Nemesis
Kenji’s Nigiri Nemesis Star Power grants him a shield that reduces incoming damage by 60% after avoiding damage for 5 seconds. This Star Power is particularly useful against snipers like Piper and Mandy, as it gives Kenji a buffer to survive their first attack.
When to Use:
· Against snipers: This Star Power can be a lifesaver against long-range brawlers that would otherwise pick Kenji apart from afar.
· Staying alive after a dodge: After evading attacks, it allows you to turn the tables and retaliate without immediately worrying about taking heavy damage.
However, once the shield is used up, Kenji is vulnerable, so use his high mobility to dodge and recharge the shield.
Tips for Playing Kenji
· Dash Smartly: Kenji's dashes are his mobility tool, but they can also make him predictable. Mix up your movements to keep enemies guessing.
· Use the Super Effectively: Time your Super to hit enemies in a cluster for maximum damage. Be aware of the map layout so you can use the fish to cross obstacles and escape attacks.
· Healing Strategy: Don’t hesitate to use Hosomaki Healing if you’ve taken considerable damage, but make sure to use it before it's too late to benefit from it.
· Positioning: Kenji excels in close-range combat, so always look for opportunities to get in close and unleash his Slash attack. His high mobility means he can be a menace on the battlefield when used correctly.
Conclusion
Kenji’s combination of mobility, healing, and damage output makes him a versatile brawler with several viable builds. By leveraging Dashi Dash for speed and positioning, Hosomaki Healing for sustainability, and his Star Powers to maximize his Super’s impact and tank damage, Kenji can thrive in many situations. Play carefully, mix up your movements, and time your Gadgets and Super well, and you'll unlock the full potential of this sushi chef-turned-fighter!
