Meet Hotpaws, a lovable, volcanic bruiser in Sparkball. Despite his bashful and clumsy nature, Hotpaws is a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. His superhot fists not only deal significant damage but also heal him, making him a resilient front-line disruptor. However, his affectionate nature can be a double-edged sword, as his attempts to "hug" can literally disintegrate someone in his grasp.
Abilities Overview
Friendmaker (Left Click)
Hotpaws throws out a friendly fistbump, dealing damage with his giant superheated fists.
Additionally, when standing near enemies, they begin to heat up.
Once fully heated, Hotpaws can fistbump them to deal divine damage and heal himself.
Tips:
Basic punches apply heat to nearby enemies. Stay close to keep the pressure up.
Once a target is fully heated, a punch deals divine damage and heals Hotpaws.
Swap targets often in team fights to keep healing while tagging multiple threats.
Ideal for sustained engagements and staying on the front line without needing to retreat.
Applause (Right Click)
Hotpaws high-fives himself so hard that the ground ruptures at the targeted location, dealing damage and knocking both enemies and allies in the targeted direction.
Tips:
AOE displacement tool that affects both foes and friends.
Use offensively to knock enemies out of formation or into danger zones.
Use defensively to slap teammates out of danger or into strategic positions (like goal zones).
Can combo with other knockback/stun abilities to keep targets juggled or isolated.
Cannonball! (Space Bar)
Hotpaws leaps into the air and crashes down at the target location, dealing damage and stunning enemies on impact.
Tips:
Great for starting fights or disrupting enemyformations.
Target backlines or clusters for maximum disruption and crowd control.
Can be used defensively to escape over walls or peel for vulnerable teammates.
Sets up Protect, But Also Attack! well by giving you space and a damage window.
Protect, But Also Attack! (Q)
Hotpaws raises a slab of rock that blocks all damage from the direction he’s facing.
At the end of the duration, or when recast, the shield launches a projectile that damages the first enemy hit.
The damage of this projectile scales with how much the shield absorbed.
Tips:
Use during enemy bursts to mitigate damage and charge a stronger counterattack.
Pairs well with Cannonball! to immediately follow up with a guaranteed shot.
Aim carefully, the projectile only hits one target and can be body-blocked.
Even Hotter Paws (Ultimate - R)
Hotpaws grows larger, gaining increased movement speed and health regeneration for 8 seconds.
While moving, he stomps the ground periodically, dealing damage and knocking back nearby enemies.
Tips:
Use to chase down enemies, disrupt backlines, or clear space near the ball.
Each stomp can interrupt enemy casts and help zone key choke points.
The regen and size increase make Hotpaws extremely difficult to ignore; use it to force fights or anchor defenses.
Tank Tactics – Control Through Chaos
Hotpaws thrives in the center of the action, using his kit to disrupt, displace, and endure.
Friendmaker gives you sustain to stay in the fight longer and wear opponents down.
Use Cannonball! to initiate fights with impact—go for stuns on backline targets or split the enemy team.
Applause doubles as a movement skill and control tool—knock enemies away or reposition allies.
Protect, But Also Attack! lets you soak frontline damage while still contributing offensively.
Coordinate with teammates, Hotpaws isn’t a solo carry, he amplifies the team.
Offense & Defense – Frontline Flow
Hotpaws controls tempo by switching between pressure and protection on the fly.
Offense:
Open fights with Cannonball! to catch enemies off guard or interrupt key abilities.
Use Applause to scatter defenders or push allies into favorable positions near goal zones.
Stay close to the ball when pushing: you’re a high-value escort thanks to Protect, But Also Attack!
Defense:
Interrupt enemy scoring attempts with a well-timed Cannonball! or Applauseto reset their advance.
Zone out the enemy backline using Friendmaker’s sustain and ult knockbacks to force retreats.
Field Control – Bumps, Slaps, and Team Lifts
Hotpaws’ real power lies in his disruptive utility and mobility tricks.
Applauseis a Swiss army knife—push enemies back, knock ball carriers off-path, or slap allies into goal range.
Use Cannonball!not just for damage, but to draw attention and let teammates reposition.
With Friendmaker, you can keep pressure up without needing to retreat to heal—stay in enemy faces longer.
Ultimate Impact – Even Hotter Paws
Hotpaws’ ultimate transforms him into a hulking menace and walking teamfight reset button.
Activate Even Hotter Paws when you're about to engage or when your team’s about to collapse.
Use the stomp knockbacks to interrupt ultimates, stop ball carriers, or force enemies off points.
The regen and size buffmake you ideal as a frontline tank—get in their faces and don’t leave.
Lore
Hotpaws, the volcanic Fabled, is a creature of warmth and affection. He has a heart as big as a volcano and a personality that's just as fiery. Despite his intimidating appearance, Hotpaws is a gentle giant who loves to give hugs and make others feel better. However, his good intentions often lead to unintended consequences due to his superheated hands, which can literally disintegrate anyone he touches.
Clumsy and bashful, Hotpaws is a lovable character who can easily drown you in affection (and lava). His warm-hearted nature and fiery enthusiasm make him a unique and unforgettable presence in Sparkball. Despite the challenges his hot hands pose, Hotpaws never lets it dampen his spirits. Instead, he uses his unique abilities to his advantage on the Sparkball field, proving that even the most unconventional traits can be a source of strength.
Whether he's hugging his teammates or scorching his opponents on the field, Hotpaws is a beacon of warmth and positivity. His story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can find a way to shine.
