Susano, the Japanese God of the Summer Storm, remains one of the most mechanically demanding yet rewarding assassins in the Smite universe. Whether navigating the traditional item trees of the original game or adapting to the new Strength and Intelligence system in Smite 2, his core identity as a high-mobility burst specialist remains unchanged. Success with Susano is not merely about clicking buttons; it is a calculated rhythm of ability casts and perfectly timed basic attacks.

The Foundation of Susano Itemization

To build Susano effectively, one must understand that he is an "Ability Assassin" who scales exponentially with physical power (Smite 1) or Strength (Smite 2). Unlike basic-attack-focused assassins like Kali or Bakasura, Susano relies on his kit to deliver 80% of his damage, using his weapon only to fill the gaps between animations.

The single most important item across all versions of the game is Hydra’s Lament. This item synergizes with Susano’s Storm Kata in a way that no other item can match. Every time Susano uses an ability, his next basic attack deals massive bonus damage. Because his first ability can be fired in three distinct stages, a skilled player can proc Hydra's bonus damage multiple times within a single ability rotation.

Optimized Susano Build for Smite 2

In the current state of Smite 2, the game has shifted toward a dual-scaling system. For Susano, the focus is almost exclusively on Strength. Intelligence offers very little value for his primary damage loops, making it a "dead stat" in most competitive scenarios.

Core Strength Build

This build focuses on reaching the Cooldown Reduction (CDR) cap while maximizing flat and percentage penetration to shred through backline squishies and frontline guardians alike.

  1. Jotunn’s Revenge: This is the premier starting item for a Jungle Susano in Smite 2. It provides 40 Strength and a massive 25% CDR spike. In our testing during the latest patches, having your ultimate (Typhoon) and your mobility (Jet Stream) off cooldown frequently is more valuable than raw damage in the early game.
  2. Hydra’s Lament: Following the CDR spike, Hydra’s Lament adds 45 Strength and the crucial passive that empowers basic attacks by 30%. This is where Susano’s "one-shot" potential begins to materialize.
  3. Oath-sworn Spear: This item is essential for its 60 Strength and the unique protection-shredding passive. Since Susano hits frequently with his Storm Kata and Jet Stream, he can quickly reduce an enemy's physical protection based on his own level.
  4. Titan’s Bane: When the enemy team begins building physical defense, Titan’s Bane provides 35% Penetration. Unlike flat penetration, this scales into the late game, ensuring Susano doesn't fall off when attacking Warriors or Guardians.
  5. Heartseeker: This item provides a percentage-of-health damage proc on ability hits. Against high-HP targets, this item often accounts for 15% of your total damage output in a team fight.
  6. Bumba’s Hammer (Upgrade): As a level 20 upgrade, the Hammer provides true damage and cooldown resets on basic attacks. In a full combo, this allows Susano to potentially fire two full rotations of his abilities in under 10 seconds.

Situational Smite 2 Adjustments

  • Blinking Abyss: If the enemy team has high mobility (like Jing Wei or Hachiman), replacing a pure damage item with a blink-integrated relic or item can provide the necessary initiation.
  • Serrated Edge: If you find yourself in extended duels rather than quick assassinations, the lifesteal and scaling Strength from Serrated Edge (based on abilities on cooldown) offer higher sustained combat power.

Classic Susano Build for Smite 1

In Smite 1, the jungle meta is more rigid but offers a wider variety of "Procs" from the Mace and Katana trees. The goal here is "Power and Pen."

The Jungle Conquest Standard

  1. Bumba’s Spear: The gold standard for jungle clearing and late-game objective control. The power and penetration it provides at level 20 are unmatched for ability-based gods.
  2. Jotunn’s Wrath: Similar to its Smite 2 counterpart, this provides the 20% CDR and flat penetration needed to dominate the mid-game.
  3. Soul Eater: While some prefer pure damage, Soul Eater provides Susano with the sustain he needs to stay in the jungle without backing. Once evolved, the 10% CDR and ability lifesteal allow him to heal from half-health to full by simply clearing a single camp with Storm Kata.
  4. The Crusher: This adds a damage-over-time (DOT) effect to every ability hit. Since Susano’s Storm Kata and Typhoon hit multiple times, The Crusher procs frequently, squeezing out every bit of damage possible.
  5. Heartseeker: In Smite 1, Heartseeker is a mandatory late-game item. It ensures that your poke damage from Wind Siphon or the initial hit of Jet Stream actually hurts the enemy frontline.
  6. Bloodforge: Because Susano is a "dive" assassin, he often finds himself deep in the enemy backline. The massive shield provided by Bloodforge upon getting a kill or assist is often the only reason he can escape after deleting a Mage.

Mastering the Mechanics: Auto-Attack Canceling

A Susano with the "Best Build" but poor mechanics will always lose to a Susano with a "Mediocre Build" and perfect AA canceling. This is the hallmark of a high-level player.

How to AA Cancel with Storm Kata

The ability Storm Kata consists of three parts: a cone, a circle, and a dash. Most novice players simply press "1-1-1" as fast as possible. This is a mistake. To maximize damage with Hydra's Lament, the sequence should be:

  1. Activate Storm Kata (Hit 1: Cone).
  2. Immediately Basic Attack (Manual click or using "Instant Cast" settings).
  3. Activate Storm Kata (Hit 2: Circle).
  4. Immediately Basic Attack.
  5. Activate Storm Kata (Hit 3: Dash).

By weaving these attacks, you are essentially adding 300-600 extra damage to your combo at no cost to your cooldowns. In Smite 2, the timing is slightly tighter due to different animation frames, but the principle remains the same.

The Full Burst Sequence

For a guaranteed kill on a non-tanky target, use this rotation: Blink -> Wind Siphon (Pull) -> Basic Attack -> Jet Stream (Attach) -> Basic Attack -> Teleport to Jet Stream -> Basic Attack -> Storm Kata (Full AA Cancel Cycle) -> Typhoon (Ultimate).

This sequence ensures the enemy is constantly CC'd or being hit by Hydra-empowered attacks. If the target attempts to jump or dash away, your Jet Stream teleport should be held until after they use their escape.

Strategic Gameplay and Role Adaptability

The Jungle Pathing

Early game focus should be on the Speed Buff and XP Camps. Susano’s clear is decent, but he can be mana-hungry. In Smite 2, prioritize the Strength-based buffs. Avoid early 1v1 fights against gods like Thanatos or Awilix, who have higher "base" damage before items are online. Your power spike occurs once you finish your first major CDR item (Jotunn’s).

Mid-Game Rotations

Once you have Hydra's Lament and 20-30% CDR, you should be looking for "Gank" opportunities in the Mid or Duo lanes. Use Typhoon as a setup tool. A common mistake is using the ultimate only for damage. The knock-up is one of the best disruption tools in the game; use it to peel for your teammates or to stop an enemy from channeling their own ultimate.

Late Game Team Fighting

In the late game, Susano should never be the one to initiate a 5v5 fight. Wait for your Solo laner or Support to soak up the enemy's "Beads" and "Aegis" (Relics). Once the enemy backline is vulnerable, use your mobility to dive, execute the combo, and use the dash from Storm Kata to exit the fight.

Why Certain Items Fail on Susano

While experimenting is part of the game, certain item paths are objectively suboptimal for Susano:

  • Critical Strike Builds: While seeing a large number on a basic attack is fun, Susano does not have the attack speed or the built-in steroid to make Crit consistent. You will deal significantly more "Reliable" damage with a Penetration/Strength build.
  • Attack Speed: Susano’s animations are fixed. Building attack speed does not make his Storm Kata fire faster. It only reduces the gap between your manual basic attacks, which is unnecessary if you are canceling correctly.
  • Full Tank: While a "Bruiser" Susano can work in the Solo lane with items like Glad Shield or Pridwen, a full tank Susano offers very little to the team. He lacks the consistent crowd control of a Guardian, and without damage, his mobility is wasted.

Summary of Best Practices for Susano Builds

  • Prioritize CDR: You are a god of movement. If your abilities are on cooldown, you are a sitting duck. Aim for 30-40% CDR as quickly as possible.
  • Flat Pen First, % Pen Later: Early game, flat penetration (like Jotunn's) kills squishies. Late game, % penetration (like Titan's Bane) kills everyone.
  • Master the Hydra's Proc: If you are not building Hydra's Lament, you are playing at 70% efficiency. It is the core of his burst.
  • Adapt to the Game Version: In Smite 2, focus on the Strength stat and the new active items. In Smite 1, stick to the proven Mace and Soul Eater synergy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which starter item is best for Susano in Smite 2?

In Smite 2, Bumba’s Cudgel is the most reliable starter for the Jungle. It provides the necessary sustain and eventually upgrades into Bumba's Hammer, which provides the true damage procs that Susano loves for late-game duels.

Can Susano be played in the Mid lane?

Yes, particularly in Smite 2 where Strength-based "Physical Casters" are viable in Mid. However, the build must shift toward Transcendence early to manage the mana requirements of constant wave clearing. You will also be more vulnerable to ganks without the safety of the jungle fog.

How do I counter a Susano who is snowballing?

The best counter to Susano is Cripples and Silences. Gods like Poseidon (Whirlpool) or Nox (Siphon Darkness) prevent him from using his 1 and 3, effectively stripping him of his damage and his escape. Building Spectral Armor or high physical defense early can also negate his burst, forcing him to look for other targets.

Is Soul Eater still viable on Susano?

In Smite 1, Soul Eater is excellent for solo queue where you cannot always rely on your healer. In Smite 2, the current itemization favors raw Strength and "On-Hit" effects more than ability lifesteal, so it is currently a niche pick.

What is the best relic for Susano?

Purification Beads are non-negotiable. Because Susano has to dive into the enemy team to deal damage, getting hit by a single stun can mean instant death. For your second relic, Blink Rune is preferred to save your Jet Stream for chasing or escaping.