Awilix, the Mayan Goddess of the Moon, remains one of the most mechanically rewarding and high-impact junglers in SMITE 2. While the transition from the original game to the sequel has changed itemization and certain stat scalings, her identity as a high-mobility, burst-oriented predator who punishes enemy positioning is stronger than ever. In SMITE 2, the shift toward Strength and Intelligence metrics has given her a clear path to dominance: raw physical power coupled with precision timing.

To master Awilix in the current meta, you must understand that she is not a front-line bruiser. She is a tactical executioner. Her effectiveness scales directly with your ability to track enemy cooldowns—specifically their leaps—and your mastery over her unique basic attack progression.

Understanding the SMITE 2 Scaling for Awilix

In SMITE 2, the removal of the rigid physical/magical split in favor of Strength (STR) and Intelligence (INT) has interesting implications for Awilix. While many items now offer a mix of both, her kit remains heavily biased toward Strength.

Strength vs. Intelligence Priority

Based on current data and extensive playtesting in the alpha and beta environments, Awilix achieves her "oneshot" potential almost exclusively through Strength. Her basic attacks scale 100% with Strength, and her primary burst tool, Feather Step, features a massive 45% Strength scaling that is further multiplied by her attack chain.

We have observed that while Intelligence might offer niche utility for certain hybrid builds, it does not compare to the raw kill pressure of a pure Strength/Penetration build. When selecting items, if you are forced to choose between 50 Strength or 60 Intelligence, the Strength will always provide more consistent DPS for Awilix due to her high dependence on basic attack weaving.

The Basic Attack Progression Mechanics

SMITE 2 retains Awilix’s iconic 1 / 0.75 / 1.25x damage and swing time progression. This is the heartbeat of her gameplay.

  • Hit 1 (1x): Standard opener.
  • Hit 2 (0.75x): A quick jab that sets up the big finish.
  • Hit 3 (1.25x): A heavy overhead strike.

Crucially, her second ability, Feather Step, deals significantly more damage if used after the second or third hit of this chain. In SMITE 2, the visual clarity of this chain has been improved, making it easier for players to "feel" the rhythm of the 1.25x hit before flipping over the target.

Comprehensive Skill Breakdown and Strategic Utility

Passive: Initiative

The "Initiative" passive is what separates a good Awilix from a great one. If she strikes first from out of combat, she gains 30% increased Basic Attack Power and Strength for 4 seconds.

In SMITE 2’s jungle, where bushes provide actual stealth and vision is more contested, this passive is terrifying. When ganking from a bush, starting with an auto-attack or a Suku pounce triggers a massive power spike that ensures your subsequent Feather Step will likely put the enemy in execute range. We recommend always checking your HUD for the glowing spear icon before committing to a high-stakes engage.

1. Summon Suku

Summon Suku is more than a mount; it is a scouting tool and a repositioning masterclass.

  • The Mount: You gain 30% Movement Speed but suffer a strafe penalty. Use this to rotate between lanes faster than almost any other jungler.
  • The Pounce: A leap that deals 70% Strength scaling damage.

Pro Tip: In SMITE 2, the "cancel" mechanic for Suku is vital. You can mount Suku to gain speed, then right-click to dismount without triggering the cooldown. This allows you to stay mobile in the jungle without being defenseless. Only use the leap to chase a kill or to hop over specific terrain (like the back walls of the gold fury pit).

2. Feather Step

This is her bread and butter. Awilix flips over the last enemy hit, rooting and crippling them.

  • The Multiplier: If you use this after your second basic attack, it deals 1.35x damage. After the third? A staggering 1.9x damage and it becomes an Area of Effect (AoE) hit.
  • The "Frame": During the flip, Awilix is untargetable. In our testing, this can be used to dodge high-impact ultimates like Zeus’s lightning or even a well-timed execute.

3. Moonlight Charge

Suku rushes forward, damaging enemies. If hit from the side or behind, the enemy is knocked up. This is your primary setup for your ultimate. Because SMITE 2 has more verticality and complex jungle corridors, hitting this through walls is a high-level skill that rewards map awareness.

4. Gravity Surge (The Ultimate)

The defining "Anti-Leap" ability. It pulls the closest leaping or knocked-up enemy god to you.

  • The Buff: Upon landing, you gain up to 70% Attack Speed and 40 Strength.
  • The Interaction: It is not just for your own knock-up. If your teammate (like a Geb or Bacchus) knocks someone up, you can pull them from a massive distance.

The Definitive SMITE 2 Awilix Build

The current meta in SMITE 2 favors items that provide a "Power Spike" early to snowball the jungle. Awilix is a snowball queen. If she gets two kills in the first five minutes, the game is often effectively over for the enemy mid-laner.

Starter Itemization

You must start with a dedicated jungle item that facilitates clear speed and mana sustain. In SMITE 2, the jungle items often evolve based on your kill participation. Look for a starter that provides:

  1. Flat Strength for early camp clear.
  2. Health/Mana Restoration on monster kill.

Core Item 1: The Hydra’s Replacement/Successor

You need an item that procs bonus damage after an ability use. Since Awilix’s combo is Ability -> AA -> AA -> Ability, this "Auto-Attack Cancel" item is mandatory. Look for an item in the "Strength" tree that emphasizes "Basic Attack Power" after using a skill. This maximizes the 1.25x hit of her chain.

Core Item 2: Physical Penetration & Cooldown

The "Thebes" or "Jotunn’s" equivalents in SMITE 2 are essential. You need your ultimate and your Feather Step up as often as possible. Aim for at least 20% CDR by the 15-minute mark. Flat Penetration is superior in the early game because enemy mages and hunters have low base protections.

Core Item 3: The "Heartseeker" Style Percent Pen

As the game moves into the 20+ minute mark, the enemy solo and support will have built significant protections. You must transition into Percentage Penetration. Look for items that deal bonus damage based on the enemy's maximum health. Awilix excels at shredding tanks if she pulls them out of position.

Defensive/Utility Options

  • Magi’s Blessing Style Cloaks: If the enemy team has heavy CC (like Ares or Athena), a CC-shield item is mandatory. Getting stunned out of your Feather Step animation is the easiest way to die.
  • Movement Speed Items: Items that grant "Blink" style actives or increased out-of-combat speed help her keep the pressure high.

Recommended Full Build Path (Generalist)

  1. Jungle Starter (Upgraded for Burst)
  2. High Strength/CDR Item (The Early Spike)
  3. Flat Penetration/Attack Speed Hybrid
  4. Heavy Strength/Hydra-Effect Item
  5. Percentage Penetration (Anti-Tank)
  6. Luxury/Bloodforge Equivalent (Shield on Kill)

Jungle Pathing and Ganking Strategy

In SMITE 2, the jungle is more dangerous but more rewarding. Awilix thrives on the increased number of "tight spaces" where enemies cannot easily dodge her Moonlight Charge.

Early Game (Level 1-5)

Start at the Buff Camps. Your clear is surprisingly fast if you use the 1.25x hit of your basic attack to finish small monsters.

  • The Level 2 Gank: Many players don't expect an Awilix to gank at level 2. If the enemy mid-laner is overextended, a Summon Suku (1) into a few autos and a Feather Step (2) can force a Flash/Active or get a First Blood.
  • The "Leap Trap": Position yourself near gods with leaps (like Neith or Anhur). If they leap away from your lane partner, hit 4. It is the most satisfying "No" in the game.

Mid Game (Level 6-12)

This is where you should be hunting. Use Suku to rotate between the Mid and Duo lanes. In SMITE 2, the bushes near the Gold Fury are perfect for waiting.

  • The Combo: Suku Pounce (1) -> Basic (1x) -> Basic (0.75x) -> Feather Step (2) -> Moonlight Charge (3) (from behind) -> Gravity Surge (4).
  • The Results: This combo, if executed with the passive active, will deal roughly 800-1200 damage in the mid-game, which is more than enough to delete any Hunter or Mage.

Late Game Teamfighting

Awilix struggles in 5v5 "clumped" fights. Your goal is to find the flank. Wait for the enemy support to initiate, then dive the backline.

  • The Pull Priority: If you can pull the enemy jungler or ADC into your team, you win the fight instantly. Even if you don't kill them, the displacement is enough to disrupt their entire formation.

Advanced Tactics and Hidden Mechanics

Feather Step’s Untargetability

This is her highest skill-ceiling mechanic. You can use Feather Step to "jump over" damage.

  • Scenario: Poseidon drops his Whirlpool and is about to Kraken. If you have a mark on a nearby minion or Poseidon himself, hitting 2 at the exact moment the Kraken erupts will result in you taking zero damage.
  • SMITE 2 Advantage: The improved tick-rate and server performance in SMITE 2 make these "frame-perfect" dodges more consistent than in the original game.

The Reverse Pull

If an enemy is running away and you are behind them, you can use Moonlight Charge (3) to knock them up toward you. If you time the ultimate (4) immediately, you pull them even further back. This "Reverse Pull" is the ultimate tool for catching fleeing enemies who think they have reached the safety of their tower.

Suku for Vision

In SMITE 2, standing on Suku gives you a slightly higher camera angle. While not a massive advantage, it helps you see over certain jungle walls and obstacles that might hide enemy movement.

Synergies and Matchups

Best Teammates (The Knock-up Squad)

Awilix is twice as strong when she has teammates who can set up her ultimate.

  • Bacchus: His "Belly Flop" is a huge AoE knock-up. You can pick anyone in that circle to pull.
  • Geb: His "Shockwave" provides a reliable, long-range knock-up.
  • Vulcan: His "Meatball" (Magma Bomb) is a great, frequent setup.

Gods Awilix Counters

She is the hard counter to anyone who relies on a leap to survive.

  • Neith: Her backflip is a death sentence.
  • Anhur: His jump is slow and easy to react to.
  • Fenrir: His "Brutalize" doesn't count as a leap, but his "Unbound" jump does.

Awilix’s Weaknesses

  • Cripple: If you are crippled (by a Poseidon whirlpool or an Ares chain), you cannot use Feather Step or Suku. You become a sitting duck.
  • High Defense/Hard CC: If she gets stunned before she can flip, she is squishy enough to be blown up instantly.

Summary

Awilix in SMITE 2 is a masterpiece of assassin design. She rewards players who understand the "dance" of combat—waiting for the right hit in the attack chain, timing the untargetable frames of Feather Step, and capitalizing on enemy leaps with Gravity Surge. By focusing on a high-Strength, high-Penetration build, you can effectively delete any non-tank god in a matter of seconds.

To succeed, remember:

  1. Prioritize Strength over Intelligence for maximum burst.
  2. Master the 3-hit chain to ensure your Feather Step always hits the 1.9x multiplier.
  3. Track enemy leaps like a hawk; your ultimate is your most powerful psychological and tactical tool.
  4. Use Suku for rotations, but save the leap for the kill.

FAQ

What is the best skill to max first on Awilix?

Always max Feather Step (2) first. It is your primary source of damage and provides the most scaling per level. Moonlight Charge (3) should be maxed second for the cooldown reduction and damage, while Summon Suku (1) is usually kept at level one until the end, as its main utility (movement speed) does not increase significantly with level.

Does Awilix need Attack Speed in SMITE 2?

While her ultimate provides a massive Attack Speed buff, having a small amount of it in your build (around 20-30% from items) can help you reach the third hit of your basic attack chain faster. However, do not sacrifice Strength for it. The goal is to hit hard, not necessarily to hit many times.

Can I pull someone who is using a "Dash" instead of a "Leap"?

No. Gravity Surge specifically targets gods who are airborne (knocked up) or in the middle of a Leap. Dashes (like Medusa’s dash or Mercury’s dash) stay on the ground and cannot be pulled. Learning the difference between a leap and a dash is crucial for any Awilix player.

How do I deal with tanks as Awilix?

Awilix is a backline diver, but if you must fight a tank, ensure you have built Percent Penetration items. Use your Moonlight Charge to knock them up and pull them away from their teammates. Your ultimate also grants you protections against slows and roots, which can help you dance around a tank's CC while your team follows up.

Is Awilix good in the Solo lane?

In SMITE 2, Awilix can work in the Solo lane as a niche "counter-pick," especially against gods with leaps. However, she lacks the natural sustain and bulk of a traditional Warrior. If you play her Solo, you must build hybrid (Strength + Protections) and focus on out-trading the enemy with Feather Step's immunity frames.