The Deathsligner needs some changes
Deathslinger is currently overshadowed by Huntress. She is better at damaging survivors, Crowd Control, and even Chase Power because missing one hatchet hurts way less than missing one shot. The change to Deathslinger's TR really hurts because Deathslinger can only shoot 18 m at max.
The one thing that Deathslinger does have over Huntress is the ability to shoot through small gaps, but because of the chain mechanic, you can't really benefit from this strength that often. On top of that, Deathslinger also gives survivors a warning when he is ADS in the form of an audio cue, which when combined with the much smaller hitbox, it is far easier to dodge a Deathslinger's shot than a Charged Huntress's Hatchet.
This raises the question of how we make Deathslinger stand out from Huntress, and I think I have a rather unique solution to offer. Give Deathslinger different types of chains that he can switch between.
Reloading and Swapping Chains
When Deathslinger is reeling in a survivor, the Redeemer will automatically reload at 1/4 the speed in normally does. This is done to reward long range shots since they aren't easily done.
Deathslinger swapping chains looks and acts the same as him reloading but only take 1.5 seconds.
Chain 1: Tangle Shot
Tangle Shot is more buckshot, being incredibly easy to hit with but having a very close range of only 8 m. When a survivor is hit, they are forced to keep moving in the direction they were heading in for a second. This means that if Deathslinger is using this shot he can zone you very quickly.
However, this shot also has the slowest Un-ADS time, so Deathslinger has to shoot you hit or miss. Faking it is not an option. If he hits you, his cool down from the shot is reduces 100% faster while if he misses it is at the same speed as normal.
It should be noted that Tangle Shot does not direct damage to the survivor hit with it.
Did you really think that some barbed wire could stop me? - Caleb Quinn
Chain 2: Chain Shot
Chain Shot is the normal shot you are used to, but with a couple of small changes to it. For starters, Deathslinger can now retract the chain from you at anytime which while freeing the survivor from any injury, also reloads the Redeemer by half.
Chain 3: Karma Shot
Karma Shot is the long range chain with a range of 48 m. However, the shot does not work against a target within the 18 m range of the Chain Shot. To make up for this lack of close range threat, it moves at twice the speed of the chain shot and tangle shot. On top of that, when reeling in a survivor, it reels them in at three times the normal speed. It also has the quickest ADS time to make it even harder to dodge.
This chain will still rarely end up with Deathslinger M1'ing the survivor, but it can drag them into a dead zone for a follow up hit.
One of these days, karma is going to catch up to you. - Caleb Quinn
Overall, I think these changes would give more options to Deathslinger and let him step out of Huntress's shadow with a unique play style focused on outsmarting the survivors by switching chains mid chase.
Comments
The main issue I have with Deathslinger is the tiny hitbox the harpoon has.
Sure you can shot through small gaps but in the open his power is useless against good survivors.
Sometimes I land a good shot on a character but the hitbox is so bad and tiny that is not registered. This is the real problem imo.