Kit overview
Sova is the classic Initiator: Shock Bolt (Q) for damage and displacement, Recon Bolt (E) to reveal — charged, with up to two bounces — Owl Drone (C) to scout and tag, and Hunter's Fury (X, 8 points) for three wall-piercing shots. Recent patches shortened Initiator signature cooldowns, and his pick rate has risen.
Using the Recon Bolt well
- Shoot high: bounce it into positions above the enemy's line of sight so it cannot be shot down; a flat shot at the ground is wasted
- On attack, recon into the site and the high anchors first, read the count, then commit
- On defense, watch mid and the chokes; when you spot a stack, call the rotation, not just the info
- Charge and bounces decide the landing spot. Two or three lineups per map is plenty (for example, on Haven defense A, a fully charged double bounce reveals the whole hall)
The drone
Do not fly straight at the site — arc it wide. Tag multiple enemies, then back out; in the late round, use it to confirm positions before you commit.
Ultimate timing
Use it once utility has been traded and you are about to execute, or to lock a rotation lane. You are rooted while casting, so pick a spot that cannot be flanked.
Positioning
Do not be first in. Your value is information, not frags: get info, call it, and let a teammate entry.
Sources: Chinese community Sova lineup columns and official patch notes (2025-2026).