Smite: The Demon Queller
The Demon Queller on the Battleground of the Gods
In the popular third-person MOBA Smite, where deities from diverse global pantheons clash in strategic 5v5 combat, Zhong Kui appears as a playable god representing the Chinese pantheon. He is classified as a Mage, a magical damage dealer renowned for his high area damage and exceptional durability, which allows him to thrive in the front lines of a team fight.
For many players in the Western world, Smite served as their first introduction to the King of Ghosts, bringing his ancient legend to a new, global audience.
In-Game Lore: A Faithful Adaptation
Smite's official biography for Zhong Kui is a direct and respectful retelling of his classic mythological origin. The lore describes him as a man of brilliant intellect who easily passed the Imperial Examinations, only to be cast out by the emperor due to his "hideous face."
Consumed by fury at the injustice, Zhong Kui hurled himself against the palace gates until his body was broken. In the afterlife, his potential was recognized by the King of Hell, who appointed him Lord of Demons and tasked him with forever hunting and ensnaring the evils of the world.
This faithful adaptation ensures that players are introduced to the core tenets of his legend.
Abilities & Gameplay Analysis
Zhong Kui's gameplay is that of a close-range "battle mage", a durable caster who wades into the fray to unleash his power. His ability kit is highly synergistic, revolving around a two-step process:
Core Mechanics
- Apply magical talisman to enemies with his Expose Evil ability
- Consume the mark with Exorcism for burst damage and healing
- Store captured demons in his Demon Bag for stacking protections
- Unleash stored spirits with his ultimate Recall Demons
Zhong Kui's Abilities
| Ability | Name | Description | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passive | Demon Bag | Demons captured are stored in his bag, giving additional protections. When Recall Demons is active, he gains double protections but loses stacks as the bag empties. | Stacking Protections (Physical & Magical) |
| Ability 1 | Expose Evil | Pastes a card on enemies in front of him, marking them as demons. Deals damage over time and slows. If removed, remaining damage is applied instantly. | Damage over Time, Slow |
| Ability 2 | Exorcism | Drives out demons from enemies, dealing damage. Marked demons are captured, healing Zhong Kui per demon (up to 3). | Burst Damage, Healing |
| Ability 3 | Book of Demons | Deals damage and stuns nearby enemies. Marked enemies are stunned for double duration. When not on cooldown, the book fires for basic attack damage. | Damage, Stun |
| Ultimate | Recall Demons | Demons pulse out from his bag every second for 5s, chasing nearby players. They damage enemies and heal allies. Zhong Kui is immune to crowd control. | Area Damage, Area Healing, CC Immunity |
Strategic Role & Community Perception
In the Smite metagame, Zhong Kui is primarily played in the solo lane, where his high sustain and lane-bullying potential allow him to dominate early-game matchups. His passive makes him naturally tanky, allowing him to build magical power items while remaining difficult to kill.
Strengths
- High area damage in team fights
- Exceptional durability for a mage
- Strong lane presence and sustain
- Crowd control immunity during ultimate
Weaknesses
- Lack of mobility makes him vulnerable to experienced players
- Multi-step combo feels "clunky" compared to modern god designs
- Predictable attack patterns can be exploited
The community widely regards his kit as a product of an older era of the game's design. The announcement of Black Myth: Zhong Kui has renewed interest in the character within the Smite community, with many players expressing hope that he will receive a gameplay rework in Smite 2.
Visual Showcase
Smite offers players a variety of cosmetic skins to customize Zhong Kui's appearance:
- Demon Catcher - Ghost-hunting themed
- G.I.Zhong - Military-styled
- Stitched Horror - Patchwork design
- King of Ghosts - Regal appearance
Official Resources
- Official Website: smitegame.com
- Zhong Kui God Page: smitegame.com/gods/zhong-kui
- Smite 2 Website: smite2.com