Yamato uses precise strikes to decimate her rivals. However, such damaging attacks often will leave her exposed, so she needs to make every shot count.
Charge up an attack, dealing high damage on a full charge
Cooldown
12s
Channel to increase damage over 1.4 seconds, then release a fully-charged sword strike.
Press Ability 1 or to trigger the strike early, dealing partial damage.
Full Charge Damage
145 + 1.96 × Spirit
Slash Length
22m
Bullet Resist
60%
Upgrades
1 AP
+32% Movement Slow for 3s
2 AP
-4s Ability Cooldown
5 AP
+8m Cast Range
+150.0 Damage and Increases Spirit Power scaling
Base values with no items, from the Deadlock API, November 2, 2026. Patches change them.
The file on Yamato
Everything confirmed. Pick a box, then open any source to see the proof.
Origins
How Kaori became Yamato.
Her real name is Kaori. Only three lines in the game use it: one each from The Hidden King, The Doorman and Rem.
SourceThe Hidden King, The Doorman, Rem
In the game
“Kaori. You honor your brother by taking his name… and honor him further still by making his dreams a reality. Complete the ritual and see the success you both dreamed of.”
The Hidden King, to Yamato, as a match begins
“Your brother died to save your life, Kaori, and what do you have to show for it? A life of exile in a country full of people that can't be bothered to learn your real name and an organization that is a shadow of it's former glory. Just give up Kaori - sorry, I forgot, It's Yamato now.”
The Doorman, using an ultimate on Yamato
“I like your brother too, Kaori.”
Rem, putting Yamato to sleep
She and her brother, the first Yamato, were born into a crime family, the 7th Moon. They always knew they would take over when their father died, and then ran it as equals.
“Born to criminal royalty, Kaori and her brother Yamato always knew they were destined to run The 7th Moon after their father's passing. For years they ran the organization as equals”
“Your brother died to save your life, Kaori, and what do you have to show for it? A life of exile in a country full of people that can't be bothered to learn your real name and an organization that is a shadow of it's former glory. Just give up Kaori - sorry, I forgot, It's Yamato now.”
The Doorman, using an ultimate on YamatoEnglish removed
In Japanese: “You're as useless as my brother's bodyguards were.”† (English removed)
Yamato, on killing Mirage
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
The contact waiting for her brother greeted her as Yamato, not knowing it was a man’s name. She kept it, to keep his memory alive and live out his dream.
SourceYamato’s biography
In the game
“the contact her brother was supposed to meet greeted her and her retinue. Unfamiliar with the gender of Japanese names, the man addressed her as Yamato.”
Asked what brought her to America, she gives one word: betrayal.
SourceSeven, Yamato
In the game
“What brought you to America?”
Seven, to Yamato, before a match
“Betrayal.”
Yamato, to Seven, before a match
She now lives in exile, and people back home are still hunting her.
SourceThe Doorman, The Hidden King
In the game
“Your brother died to save your life, Kaori, and what do you have to show for it? A life of exile in a country full of people that can't be bothered to learn your real name and an organization that is a shadow of it's former glory. Just give up Kaori - sorry, I forgot, It's Yamato now.”
The Doorman, using an ultimate on Yamato
“You have enemies back home who still hunt you. But once you complete the ritual only a fool would oppose the 7th Moon.”
The Hidden King, to Yamato, as a match begins
Her family goes back a long way. Her sword is a very old heirloom, and an older line says the family “has defied death for generations”.
SourceDynamo, Yamato †
In the game
“Forgive my ignorance Yamato, but is that sword an heirloom?”
Dynamo, to Yamato, before a match
“It is.”
Yamato, to Dynamo, before a match
“How old?”
Dynamo, to Yamato, before a match
“Very.”
Yamato, to Dynamo, before a matchEnglish removed
In Japanese: “My family has defied death for generations.”† (English removed)
Yamato, upgrading an ability
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
Why Yamato is in the ritual
Her own words first. The Patrons want something from her, so read theirs as offers.
To make the 7th Moon rule New York. She says so herself, and both Patrons offer her exactly that.
SourceYamato, The Archmother, The Hidden King †
In the game
“New York belongs to the 7th Moon.”
Yamato, on a killing streak
“Under your leadership, the 7th Moon could run New York… all you need to do is complete the ritual.”
The Archmother, to Yamato, as a match begins
“This is not your city, Yamato, but after you summon The Hidden King it will be.”
The Hidden King, to Yamato, as a match beginsEnglish removed
In Japanese: “Soon the 7th Moon will run New York”† (English removed)
Yamato, before a match
In Japanese: “New York will be mine!”† (English removed)
Yamato, when nearly dead
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
For her brother. She took his name and his dream, and an older pre-match line seems to speak to him directly.
SourceYamato’s biography, Yamato, The Hidden King, The Archmother †
“Kaori. You honor your brother by taking his name… and honor him further still by making his dreams a reality. Complete the ritual and see the success you both dreamed of.”
The Hidden King, to Yamato, as a match begins
“Yamato, you honor your brother by taking his name… but there is more work to be done to enshrine his legacy.”
The Archmother, to Yamato, as a match beginsEnglish removed
In Japanese: “Yamato. My victory, will be your victory.”† (English removed)
Yamato, before a match
In Japanese: “The world will not forget the name Yamato.”† (English removed)
Yamato, on a killing streak
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
To build a legacy, not for revenge. She tells Seven that revenge can wait.
SourceSeven, Yamato †
In the game
“So you seek revenge?”
Seven, to Yamato, before a match
“No. I seek to build a legacy. Revenge will come when it comes.”
Yamato, to Seven, before a matchEnglish removed
In Japanese: “The "7th Moon"'s legacy doesn't end here!”† (English removed)
Yamato, using an ultimate
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
To become the only crime lord left, as she tells Infernus before a match. Haze expects her to use the Patrons to make the 7th Moon strong.
SourceYamato, Haze
In the game
“Don't worry. Soon I'll be the only crime lord.”
Yamato, to Infernus, before a match
“We're going to win today Yamato. And when we do you'll use the patrons to make the 7th Moon strong. But know this: we're watching you.”
Haze, to Yamato, before a match
To be safe from the people hunting her. That’s how the Hidden King sells it.
SourceThe Hidden King
In the game
“You have enemies back home who still hunt you. But once you complete the ritual only a fool would oppose the 7th Moon.”
The Hidden King, to Yamato, as a match begins
The Archmother says Yamato is after more than survival, and that the 7th Moon’s future depends on it.
SourceThe Archmother
In the game
“You have overcome grief and betrayal to stand here today… but you seek to do more than just survive. Complete the ritual.”
The Archmother, to Yamato, as a match begins
“The 7th Moon needs you to lead them to a new era. Complete the ritual. Summon The Archmother. And know their future is secured.”
The Archmother, to Yamato, as a match begins
She expects to win. Older lines say no one will stand between her and finishing it, and that soon they will bow to her.
SourceYamato †
English removed
In Japanese: “No one will stand between me and completing the ritual.”† (English removed)
Yamato, on a kill
In Japanese: “Soon, they will bow to me”† (English removed)
Yamato, before a match
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
Factions and organizations
Who she leads, fights and looks down on.
The 7th Moon
She leads it. It’s a crime family from Japan, now trying to take New York.
“Under your leadership, the 7th Moon could run New York… all you need to do is complete the ritual.”
The Archmother, to Yamato, as a match beginsEnglish removed
In Japanese: “The 7th Moon takes what it wants”† (English removed)
Yamato, on a killing streak
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
Wraith’s operation
A rival in New York. Wraith has offered peace after the ritual, and Yamato said no. Older lines say Wraith’s operations will belong to the 7th Moon.
SourceWraith, Yamato †
In the game
“I mean afterwards. Your operation and mine don't need to be enemies.”
Wraith, to Yamato, before a match
“I don't need your friendship. You need mine.”
Yamato, to Wraith, before a match
“Perhaps there will be a place for you in the 7th Moon, Wraith.”
Yamato, alongside WraithEnglish removed
In Japanese: “Your operations will belong to the 7th Moon.”† (English removed)
Yamato, on killing Wraith
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
The other families
Holliday warns her that picking fights with them won’t end well. She isn’t worried.
SourceHolliday, Yamato
In the game
“Picking a fight with the other families isn't going to end well for you.”
Holliday, to Yamato, before a match
“We'll see.”
Yamato, to Holliday, before a match
“Don't worry. Soon I'll be the only crime lord.”
Yamato, to Infernus, before a match
The Mendoza Syndicate
A New York syndicate that Ivy stopped. Yamato tells Ivy that Mendoza fears her, and her older lines see good news in it.
SourceIvy’s biography, Abrams, Yamato †
In the game
“she learned that the people attacking them were called "The Mendoza Syndicate"”
“The city owe you a debt for taking care of Mendoza.”
Abrams, to Ivy, before a match
“Mendoza fears you, gargoyle.”
Yamato, to Ivy, before a matchEnglish removed
In Japanese: “Thanks for dealing with Mendoza, saved me time.”† (English removed)
Yamato, on killing Ivy
In Japanese: “That's the thing that stopped Mendoza? Taking over New York should be easy…”† (English removed)
Yamato, on killing Ivy
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
The OSIC
It’s watching her through Haze. For now the 7th Moon is too small to bother with, but Haze says that changes if it becomes a cartel. An older line says she isn’t afraid.
SourceHaze, Yamato †
In the game
“We're going to win today Yamato. And when we do you'll use the patrons to make the 7th Moon strong. But know this: we're watching you.”
Haze, to Yamato, before a match
“Right now your operation is small enough that the OSIC wouldn't waste allocating resources on you.”
Haze, to Yamato, before a match
“And if the 7th Moon grows?”
Yamato, to Haze, before a match
“Well, if it gets big enough it stops being a gang and starts being a cartel. That's usually when my superiors start thinking about having me kill you in your sleep.”
Haze, to Yamato, before a matchEnglish removed
In Japanese: “I'm not afraid of the OSIC”† (English removed)
Yamato, on killing Haze
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
The police
She has no respect for them. She tells Abrams, a detective, “You owe me”, and her older lines put the 7th Moon above the law.
SourceYamato †
In the game
“You owe me detective.”
Yamato, to Abrams, before a matchEnglish removed
In Japanese: “I can't believe I'm stuck working with a cop”† (English removed) まさか警察の犬と協力することになるとはな
Yamato, to Holliday, before a match
In Japanese: “The 7th Moon is above the law.”† (English removed)
Yamato, on killing Holliday
In Japanese: “When will the police learn…”† (English removed)
Yamato, on killing Holliday
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
The Vatican
She knows Venator is the Vatican’s killer, and approves.
SourceYamato †
In the game
“You are the Vatican's killer, yes?”
Yamato, to Venator, before a match
“Good. Better you than someone with morals.”
Yamato, to Venator, before a matchEnglish removed
In Japanese: “That's the best the Vatican has?”† (English removed)
Yamato, on killing Venator
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
Fairfax Industries
Deadman Danny says the company won’t do business with the 7th Moon. McGinnis, who works there, calls it a street gang.
“Yamato, you run a street gang… I drive the occult industrial complex. You never had a chance.”
McGinnis, on killing Yamato
The Djinn
Mirage protects Nashala Dion, a Djinn ambassador, and doesn’t want her linked to the 7th Moon. Yamato offers friendship. Mirage calls her a terrible person to owe.
“I don't like the idea of Nashala being associated with the 7th Moon.”
Mirage, to Yamato, before a match
“I'm a good friend to have, Mirage.”
Yamato, to Mirage, before a match
“And yet a terrible person to owe.”
Mirage, to Yamato, before a match
The Guided Hand
The Archmother’s side in the ritual. When Yamato fights for the Hidden King, he tells her that her blade drinks its blood.
SourceThe Archmother, The Hidden King
In the game
“You honor the Guided Hand by standing with us today.”
The Archmother, to The Doorman, as a match begins
“Your blade drinks the blood of the Guided Hand.”
The Hidden King, during Yamato’s killing streak
Who wants in
Vyper asks for a job and she says she’d rather fall on her sword. Calico offers to work for hire and gets turned down. Mo & Krill aren’t asked: she tells them they will work for her.
SourceVyper, Yamato, Calico
In the game
“You think I could get a job with the 7th Moon.”
Vyper, to Yamato, before a match
“I would fall on my sword before I disgraced the 7th Moon by working with you.”
Yamato, to Vyper, before a match
“If the 7th Moon ever needs assistance, my rates are rather reasonable”
Calico, to Yamato, before a match
“I don't need your help Calico.”
Yamato, to Calico, before a match
“You will work for me.”
Yamato, to Mo & Krill, before a match
“I'm not bargaining. I'm threatening.”
Yamato, to Mo & Krill, before a match
Cool facts
The small things worth knowing.
She’s only called Yamato because a stranger got it wrong. The Doorman rubs it in.
SourceYamato’s biography, The Doorman
In the game
“Unfamiliar with the gender of Japanese names, the man addressed her as Yamato.”
“Your brother died to save your life, Kaori, and what do you have to show for it? A life of exile in a country full of people that can't be bothered to learn your real name and an organization that is a shadow of it's former glory. Just give up Kaori - sorry, I forgot, It's Yamato now.”
The Doorman, using an ultimate on Yamato
Her sword is a family heirloom, and that’s about all she’ll say. Touching it isn’t allowed.
SourceYamato, Apollo, Dynamo
In the game
“It's family.”
Yamato, to Apollo, before a match
“Mine's an heirloom as well.”
Apollo, to Yamato, before a match
“No. You don't understand.”
Yamato, to Apollo, before a match
“Can you elaborate?”
Dynamo, to Yamato, before a match
“No.”
Yamato, to Dynamo, before a match
“Touch it, and you die.”
Yamato, to Mo & Krill, before a match
Her weapon is called Sister’s Lament.
SourceGame data
In the game
“Sister's Lament”
The name of Yamato’s weapon in the game
She talks about her dead brother as if he’s still helping her, and Rem claims to like him.
SourceYamato, Rem †
In the game
“My brother is ready to lend me his aid.”
Yamato, calling out an ultimate
“I like your brother too, Kaori.”
Rem, putting Yamato to sleepEnglish removed
In Japanese: “My brother's soul guided me to safety.”† (English removed)
Yamato, after a close call
In Japanese: “Save me brother!”† (English removed)
Yamato, when nearly dead
In Japanese: “My brother will guide me to victory”† (English removed)
Yamato, upgrading an ability
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
Older lines call her power a family birthright, and say her family has “defied death for generations”.
SourceYamato †
English removed
In Japanese: “This is my family's birthright”† (English removed)
Yamato, using an ultimate
In Japanese: “My family has defied death for generations.”† (English removed)
Yamato, upgrading an ability
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
She wants to speak to someone called Molly Molenzo, and asks Vyper, who did time on Rikers. Vyper has admitted to Wraith having stabbed Molly. Nothing in the game says why Yamato is looking for her.
SourceYamato, Vyper, Wraith
In the game
“You did time on Rikers, yes?”
Yamato, to Vyper, before a match
“I have been known on occasion to partake in their amenities.”
Vyper, to Yamato, before a match
“So you must know Molly Molenzo. It's very important I speak to her.”
Yamato, to Vyper, before a match
“Heard you shanked Molly.”
Wraith, to Vyper, before a match
“Cool, yeah I stabbed the hell outta her, not a fan.”
Vyper, to Wraith, before a match
She threatens someone called Murphy to keep Holliday in line.
SourceYamato, Holliday †
In the game
“What did you say about Murphy?”
Holliday, to Yamato, before a match
“Don't worry Sheriff. Play your part and he lives.”
Yamato, to Holliday, before a matchEnglish removed
In Japanese: “So you're Murphy's lover, yes?”† (English removed) あんたがマーフィの女か？
Yamato, to Holliday, before a match
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
Most of her lines are in Japanese, and some of the other heroes can’t understand her. She insults Dynamo in Japanese, and Dynamo assumes it’s a compliment. Lash tries a little Japanese and gets threatened for it.
SourceMina, Seven, Yamato, Dynamo, Lash †
In the game
“I can't understand a damn thing that lady says”
Mina, alongside Yamato
“I don't speak Japanese but I know an insult when I hear one.”
Seven, to Yamato, before a match
“I'm going to assume that's a compliment”
Dynamo, to Yamato, before a match
“It wasn't.”
Yamato, to Dynamo, before a match
“Konichiwa mademoiselle.”
Lash, to Yamato, before a match
“Be quiet or I will butcher you like you butcher my language.”
Yamato, to Lash, before a matchEnglish removed
In Japanese: “Your ego brought your curse upon you.”† (English removed) お前のエゴが招いた結果だ
Yamato, to Dynamo, before a match
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
She doesn’t count her kills.
SourceVenator, Yamato
In the game
“How many heads have you taken with that sword?”
Venator, to Yamato, before a match
“I'm not psychotic enough to keep track, or weak enough to remember.”
Yamato, to Venator, before a match
People have good reason to fear her. Vyper says she killed a guy over a c-note.
SourceVyper, Calico, Yamato
In the game
“I know a guy who owed The 7th Moon a c-note. Well, I knew a guy who owed the 7th Moon a c-note, Yamato murdered the shit out of him.”
Vyper, when picked
“People seem to be afraid of you.”
Calico, to Yamato, before a match
“Only if they're smart.”
Yamato, to Calico, before a match
She knows Abrams is Ixian. Apollo, who is too, confirms it.
SourceYamato, Apollo †
In the game
“I hate to do that to a fellow Ixian.”
Apollo, on killing AbramsEnglish removed
In Japanese: “Today my blade drinks Ixian blood.”† (English removed)
Yamato, on killing Abrams
† These words are from Valve’s text on January 22, 2026. A line marked with a language is still in the game, but its subtitle now only names that language. Any other marked line is gone.
She agrees to have coffee with Paige, after calling Paige a puppy that pisses on the rug.
SourcePaige, Yamato
In the game
“Maybe to make a friend?”
Paige, to Yamato, before a match
“You are a puppy that pisses on the rug. Stupid yet strangely endearing. We will have coffee.”
Yamato, to Paige, before a match
The Oracle once reported her in a santa hat, and the Curiosity Dealer wishes her a good first Christmas in New York.
SourceThe New York Oracle, The Curiosity Dealer
In the game
“Breaking news: Yamato was seen wearing a santa hat. Somehow this makes her scarier than normal.”
