Penny – Complete Character Review & Tier List Guide (2025)
Penny – Complete Character Review & Tier List Guide (2025)
Overview
Penny is a versatile mid-range brawler with a unique area control mechanic through her Mortar Turret, allowing her to dominate zones, harass enemies behind walls, and apply continuous pressure from afar. While she might seem underwhelming in raw damage compared to assassins or tanks, her strength lies in map control, zoning, and the psychological pressure she applies with her turret.
Penny is ideal for strategic players who prefer to control the battlefield, punish grouped enemies, and capitalize on map positioning rather than direct confrontations.
Tier Placement
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In the current 2025 meta, Penny is commonly rated in the A to A+ Tier in several game modes, especially Hot Zone, Siege, and Gem Grab (source: noff.gg).
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For competitive and pro-level matches, Penny remains a consistent mid-laner pick, favored for her lane presence and defensive potential (source: mmonster.co).
Pros & Strengths
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Powerful zoning with Mortar: Once placed, her Mortar forces enemies to reposition constantly, disrupting their flow and strategy.
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Splash damage basic attack: Her cannonballs deal splash damage if they hit a target, allowing you to punish grouped enemies heavily.
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Versatile star powers: Both star powers significantly alter her gameplay—either enhancing turret firepower or boosting Penny's personal threat level.
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Synergy with control-heavy teams: Fits perfectly with brawlers who can cluster enemies or block escape paths (like Emz, Sandy, or Lou).
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Hypercharge Upgrade: When hypercharged, Penny’s Mortar gains explosive shot speed and area control, turning her into a relentless zone dominator.
Cons & Weaknesses
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Weak 1v1 duelist: Penny’s basic attack is slow and not as lethal in close or isolated fights.
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Dependent on Super: Without her Mortar, her impact on the game significantly drops.
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Positioning sensitivity: Bad turret placement or poor map control will severely limit her usefulness.
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Vulnerable to assassins: Brawlers like Edgar, Buzz, or Mortis can easily eliminate her if she’s caught without backup or proper spacing.
Best Star Powers & Gadgets
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Star Powers:
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Heavy Coffers: Increases splash radius of Penny’s basic attacks—ideal for crowd control in Hot Zone and Gem Grab.
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Master Blaster: Makes the Mortar explode on destruction, dealing a burst of damage around it—excellent for zone denial in Bounty or Knockout.
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Gadgets:
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Captain’s Compass: Drops cannonballs around Penny herself, dealing high burst area damage—a clutch tool when being flanked.
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Trusty Spyglass: Instantly fires the Mortar at all visible enemies—useful to surprise enemies who think they’re safe behind cover.
Best Game Modes for Penny
| Game Mode |
Effectiveness |
Why? |
| Hot Zone |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Turret can control zones while Penny defends from range. |
| Gem Grab |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Great for mid-control and protecting the gem carrier. |
| Siege |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Mortar harasses enemy bots & players trying to collect bolts. |
| Bounty |
⭐⭐⭐ |
Good map control, but vulnerable to long-range snipers. |
| Heist |
⭐⭐ |
Less effective due to slow damage output on safe. |
| Knockout |
⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Zone control forces enemies to reposition or split up. |
Strategy & Playstyle
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Early Game: Focus on controlling lanes and hitting splash damage to charge your Super as quickly as possible. Don’t engage too aggressively without the turret ready.
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Mid Game: Once the Mortar is placed (preferably behind cover), switch to a more defensive stance. Let the turret apply pressure while you punish anyone attempting to destroy it.
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Late Game: Use your gadgets proactively—Captain’s Compass can repel assassins or tanks that breach your backline. Constantly reposition if the fight shifts across the map.
Pro Tips & Tricks
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Mortar Placement: Place Mortar behind walls or in sneaky spots that are hard to reach but still cover key areas.
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Splash for Charge: Aim at grouped enemies or choke points to maximize splash hits, accelerating Super charge.
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Hypercharge Timing: Activate Hypercharge during intense mid-map fights; an enhanced Mortar can swing the momentum entirely.
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Vision Management: Pair Penny with scouts like Bo or Tara to reveal hiding enemies and let the Mortar capitalize.
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Mind Games: Sometimes placing the Mortar in obvious spots forces enemies to overcommit, leaving them exposed.
Example Loadout for Maximum Effectiveness
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Star Power: Heavy Coffers
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Gadget: Captain’s Compass
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Hypercharge: Active, especially for Hot Zone and Gem Grab
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Comp Synergy: Works best with controllers and area denial brawlers.
Conclusion
Penny may not have the flashiness of assassins or the brute force of tanks, but in skilled hands, she is a strategic powerhouse that excels in area control and team coordination. Mastering her means mastering the art of pressure, positioning, and patience. In modes where controlling space wins the game, Penny is an essential pick in any tier list.