El Primo Guide: The Ultimate Brawling Tank (2025 Meta)
Introduction
El Primo is the original tank in Brawl Stars, known for his high health, devastating punches, and game-changing Super. Whether you’re brawling up close or leaping into team fights, El Primo dominates with raw power and sustain.
This ultimate El Primo guide covers:
✅ Best builds (Gadgets, Star Powers, Gears)
✅ Top strategies for each game mode
✅ Counters & matchups (who to target/avoid)
✅ 2025 meta analysis (is he still strong?)
Whether you’re a beginner learning brawler basics or a pro refining dives, this guide will help you master El Primo!
El Primo’s Stats & Abilities
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Rarity | Rare (Unlocked Early) |
| Class | Tank (Melee Bruiser) |
| Health | 8,400 (Highest in-game) |
| Attack (Fists of Fury) | 4 punches × 540 damage (2,160 max) |
| Super (Flying Elbow Drop) | 1,200 damage + stun + leap |
| Movement Speed | Normal (720 units/sec) |
Attack Breakdown
- Range: Very Short (Melee)
- Reload Speed: 1.2 seconds
- Super Charge Rate: 6 full hits (or 12 partial hits)
Key Strengths:
✔ Highest HP pool in the game
✔ Super stuns and repositions
✔ Melts squishy brawlers up close
Weaknesses:
❌ Kited easily by ranged brawlers
❌ Weak against stuns and knockbacks
Best Gadgets & Star Powers (2025 Meta)
Gadgets (3 Uses per Match)
| Gadget | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Suplex Supplement | Next attack stuns for 1 sec | Locking down key targets |
| Asteroid Belt | Creates a fire zone after Super | Area denial |
Pro Tip: Use Suplex Supplement to cancel enemy Supers (like Frank’s stun)!
Star Powers
| Star Power | Effect | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| El Fuego | Super sets enemies on fire (800 damage over 4 sec) | Extra damage |
| Meteor Rush | +25% speed for 3 sec after Super | Chase-downs |
Verdict:
- El Fuego is better for team fights (Gem Grab, Brawl Ball).
- Meteor Rush is great for solo plays (Showdown).
Best Game Modes & Maps
S-Tier Picks (Where El Primo Excels)
✅ Brawl Ball – Super stuns enemies near the goal.
✅ Gem Grab (Hard Rock Mine) – Disrupts gem carriers.
✅ Hot Zone (Dueling Beetles) – Tanks damage on the zone.
Avoid These Modes
❌ Bounty (Outranged by snipers)
❌ Heist (Low safe DPS)
How to Play El Primo: Pro Strategies
Early Game
- Stick to bushes – Ambush unsuspecting enemies.
- Charge Super fast – Target tanks or grouped enemies.
Mid/Late Game
- Super Combos:
- Leap onto healers or snipers (Piper, Byron).
- Use Asteroid Belt to block escape routes.
- Gadget Tricks:
- Suplex Supplement to stun assassins (Mortis, Edgar).
Counters & How to Beat Them
| Hard Counter | How to Outplay |
|---|---|
| Piper | Hide in bushes, Super onto her |
| Spike | Bait out his slow before engaging |
| Crow | Stick with teammates to avoid poison |
Who El Primo Counters:
- Shelly (Outlasts her with HP)
- Edgar (Wins 1v1 melee fights)
Advanced Techniques
- Super Jump Dodging – Leap away from danger.
- Bodyblocking – Block shots for teammates.
- Bait & Smash – Pretend to retreat, then turn and punch.
Best Team Comps
- Brawl Ball: El Primo + Gale (knock enemies into goals) + Emz (area control).
- Gem Grab: El Primo + Tara (pull enemies into melee range) + Poco (healing).
El Primo in the 2025 Meta
- Viability: Strong in close-range modes, struggles vs. kiting.
- Buff Needed? Slightly faster movement speed would help.
Final Verdict
El Primo is the king of close-range brawls—master his Super jumps and positioning, and you’ll dominate team fights!
Want to improve your tank gameplay? Check our Tank Brawlers Guide for more tips!
