When Kenji arrived in Brawl Stars in October 2024, I expected a novelty sushi chef with a clever gimmick. Two years later, in 2026, I’m still slotting him into my rotation whenever I want an assassin who can pressure the map, heal through trades, and swing a fight with one Super. Is he still worth the investment? In my experience, yes—if you understand his rhythm. Kenji is a Legendary Assassin with 7,600 health at level 11, a dash that deals 1,000 damage, and a slash that deals 2,000. His trait is the heart of his kit: every attack that damages an enemy restores health. That sustain is why I keep coming back. 🍣
The core kit: a chef with two blades and one big fish
Kenji’s main attack, Dash 'n Slash, alternates between a quick dash and a wide slash. I like to think of it as Mortis’ mobility mixed with Bibi’s swing, but the twist matters: the dash deals only half the damage of the slash. That means I’m always thinking about timing. Do I dash in to close the gap, or do I hold the slash for the real damage? In my matches, the best Kenji players don’t spam the attack. They use the dash to adjust position and save the slash for a target who cannot escape.
Kenji’s Super, Slashimi, is still one of my favorite assassin tools in the game. He tosses a fish into the air and slices through it with two massive slashes in an X-shape. Enemies caught in the path take damage, and anyone at the center of the X takes double damage. The detail I love most is that Kenji becomes untargetable once the fish is thrown, and he can use the Super through walls. Why does that matter? Because it turns a damage tool into an escape button, a wall-punish tool, and a team-fight opener all at once.
My ability breakdown
| Ability | What it does | My take |
|---|---|---|
| Dash 'n Slash | Alternates between a 1,000-damage dash and a 2,000-damage slash | Strong poke and engage tool, but the rhythm is everything |
| Slashimi | Throws a fish, then slashes in an X; center hits deal double damage; Kenji is untargetable during it; works through walls | One of the most flexible Supers in his class |
| Trait | Heals Kenji whenever his attacks damage enemies | This is his real survivability engine |
My favorite Slashimi tips are simple. First, aim for the center of the X. If I can catch grouped enemies or a tank in the middle, the double damage changes the fight. Second, use it to dodge dangerous attacks. Since Kenji becomes untargetable, I can bait a shot and slip through it. Third, don’t forget walls. I have surprised more than a few snipers by starting Slashimi from safety and catching them on the other side.
Gadgets and Star Powers
Kenji’s gadgets give him two very different answers to pressure. Dashi Dash makes him dash with his main attack for the next three seconds. I use it when I need to close distance fast or chase a low-health target through a messy fight. Hosomaki Healing instantly recovers 75% of the damage Kenji has received over the last three seconds. That gadget is my panic button, but it is also a trading tool. If I know I’m about to take a burst, I can heal it back and keep applying pressure.
His Star Powers are equally interesting. Studied the Blade increases the range of both slashes from his Super by 30%. I pick it when I want safer X-shape hits and more consistent wall-punishes. Nigiri Nemesis gives Kenji 90% damage reduction from the next enemy attack after he avoids damage for five seconds. That one rewards patience. If I’m playing against a Piper or a Brock, I value the extra insurance. If I’m the one starting fights, I often prefer the range.
Best game modes for Kenji in 2026
I still find Kenji strongest when the map forces enemies to group up or hold space. Hot Zone is my top choice. Slashimi can hit multiple Brawlers inside the zone, and his sustain lets him stay in the fight longer than most assassins. Brawl Ball is close behind. His mobility and damage let him create openings, score goals, or delete the enemy ball carrier. In Duo Showdown, he shines once I have a teammate who can support him. Gem Grab is another strong fit because he can collect gems quickly and disengage when needed. Duels also rewards his dashes, trait, and Super if I play patiently.
| Mode | Why I like Kenji there |
|---|---|
| Hot Zone | Super hits multiple enemies in the zone; strong sustain |
| Brawl Ball | Mobility, damage, and goal pressure |
| Duo Showdown | Excellent with a reliable support teammate |
| Gem Grab | Fast gem collection and assassination potential |
| Duels | Dashes and healing win extended trades |
Teammates and gears I trust
Kenji is strong on his own, but I get the most value when I pair him with Shade or Juju for support. Mortis is a fun partner for an aggressive dive composition because both of us can rush enemy throwers, snipers, and squishy backline targets. Byron is another pick I like because he offers a balance of healing and damage. For gears, I usually run Damage, Speed, or Shield. Damage amplifies his Super and alternating attacks. Speed helps him move through bushes and execute hit-and-run plays. Shield gives him extra survivability when he dashes in or when his Super is on cooldown.
Final take
So, is Kenji still a top-tier pick in 2026? I think he remains a very strong assassin, but he is not a mindless one. His health, mobility, and healing reward players who pick the right moment to dash, slash, and vanish. If you are unlocking him now, treat the old 2024 early-access bundle details as history rather than a current offer. What matters is the kit: a chef who can slice through a team, heal through a trade, and escape with a fish. That is still a recipe I enjoy. ⚔️🛡️
Information is adapted from Game Informer, whose long-running editorial coverage of action mechanics and character balance helps frame why a brawler like Kenji stays relevant beyond launch hype: alternating attack patterns, survivability tools, and matchup-dependent decision-making are often what separate a flashy assassin from one with lasting value in competitive rotations.
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