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Need a ride? Johnson, the Mustang, possesses one of the abilities that are completely unique to Mobile Legends: Bang Bang.

Using his ultimate, Rapid Touchdown, the tank/support hero can transform into a car, and forcefully smash into enemies, dealing huge damage and slowing them down. What’s more, he can bring along an ally during this assault.

Furthermore, he has a stun, slow, and shield gain effects in his skill set, making him a formidable initiator.

This complete beginner’s guide will help you dominate using one of the most distinctive heroes in the game.


Johnson’s skills in Mobile Legends



Passive – Electro-airbag

When Johnson’s HP drops below 30 percent, he gains a shield for several seconds. This skill has a cooldown of 100 seconds.

  • The shield provided by Electro-airbag relies on your physical defense. This means that acquiring physical defense items will result in a larger shield.
  • When triggered, the skill icon appears alongside buffs and effects. It disappears once it becomes available again.
  • Use the shield to absorb turret attacks for your teammates when they dive enemies.


First skill – Deadly Pincers

Johnson throws his spanner toward the target location, dealing magic damage to enemies in its path. Enemies around the landing point are stunned.

  • Unlock Deadly Pincers first to prevent enemies from invading your jungle, or create an opportunity to get a kill.
  • You can manually control the range of the projectile for better accuracy. To do this, hold down the skill button, and release it in your desired direction.


Second skill – Electromag Rays

Johnson raises his shield, continuously dealing magic damage to enemies in a fan-shaped area in the target direction and slowing them. Each instance of damage also increases the enemy’s subsequent damage taken from the skill. This damage is increased against creeps.

  • You can move, and use Deadly Pincers as well as basic attacks for the duration of Electromag Rays.
  • Use the movement joystick to direct the rays toward your intended target.
  • Prioritize maxing out this skill first, as it is great for poking enemies and clearing minion waves.


Ultimate – Rapid Touchdown

Johnson transforms into a car, accelerating over time. An allied hero can board the car during the acceleration phase. The car will explode upon hitting an enemy hero or obstacle, dealing magic damage to nearby enemies, stunning them, and creating an electrified zone at the location. Enemies in the zone are continuously dealt magic damage and slowed.

He can cast Throttle to skip the acceleration phase, Brake to stop immediately, and hold Nitrous to continuously increase his speed for up to five seconds. His location is revealed for a few seconds upon casting this skill.

Passive: His physical defense is increased by 10 percent.

  • It’s important to wait for your target to show up on the map before using Rapid Touchdown. However, if you’re adept at controlling the car and good at predicting enemy positions, you can use it preemptively.
  • The stun duration scales with speed. Use Nitrous whenever crashing into enemies to maximize the stun.
  • Avoid driving past minion waves, so your direction will not be exposed.
  • You can also make your movement unpredictable by starting in your base and driving around the Crystal before heading to your target. Additionally, you can circle around the two pits in the river area while waiting for your target to show up in the lane.
  • Avoid targeting tanky enemies, unless you or your ally on board has sufficient damage to take them down. Instead, focus on crashing into the enemy backline, as that is typically where important core heroes tend to position themselves.
  • By tapping on the Brake (same as ultimate’s button) early, you can stop suddenly and stun nearby enemies, making it hard for them to react.
  • Once your onboard ally moves or attacks, they will alight from the car.

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A comprehensive guide on how to play Johnson in Mobile Legends

Recommended battle spell

Mobile Legends Johnson guide-Vengeance and Petrify battle spells
Credit: ONE Esports

As Johnson, choosing Vengeance as a battle spell is highly recommended since you will consistently find yourself in the midst of team fights. This mitigates the damage inflicted by opponents and even reflects a portion back to them.

Alternatively, you can select Petrify for additional crowd control when you collide with enemies using Rapid Touchdown. This immobilizes and slows down nearby enemies, rendering their escape from the electrified zone of Rapid Touchdown more challenging.


Recommended emblem

Mobile Legends Johnson guide-Tank and Mage emblem setups
Credit: ONE Esports

Go for Tank emblem if you serve as the primary damage absorber for your team. Pick Firmness and Tenacity in the first two tiers for extra physical and magic defense.

For the primary talent, you can choose between Concussive Blast or Focusing Mark. Concussive Blast deals HP-based damage to nearby enemies, while Focusing Mark increases allied heroes’ damage to your target.

However, if your team already has a tanky EXP laner and you opt for a magic build, select Mage emblem instead. Choose Inspire in the first tier for cooldown reduction, and Tenacity in the second tier.

Pick Lethal Ignition as your key talent to inflict burn damage to enemies when you hit them using Rapid Touchdown.


Best build

Mobile Legends Johnson guide-best build
Credit: ONE Esports

Deciding on the item build for Johnson depends on your role and playstyle.

If you’re playing as a tank, it is recommended to boost your physical defense by purchasing Blade Armor, Antique Cuirass, and Dominance Ice. This will effectively amplify the shield provided by Electro-airbag.

Balance your build with a proper magic defense item. Choose between Athena’s Shield or Radiant Armor based on the other team’s composition.

Furthermore, invest in Immortality to improve your survivability, particularly in the late game.

The best build for Johnson in Mobile Legends

  • Warrior or Tough Boots (Encourage or Dire Hit roaming blessing)
  • Blade armor
  • Athena’s Shield
  • Dominance Ice
  • Antique Cuirass
  • Immortality

On the other hand, if you’re serving as a damage dealer, it is advisable to focus on acquiring magic items.

Get Arcane Boots for magic penetration or Magic Shoes for cooldown reduction. Equip Dire Hit blessing if you’re the roamer.

Proceed to purchase Ice Queen Wand, which will amplify the slowing effect on opponents within Rapid Touchdown’s electrified zone.

Buy Holy Crystal for a significant boost in magic power, Glowing Wand for sustained magic DPS, and either Divine Glaive or Genius Wand for penetration.

Complete your build with Immortality for added durability and survivability.

The best magic build for Johnson in Mobile Legends

  • Arcane Boots or Magic Shoes (Dire Hit)
  • Ice Queen Wand
  • Holy Crystal
  • Glowing Wand
  • Divine Glaive
  • Immortality

Easy combos to learn

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Johnson S.A.B.E.R. Automata skin wallpaper
Credit: Moonton

In the laning phase, support your allies in exerting pressure on your opponents. Deadly Pincers can stun them, followed by Electromag Rays to inflict significant damage.

Once you reach level four, it’s recommended to recall to your base first in order to prepare for a well-executed Rapid Touchdown. Upon hitting your target, activate Electromag Rays and stun them with Deadly Pincers.

Whenever possible, bring along an ally, particularly your mid laner, to increase the likelihood of a successful gank. Some of the best heroes to pair up with Johnson are Kadita, Odette, and Bane, owing to their exceptional damage output.

To make your Rapid Touchdown less predictable, reveal yourself by crossing the river in the middle lane before redirecting towards your target. Moreover, you can traverse the pathways within the jungle area. However, this requires proficient maneuvering.

Controlling Rapid Touchdown may be challenging at first. Nevertheless, with enough practice, you will eventually master it.

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