Abyssal Escape 2017X Guide — Subterfuge, Roll & Phases

Why Is 2017X an S-Tier Killer in Abyssal Escape?

In the Abyssal Escape Killer Tier List, 2017X (often referred to by his deluded identity as “Sonic”) stands at the top of S-Tier alongside Furnace. While trap-based Killers like No More Innocence require setup time, 2017X applies instant map-wide velocity from the opening bell of Phase 1.

2017X Complete Moveset & Phase 1–3 Scaling

2017X uses the crimson Killer ability wheel in the bottom-left HUD (Q, E, R keybinds) paired with a dedicated Killer Stamina gauge.

How to Play 2017X: Killer Combo & Stamina Management

1. Open With Roll to Force Survivor Cooldowns: Do not burn Subterfuge at maximum distance. Use Roll (Q) to close the initial gap. Most panicked Survivors will immediately trigger Drop Dash or Boost, draining their own Ability Stamina.
2. Punish Stamina-Dry Vessels With Subterfuge: Once a Survivor finishes their dash animation, activate Subterfuge (E) to track their recovery path and land a guaranteed two-hit combo.
3. Bait the Block Parry: Experienced Survivors running the meta Drop Dash + Block loadout (see our Survivor Abilities Guide) will raise their parry stance when they hear your Subterfuge audio cue. Slightly delay your final M1 swing by 0.5 seconds to strike right after their Block window expires.
4. Abuse the 50% Stun Stacking Rule in Phase 3: If two Survivors try to bodyguard each other with Homing Attack and Drop Dash, remember that the second consecutive stun on you has its duration cut by 50%. Tank the reduced stun and immediately execute the rescuer.

How to Counter 2017X as a Survivor Vessel

• Hug Tight 90-Degree Pillars: Both Roll and Subterfuge carry forward momentum. By chaining sharp 90-degree turns around stone pillars on Don’t Drown, you force 2017X to overshoot his trajectory.
• Conserve Ability Stamina: Because normal sprinting costs zero stamina in Abyssal Escape, save your stamina bar strictly for breaking line of sight after 2017X commits to an ability.