tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65671304036931603042024-03-08T01:06:03.144-07:00Dota2ListsList of Dota 2 teams, team ideas, solo lane heroes, good dual lanes, good tri-lanes, drafting tips, and more!Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-56609434549783824202017-04-26T13:32:00.001-06:002017-04-27T08:44:02.002-06:00Highest Net Worth Items<h4>
In order, as of patch 7.05:</h4>
<div>
Sometimes you've got more gold than you have slot space. Maybe getting that S&Y, Desolator, and Bloodstone weren't the "optimal" choices... or were they?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I made up this list to give you an idea of where your slot value is going.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u>Highest Value with Unique Items and BoT L2:</u></div>
<div>
7720 + 7195 + 6400 + 6200 + 5900 + 3000 (BoT) + 4000 (Shard) = <b>40,415 gold</b></div>
<div>
<u><br /></u></div>
<div>
<u>As above, without the Rapier:</u></div>
<div>
7720 + 7195 + 6400 + 5800 + 5900 + 3000 (BoT) + 4000 (Shard) = <b>40,015 gold</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<h4>
<u><b>Sample generic 7-slotted values (No Rapiers):</b></u></h4>
<div>
<u><b><br /></b></u></div>
<div>
<b>Strength Carry (no BKB)</b></div>
<div>
Abyssal, Satanic, Mjolnir, Heart, A/C, BoT2 + Shard = <b>35,650 gold</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Agility Carry (no BKB)</b></div>
<div>
Butterfly, Heart, Skadi, Deadalus, Manta, BoT2 + Shard = <b>34,320 gold</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Intelligence Carry (no BKB)</b></div>
<div>
Dagon5, Bloodthorn, Octarine Core, Scythe, Skadi, BoT2 + Shard = <b>39,290 gold</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Hypothesis</i>: Intelligence carries need the <i>most </i>gold to get their "best" items, and Agility carries need the <i>least </i>gold for their most desired items (theoretically - I would probably argue that Int carries don't need a Moon Shard as badly, and that Bloodthorn is a good item for all carries).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Dagon5 (7720)<br />
Bloodthorn (7195)<br />
Abyssal Blade (6400)<br />
Divine Rapier (6200)<br />
Octarine Core (5900)<br />
Satanic (5800)<br />
Skadi (5775)<br />
Mjolnir (5700)<br />
Scythe of Vyse (5700)<br />
Butterfly (5525)<br />
Deadalus (5520)<br />
Heart of Tarrasque (5500)<br />
Monkey King Bar (MKB) (5400)<br />
Guardian Greaves (5375)<br />
Silver Edge (5350)<br />
Assault Cuirass (5250)<br />
Refresher Orb (5200)<br />
Radiance (5150)<br />
Necronomicon L3 (5050)<br />
Manta Style (5000)<br />
Bloodstone (4900)<br />
Linkin's Sphere (4850)<br />
Ethereal Blade (4700)<br />
Shiva's Guard (4700)<br />
Hurricane Pike (4625)<br />
Battlefury (4500)<br />
Aghanim's Sceptre (4200)<br />
Sange & Yasha (4100)<br />
Moon Shard (4000)<br />
Lotus Orb (4000)<br />
Black King Bar (BKB) - (3975)<br />
...<br />
Boots of Travel L2 (3000)Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-74757257995919061792017-04-26T07:09:00.003-06:002017-04-26T07:09:49.548-06:00Tip: More Items into Quick-BuyI can't believe it took me this long to learn this, so I'm sharing it with everyone:<br />
<br />
You can Shift-Control-click to add more than one item's worth of components into your quick-buy list. Yes, it's true. You can add a stick+boots+ward+whatever into the same list. Keep in mind that whatever you add first will appear first, so items like the Orchid will consume all the available viewing space if you add it first.<br />
<br />
... I'm ashamed I didn't know this by now.Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-13716745912632010592017-04-26T07:06:00.002-06:002017-04-26T07:06:55.464-06:00Low MMR - why Shadowblade is better than BlinkI picked up this tip while watching <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNOsbjqFH1g" target="_blank">Purge teach Day9</a> (a great series).<br />
<br />
For low-tier players, a <a href="http://dota2.gamepedia.com/Blink_Dagger" target="_blank">Blink Dagger</a> isn't really the best item. Why? You frequently get it put on 3s cooldown due to bad positioning, you tend to Blink too far or into deathtrap positions, and it's hard to save up for, because you have to buy the whole 2250 at once.<br />
<br />
So... why not a <a href="http://dota2.gamepedia.com/Shadow_Blade" target="_blank">Shadow Blade</a>? It's uncommon for lower-tier players to remember to invest regularly in Dust, and thus a ShadowBlade acts as a much better escape, especially if you've already been initiated on. As long as you survive, and they forgot the Dust, you can get away clean. Furthermore, it aids your attack speed and damage, unlike Blink Dagger.<br />
<br />
The ONLY time Shadowblade is worse is if you need to gap-close or re-position instantly, or if you want to initiate into tower range. While you should not underestimate these facets of Blink Dagger, especially as your positioning-knowledge gets better, I think Purge had a good point.<br />
<br />
After trying it myself, I was almost tempted to get BOTH. I really liked the relative safety and ganking potential of Shadow Blade, but I also missed the insta-position of Blink Dagger. <br />
<br />
<i>Side note: </i> I should also mention the <a href="http://dota2.gamepedia.com/Force_Staff" target="_blank">Force Staff</a>. While you may sneer at it because it's a lower-range Blink Dagger, it helps many initiators get the mana pool they need, and it gets you, or your allies, out of tight spots. It's an easier build-up than Blink, and about the same cost. I recommend buying the <a href="http://dota2.gamepedia.com/Staff_of_Wizardry" target="_blank">Staff of Wizardry</a> component first, and if you change your mind, there are lots of other things you can build into.Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-87538806711461043902017-04-26T06:25:00.000-06:002017-04-26T06:25:40.646-06:007.05 - Low-Tier Meta TeamsWell, I'm back. For a bit... school is taking it's toll!<br />
<br />
Here's a list of meta heroes as of 7.05, from high-winrate heroes, for the <b><i>sub-2k bracket</i></b>:<br />
<h4>
Mids: </h4>
- Zeus<br />
- Necrophos<br />
- Silencer<br />
<h4>
Carries:</h4>
- Wraith King<br />
- Spectre<br />
- Ursa<br />
- Chaos Knight<br />
<h4>
Supports:</h4>
- Crystal Maiden<br />
- Warlock<br />
- Lich<br />
- Omniknight<br />
- Vengeful Spirit<br />
- Jakiro<br />
<h4>
Offlaner Farmers:</h4>
- Abaddon<br />
- Axe<br />
- Spiritbreaker<br />
- Centaur<br />
<br />
<h3>
High Win-Rate Team Ideas for Sub 2k MMR</h3>
<h4>
Dual lanes:</h4>
<b>#1: </b><br />
Mid: Zeus<br />
Safe: Wraith King + Crystal Maiden<br />
Offlane: Abaddon + Venge<br />
<br />
<b>#2:</b><br />
Mid: Silencer<br />
Safe: Ursa + Warlock<br />
Offlane: Axe + Centaur / Spiritbreaker (basically, just cut the wave or crap on your enemies)<br />
<br />
<b>#3:</b><br />
Mid: Necrophos<br />
Safe: Chaos Knight + Warlock<br />
Offlane: Omniknight (farming) + Jakiro (harass early with liquid fire)<br />
<h4>
Solo offlane with Jungler</h4>
<b>#4: Crap on their mid and their offlane</b><br />
Mid: Axe (vs. melee mid) or Jakiro (vs. ranged mid) - this is "crap on their mid and push"<br />
Safe: Spectre + Lich<br />
Jungle: Ursa (ganks safelane at L3 with 1-1-1 build)<br />
Offlane: Spiritbreaker<br />
<i>Idea: Spectre / Spiritbreaker give you a global presence, and Axe + Lich give you teamfight. A mid-Jakiro gives you pushing power, and shuts down their mid, or more teamfight (backs up Ursa).</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>#5: Maximum Healing, Greedy Lineup</b><br />
<i>Mid: </i>Abaddon / Necrophos<br />
Safe: Necrophos / Abaddon + Warlock<br />
Jungle: Wraith King (a bit of a stretch, but can work with Vamp Aura)<br />
Solo Offlane: Omniknight<br />
<b>Note</b>: <i>This is a very greedy lineup. Jungle WK is a bit slow, but worth giving up levels in the offlane so that Omni can get solo XP and a bit more farm. Midgame, your WK should never die, nor your Abaddon. You are low on stuns, so Necrophos should get a Rod of Atos or ultimately a Sheepstick.</i>Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-10453499923487382882016-05-11T20:04:00.003-06:002016-05-27T09:05:09.755-06:006.87 - Good Meta Heroes to Play<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Any healer:</b> Necrophos, Abaddon, Omni, Phoenix (Sunray OP right now), Treant<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Melee Carries:</b> Ursa, Sven, WK (Viper, DK, Chaos Knight, Jugg, Legion Commander)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ranged Carries:</b> Medusa, Weaver, Drow, Outworld Destroyer, Luna<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Nukers:</b> Zeus, Crystal Maiden, Ogre, Jakiro<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Supports</b>: Lich, Disruptor, Witch Doctor, Warlock, Venge<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Roamer/Offlaners:</b> Spiritbreaker, Slardar, Nightstalker, Centaur<o:p></o:p></div>
<b>Junglers:</b> Enigma, Chen, Nature's ProphetZrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-7193728769456922122016-05-11T19:53:00.004-06:002016-05-11T19:53:35.541-06:00Heroes with Greatest Stat Gains (6.86)<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Highest Average Stat Gain (top 10)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Silencer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Venge<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OD<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Invoker<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Centaur<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ogre<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Winter Wyvern<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Treant<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Naga<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dazzle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Highest Average Starting Stats (top 10)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OD<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meepo<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bane<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Winter Wyvern<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Riki<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PL<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leshrac<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bloodseeker<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tusk<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Storm Spirit<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Highest Starting Primary Stat (greater than 25)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Riki (34 Ag)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
PL (29 Ag)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spirit Breaker (29 Str)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jakiro (28 Int)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tinker/Skywrath/Silencer/Rubick/Lina/Dazzle (27 Int)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Venge (27 Ag)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Juggernaut/Drow (26 Ag)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OD/Leshrac/Pugna (26 Int)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tiny/Legion/Doom (26 Str)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Conclusions:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These stat rankings show how a hero might have “an
edge” in the current patch, but his abilities and role in the meta play a
larger part. However, stats provide a useful perspective in terms of
which heroes might become popular in a new
meta (I predicted Slardar’s re-appearance in 6.84 because of his
excellent stat gain and other buffs he received).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the reasons that OD is considered top-tier
right now, is that both his starting stats and stat gain are excellent
(in addition to his useful laning abilities and AOE ultimate).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Similarly, Winter Wyvern is a popular support in
part because he’s not that squishy and has useful abilities, including a
BKB-piercing ult and a heal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stats don’t paint the whole picture! For example,
while it would seem that Riki’s starting damage should be massive, based
on high Agility, it’s actually very low (40 avg). He actually needs
about 10 levels before he even catches up (stat-wise)
to other heroes’ average damage! (of course, he does have abilities to
make up damage in other ways).</div>
Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-57730355925014011042016-05-11T19:42:00.000-06:002016-05-11T19:42:14.245-06:00Magic-Resistant Heroes<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Magic Resistant Heroes by Role:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Pipe Carrier / Offlane:</i> Centaur? Elder Titan? Pudge?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Carry:</i> Meepo / Ember / Anti-Mage (Lifestealer - Rage?))<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Supports:</i> Rubick + Visage (Omniknight – Repel?)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Mid:</i> Huskar / Viper<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Other items:</i> Infused Raindrops<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Example:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With Rubick + Pipe Aura… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">Formula =
<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">1 - (1 – Base Hero Resistance) × (1 – Ability Added Resistance) × (1- Pipe Aura) x (1- Rubick Bonus) = XX.X resistance<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anti-mage would have (L4 Spell Shield):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">1 - (1 - 0.25) × (1 - 0.5) × (1-0.10) x (1-0.22) = 73.7% resistance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">Huskar would have (at or below 10% hp, L4 Berserkers Blood):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">1 - (1 - 0.25) × (1 – 0.5) × (1-0.10) x (1-0.22) = 73.7% resistance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">Viper would have (L4 corrosive skin):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">1 - (1 - 0.25) × (1 - 0.25) × (1-0.10) x (1-0.22) = 60.5% resistance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">Visage would have (L4 Gravekeeper Cloak, max layers):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">1 - (1 - 0.10) × (1 - 0.64) × (1-0.10) x (1-0.22) = 77.3% resistance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">Add: Glimmer Cape = 81.8% resistance<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Base Formula (<a href="http://dota2.gamepedia.com/Magic_resistance">http://dota2.gamepedia.com/Magic_resistance</a> )<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">Total
magic resistance = 1 − ((1 − natural resistance) × (1 − first
resistance bonus) × (1 − second resistance bonus) × (1 + first
resistance reduction) × (1 + second resistance
reduction))<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><u><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">Note</span></u></i></b><b><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.5pt;">: While magic resistance % increase shows diminishing returns,
<u>effective HP vs. magic damage still increases in a linear fashion</u>.</span></i></b></div>
</div>
Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-33955470051287126132016-05-11T19:40:00.002-06:002016-05-11T19:40:55.664-06:00Hero Spotlight: Slardar (6.87)<div class="MsoNormal">
In Dota 2, Slardar is not known as a terribly hard carry, as even though his skill set is excellent, he does not scale as well as some of the harder carries (like Anti-Mage, Spectre, and Phantom Assassin), </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pros:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Excellent stat gain</li>
<li>Good Blink-Initiator</li>
<li>Sprint gives good mobility</li>
<li>Excellent Physical-Damage dealer</li>
<li>Abilities pierce BKB (physical)</li>
<li>Built-in Bash</li>
<li>Needs very few items to "come online" and start ganking or fighting</li>
</ul>
<div>
Cons:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>No teamfight ultimate</li>
<li>Needs attack speed items</li>
<li>Sometimes hard to find a place to lane him</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>Item Build Ideas:</b></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Slardar Pushing Carry:<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Start: Tango, Mango, Quelling, Circlet<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Early: Boots, Wand <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Core: Powertreads, Maelstrom, Blink, TP<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Situational: BKB, Desolator, Vlad’s<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lategame: Mjolnir, AC, Heart, BoT, Moonshard<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Slardar Offlane / Ganker<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Start: Tango, Mango, Shield, Potion, Branches<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Early: Boots, Wand/Stick, Infused Raindrop, Bottle<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Core: Blink Dagger, Power Treads, Echo Sabre<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Utility: Blade Mail, Pipe, Vlad’s, Crimson Guard, Lotus Orb, Halberd<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Luxury: AC, Heart, BoT<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Teams w/Slardar:</u><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>#1: Armor Reduction<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Tri-Safelane</i>: Slardar, Dazzle, Venge<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Mid</i>: Shadowfiend / DP / DK<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Solo Offlane</i>: Elder Titan / Bounty / Lone Druid / Enchantress<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Ban: Omni, Viper/OD<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>#2: Snowball<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Dual Safelane:</i> Ember + Jakiro<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Mid: Viper<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Dual Offlane:</i> Slardar + Lion<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Ban: Doom, OD?</i></div>
Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-71561041258517937622016-04-17T14:53:00.000-06:002016-04-17T14:54:15.830-06:00Spotlight on Naga - how to abuse Song<div class="MsoNormal">
A brief list of abilities you can use while Song is active, or just before cancelling Song:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Warlock – Upheaval channel<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Undying – Tombstone spawns zombies during Song<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elder Titan – Set up an Earthsplitter<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enchantress/Chen – get Creeps in position<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brood – surround with spiderlings<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shadow Shaman – easy surround with Wards<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jakiro – pre-drop Macropyre, then quick Ice Path after Song cancelled/ends<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
KotL – charge up an Illuminate for when Song ends<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Techies – lay mines right on top!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enigma – easy setup for Black Hole (Naga must cancel Song)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dazzle – allow Weave to tick a bit longer on your team before engaging<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Invoker – drop an Ice Path perfectly<o:p></o:p><br />
Phoenix - Supernova channel, cancel Song before it pops<br />
Kunkka - Cast Ghost ship, cancel Song before it hits</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
AA – Drop a few Vortexes on enemies</div>
Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-15372498109675525472016-04-17T14:51:00.003-06:002021-10-04T15:49:29.093-06:00Too much carry? Build these items...<i>Updated for 7.05</i><br />
<br />
If your dota 2 pub team drafts yet another carry hero, you should abandon the typical item build patterns for your hard-carry hero, and focus on items that will allow you to be effective earlier in the game. Most of the builds shown in the in-game list assume you have a balanced team, with supports that will get you through the early and mid-game, so you can be a powerhouse later. Well... that might not happen in pubs, so adjust your item builds accordingly.<br />
<br />
Here's a list of some items that are easier to afford / assemble, and will also allow you to be more effective, sooner in the game:<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Infused Raindrop: </b>Perfect for the mana-starved, squishy carry, who's up against magic burst. This item will save your life, especially when you don't have a support who will die for you...</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Power Treads</b>: these are a good, cheap, flexible item. Tread-switching to a different ability might just give you the survivability (Str) or Mana (Int) you need.</span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<strike><b>Drums:</b> Sometimes thought of as a support item, but it gives a lot of stats for the price, and it's "cheap" on item slots for the stats that it gives. Good to buy if your hero is squishy.</strike> <i>Drums are now an intelligence-hero equivalent of an Aquila. Generally better on supports, now.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<strike><b>Ring of Aquila:</b> Normally bought on agilty heroes that need mana, gives a little starting boost to damage, armor, and mana regen. </strike><i>This is now a neutral item.</i><br />
<br />
<i><b>Solar Crest:</b> Although the <b>Medallion</b> is normally thought of as a support item, the Solar Crest is actually quite amazing, and gives your squishy carry both survivability (armor/evasion) and mana regen which can make them very effective in the mid game, especially with lockdown + armor reduction on enemies.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>Dragon Lance</b>: For ranged carries who need bulking up, this is a great item. The range bonus is great and aids your positioning, but early-on, you mainly want it for stats. Builds very nicely into the Hurricane Pike for more mobility. Against some opponents (Clockwerk, Ursa, Riki), you might even build the Force Staff first!<br />
<br />
<b>Vanguard (melee heroes): </b> My experience with this item is that it makes you extremely durable in the early and mid game. Often sneered at in favour of damage items, this item really bulks up the squishier carries (like PA), and directs you toward building a Basher (quite a good item, and inconvenient to your opponents who like to TP away), and eventually an Abyssal. Do NOT build this if you already went for a Poor Man's Shield - if you go too defensive, you won't do any damage and will still be ineffective in midgame fights.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Vladamir's Offering:</b> Not to be underestimated - this item is easily assembled, and gives lots of little bonuses. You can also hang onto it for most of the game. Just make sure someone else isn't also buying it, as more than one is a waste. If you need your own lifesteal and someone else is getting Vlad's, <strike>get </strike><i><strike>Helm of the Dominator. </strike> just get a straight Morbid Mask, and later build into Satanic.</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maelstrom</b>: this weapon does surprising damage with its procs, and acts as a farming item as well. If your hero is pretty good on survivability and/or has an escape ability, this might be your first go-to item. You can keep this a long time before building into Mjolnir - it gives you damage but little else.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sange and Yasha:</b> for Str and Agility heroes, this gives a lot of what you need to be effective mid game: survivability, damage, and chase/speed. It's easy to assemble out of lower-cost parts (mostly), and even the Sange or Yasha is quite effective on its own. Can also be disassembled later for Halberd + Manta, or Silver Edge + Manta.<br />
<br />
<b>Black King Bar (BKB):</b> Sometimes you just need magic immunity early. Don't dismiss this item because it doesn't give as much damage as you'd like, for the price. Sometimes, having one means being in the fight instead of running for your life or getting blown up instantly.<br />
<h4>
<b><u><i>Rejected (7.05)</i></u></b></h4>
<i><b>Helm of the Dominator:</b> This used to be a great item for stats, but they nerfed it a lot, and now it's more of a support item. However, do not underestimate the power of creep buffs!</i><br />
<br />
<div class="western">
<b>Other Items for Mid-Game fighting carries:</b></div>
<div class="western">
<ul>
<li>Phase Boots (good for chase or if hp is already decent)</li>
<li>Crystalis (good if your damage is already high and you just need more damage)</li>
<li>Armlet (str carries)</li>
<li>Mask of Madness<i> (nerfed then buffed - good again, but only on tougher heroes)</i></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="western">
</div>
<div class="western">
“<b>Race Car” Carry: </b> Phase Boots, Windlace, S&Y / Manta. For S&Y, get Yasha first for the speed.</div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Your item slots might look like this:</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Power Treads or Phase Boots</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Drums or Aquila</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Maelstrom</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sange and/or Yasha</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">TP scroll</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><Hero-specific item (Blink, Soul Ring, Hp or Regen item, etc) or “leftover” starting item (such as a shield)></span></li>
</ul>
Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-61753039011429079652016-04-17T14:05:00.000-06:002016-04-17T14:22:33.046-06:00Low-Tier Picks for Higher Win Rates (6.86)Tired of picking Pudge, Invoker, Spectre and Juggernaut?<br />
<br />
The following heroes have lower pick rates (<10%) in low-tier pub matches, but >50% average win rates:<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Elder Titan</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Centaur</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Beastmaster</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Lycan</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Treant</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ancient Apparition</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Jakiro</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Warlock</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Undying</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Nightstalker</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Veno</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Abaddon</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sand King</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Dragon Knight</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Medusa</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Chaos Knight</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Dazzle</span></li>
</ul>
Stats pulled from Meta Analyzer on <a href="http://dotapicker.com/pubmeta">http://dotapicker.com/pubmetachanges#/v1_6.86f/v2_6.86</a><br />
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Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-71922802857568573792016-04-17T13:37:00.000-06:002016-04-17T13:37:33.374-06:00Spotlight on Zeus 6.86<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<b>Spotlight on
Zeus</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Zeus is a hero
who seems to dominate the lower brackets, but is rarely picked in the
pro scene. Let’s look at pros and cons first:</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<u>Pros:</u></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Extremely
high magic damage</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Can
snowball heavily</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<u>Cons:</u></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Poor
mobility</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
No
lockdown</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Squishy</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Slow
attack animation / difficult to last-hit without Arc Lightning spam</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Falls off
lategame / no lategame synergy</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Easy to
steal kills from carries</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<b>How to Play
Zeus</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
You need to like
playing from the back lines.
</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Use your ult at
the start of a teamfight, as the first blows are struck, not at the
end. Not only does this make the enemy team less likely to be
aggressive, but it also allows your carries to get the kills rather
than you stealing them all later. </div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Stealing kills is bad because Zeus is mediocre in late game when nukes do less against high health pools, and BKBs are commonplace. Yes, Zeus has static field, but that's more about chip damage than serious wounds.</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;">Ground-Targeting Lightning Bolt can check high ground, and also reveal hidden enemies. It's an under-used and highly useful application of the ability. You can also kill enemies by ground-targeting the lightning bolt - it actually has a 325 search range, and will hit the closest enemy in that area. You can also get extra range out of this (700 cast range + 325 search range).</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<b>How to Counter
Zeus</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<u>Items</u></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Magic Stick/Wand: Zeus relies on spamming his spells, both in lane and in teamfights. You are almost guaranteed to get a ton of charges.</div>
</li>
<li><div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Buy a
Pipe. This is almost non-negotiable if you ever want to teamfight –
starting teamfights at half health is not fun.</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Supports
buy cloaks / glimmer capes: it's almost always worth buying even just a "casual cloak" against Zeus. Even a L2 ult + L4 Lightning Bolt = 700 damage. A cloak brings you innate magic resistance from 25% to 36.25%, Instead of 525 dmg from the combo, you take 446, or 80 less damage - that's pretty good for a 550-gold item.</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Smoke to
avoid Thundergod's Wrath when running away – it will reveal but not damage you if
you are “invisible”.</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Blade mail
can be good if you are tanky, or are a high-priority target that
people tend to jump on. It may not save your life, but at least it
hurts Zeus!</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<u>Heroes</u></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Gap-closers
with decent Hp are very good (Spirit Breaker good, Storm Spirit ok),
</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Burst
heroes (Skywrath, Spectre, Lina, QoP), to prey on squishy Zeus.</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Silences
(Death Prophet, Drow, Skywrath, etc)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Pugna,
because Zeus wants to be able to spam his spells without getting
zapped.</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Anti-mage, 'cause... he's an anti-magic hero.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
<u>Tactics</u></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Gank him
frequently, especially if he goes mid. He has no escape or stun,
and only gets stronger once he has items (mana regen, mobility, hp)</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
If you
find that teamfights aren’t quick, decisive affairs, try targeting
Zeus earlier, so he can’t spam his spells.</div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.35cm;">
Jumping on
Zeus and killing him before he can ult greatly increases your
chances of teamfight success.</div>
</li>
</ul>
Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-71421148813886332882016-04-12T14:17:00.000-06:002016-04-12T14:17:08.560-06:00A reddit link listHere's Google Doc of a <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Xop3K9TAand-Roa0waIBF4zM64F9VxZz2gsqF0IJtcQ/htmlview?usp=sharing&sle=true" target="_blank">compilation of some really good dota 2 strategy posts</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-12217400028449881382016-03-08T16:56:00.000-07:002016-03-08T16:58:03.528-07:00Repost: A Checklist of Dota2 Mechanical Skillsby <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/dorjedor" target="_blank">dorjedor</a> on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/learndota2/comments/49idil/new_to_dota_no_idea_what_im_doing/" target="_blank">reddit</a>:<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #4d5763; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.42857em;">Checklist for a good DotA mechanical skills:</b><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d5763; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.357143em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Good map awareness/mini-map awareness.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Good last hitting and denies.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
When to dive or to back off.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
When to farm, to gank, to save teammates, or to run away.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Carrying a TP (you can't have enough TP).</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://i.imgur.com/1Vpzihy.png" rel="nofollow" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #7d5d8a; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.15s ease;">Ward location guide</a>.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
<a href="http://imgur.com/a/1oTWr" rel="nofollow" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #7d5d8a; margin: 0px; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.15s ease;">Jungle stacking guide/camp blocking</a>.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Rune spawn time. Rune is an instant cheat provided by the game, abuse it.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Resetting creeps/tower aggression.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
When to push towers and barracks.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
When to buyback, as well as know when to save buyback gold.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Communication with the team/capability to figure out their intention.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Ability to figure out the opponent's intention.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Always make missing calls, repeat every minute/half a minute.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d5763; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d5763; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
<b>Tips & Common mistakes:</b></div>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d5763; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin: 0.357143em 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 40px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Don't overextend, your life is worth more than theirs (unless you can get 2-3 kill for it).</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Finish the game ASAP. Comeback gold is terrifying (this is also your hope if you're playing from behind).</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Positioning do very well in a teamfight, more if you're a ranged hero.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Know who to focus your target on (hint: squishy supports before carries and save tank for last)</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
A cheap item in the beginning of the game is a good investment. Stop buying those and move on the more expensive item as the clock ticking in.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Killing heroes worth a tons more of gold and exp than creeps, but it also applied to you so know your limitation.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Always carrying a TP.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Stout Shield/Poor Man's Shield is a lifesaver early game.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Orb of Venom is a beast early game.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Changing Power Tread to Str (or Int) could save your life more often than you imagined, even more so if you're a squishy carry/support.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
If you can kill, go fight. If you can't kill, go farm/split push.</div>
</li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em; line-height: 1.42857em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 1em !important; line-height: 1.42857em; margin-bottom: 0.357143em; padding: 0px;">
Watch your reliable gold, try to spend as less as reliable gold as possible during late game for buyback purposes.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #4d5763; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #4d5763; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>A quote by dorjedor:</b></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #4d5763; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><b>Or: "How to play Dota 2 in 2 short sentences"</b></span></span></div>
<div>
“If you can kill, yes. If not, then continue farming until you can kill.”</div>
Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-19635038358219546822016-01-26T16:31:00.000-07:002017-04-26T07:18:30.083-06:00Dota 2 Common Mistakes<h3>
Common Dota 2 Mistakes to Avoid</h3>
<i>From a Reddit Post. <source needed></i><br />
<br />
* Trying to defend a T2 tower when the enemy has better teamfight / Aegis / more players at the tower.<br />
* Using glyph on a T2 tower that is sure to die / not being defended (better to delay and force them to fight uphill)<br />
* Fighting instead of disengaging when the fight is in an area where we have no vision and there is no map objective.<br />
* Chasing a wounded enemy for a really long time with no vision of where they are going.<br />
* Trying to kill Roshan without having any vision around the pit and without having vision of most or all of the enemy team.<br />
* Trying to contest Roshan without vision / without the whole team / against a team with better teamfight.<br />
*
Saying "we need to end fast" and trying to push onto the high ground
with the entire enemy team alive (without having a massive advantage)
instead of containing the enemy team to their base and farming the
entire map to gain the necessary advantage.<br />
* Not having TP/BoT at all times after a few minutes into the game.<br />
* Staying in lane and trying to farm with very low HP.<br />
*
When defending a tower, running out in front of it to fight instead of
forcing the enemy team to fight under the tower. (Or, running down off
the high ground instead of forcing them to fight uphill.)<br />
<br />
<h4>
Zrog's Additions:</h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Movement</i>: after blowing your abilities, unless you are a hard carry with right-click items, you should back away from the (team)fight, then re-engage as abilities come off cooldown. (<i>Exception: before L6, in small skirmishes, your right-click is still valuable).</i></li>
<li><i>Communication</i>: Always call out when an enemy is diving you under the tower. If one or more teammates can TP to assist, it really punishes the tower dive (or at least deters the gank)</li>
<li><i>Split-Pushing Alone</i> when you have no vision and the enemy team is off the minimap. You are just asking to get killed.</li>
<li><i>Failing to Check the Mini-map Frequently:</i> I don't care if you're playing bots - you need the habit of checking the mini-map frequently. Spend a few games focusing on creating this habit.</li>
</ul>
Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-92200717920018111492015-12-21T13:46:00.002-07:002016-01-13T10:55:03.543-07:00Tower Sieging with Dragon LanceThe following heroes can siege a tower without getting hit, once they have a Dragon Lance. Towers have a range of 700. These heroes have >700 with the Lance.<br />
<br />
<b>For reference, the Dragon Lance is:</b><br />
+10 Damage<br />
+10 Attack Speed<br />
+10 Strength<br />
+130 Range (Ranged heroes only) <br />
<i>Can be disassembled</i><br />
---> Made from Quarterstaff + Ogre Club (no recipe)<br />
---> Transition to Orchid/Butterfly + BKB/Sange <br />
<br />
**Heroes are sorted by Role, then by Range (descending), then alphabetically. Range data from <a href="http://herostats.io/#" target="_blank">http://herostats.io/#</a><br />
<br />
<b>Carries & Semi-Carries where Range >700 w/Lance:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Lina</li>
<li>Mirana</li>
<li>Clinkz</li>
<li>Drow</li>
<li>Windrunner</li>
<li>Nature's Prophet</li>
<li>Medusa</li>
<li>Silencer</li>
<li>Invoker</li>
<li>Death Prophet</li>
<li>Viper</li>
</ul>
<b>Supports or non-right click semi-carries, Range >700 w/Lance</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Techies</li>
<li>Arc Warden</li>
<li>Oracle</li>
<li>Witch Doctor</li>
<li>Warlock</li>
<li>Visage</li>
<li>Skywrath</li>
<li>Rubick</li>
<li>Pugna</li>
<li>Lion</li>
<li>Leshrac</li>
<li>Keeper</li>
<li>Disruptor</li>
<li>Crystal Maiden</li>
<li>Chen</li>
<li>Ancient Apparition</li>
<li>Io</li>
</ul>
Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-52590643219071711172015-12-10T13:56:00.001-07:002016-01-13T09:35:44.063-07:00Global Mobility - Abuses and Synergies with Io<b>Hero Spotlight: Io</b><br />
<br />
I was reading the <a href="http://dota2.gamepedia.com/Io" target="_blank">dotapedia on Io/Wisp</a>, and it occurs to me that:<br />
<br />
a) he's under-utilized and under-practiced at the pub level<br />
b) if you and a carry practiced with him, you'd have a potent weapon on your arsenal<br />
c) you could build a team around global mobility that would make it disgusting.<br />
<br />
<b>Things you need to know about Io:</b><br />
- He doesn't give health regen to his tethered ally if he's at full HP<br />
- He DOES pass mana to his tethered ally even at full mana.<br />
- He's squishy. He needs at least some items to make him less squishy (Bracer/Urn/etc).<br />
- You only really need 1 point in Tether<br />
- An early point in Overcharge is optional, otherwise, max spirits first.<br />
- Always take your Ult at levels 6, 11, 16.<br />
<br />
Good partners for Io are listed in the <a href="http://dota2.gamepedia.com/Io#Io_Partners" target="_blank">Dotapedia Entry</a>, but I'll talk about a few more <a href="http://dota2lists.blogspot.ca/2014/09/team-ideas-global-pain.html" target="_blank">global line-ups</a> that could be good, with balanced teams & lanes.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Yes, I know the Tiny + Io combo is the most common, so I'll try to show some alternatives.</i></b> <br />
<br />
<b>Team Ideas (with Io):</b><br />
<br />
#1<br />
Lifestealer + Io safelane<br />
NP Jungle<br />
Storm Spirit mid<br />
Spiritbreaker solo offlane<br />
<br />
<i>With Agh's on Lifestealer (which is weird, but ...you can put another hero in the Infest, and zip around with Storm Spirit, even without Io!) </i><br />
<br />
#2<br />
Sven + Io + Crystal Maiden safelane <br />
Puck mid<br />
Dark Seer solo offlane<br />
<br />
<i>Crystal Maiden is on the team for mana regen. She can also jungle a bit with Frostbite, and stack for Sven. Dark Seer Synergizes well with Puck's Dream Coil and Sven's Storm Hammer and CM's Blizzard. </i><br />
<br />
#3<i> </i><br />
Slardar + Io + Ancient Apparition safelane<br />
Pudge mid<br />
Legion Commander solo offlane (or pick Doom, to deny him to the enemy team!)<br />
<br />
<i>Legion commander's heal can be cast on Io w/Tether to multiply its effects!</i><br />
<i>One of Pudge's main problems is lurking around, hoping for a gank opportunity. What if you could bring him where he's needed for a quick Dismember? Sven is usually limited by his mobility - but not anymore! You leave AA in the lane while you go gank, so he can get a good Ice Blast from cross-map.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-1893310566769024792015-12-10T10:53:00.001-07:002016-01-13T09:40:27.785-07:00Positions 1 through 5 - Farming Priority & LaningEvery Dota 2 team line-up can be classified by the priority ranking by which each hero is given some of the available farm (ancients, neutrals, lane creeps) on the map. These positions also relate to where these heroes get laned, and the roles they play on the team.<br />
<br />
<b>Summary:</b><br />
Position 1 = highest farming priority, safest farm (hard carry)<br />
Position 2 = 2nd highest farming priority (mid lane carry or mid ganker/semi-carry)<br />
Position 3 = third-core or utility hero (solo offlane)<br />
Position 4 = greedy support or utility hero (roamer or tri-lane pulling)<br />
Position 5 = low-item support, "ward bitch" (lane support for position 1)<br />
<br />
<b>Safe vs. Offlane: Definition</b><br />
<br />
The easiest definition of safelane is: the lane closest to your team's jungle, either at the top (dire) or bottom (radiant) of the map.<br />
<br />
Up to patch 6.85, the radiant offlane was considered to be easier than the dire offlane, because you could side-pull the large camp into the lane. You used to be able to stack the Dire Ancient camp from the Dire Offlane, for later farming with your offlane hero (such as Tidehunter or Beastmaster), later map changes to the Rosh pit and Dire Ancients made this impossible, and much less convenient for Dire.<br />
<br />
In patch 6.86, significant map changes were made, moving neutral camps around and changing pull timings, such that dire and radiant offlanes are a bit more balanced (hopefully).<br />
<br />
<b>Lane Setups and Positions</b><br />
<br />
The most typical team-based lane setup is A, or sometimes B.<br />
The most typical pub setup is C, but is becoming more common in pro play.<br />
Pro teams have also run D and E ... but it's not very common, and is done in specific circumstances.<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>A) Safe Tri-Lane, solo mid, solo offlane (1-1-3)</u><br />
<br />
Position 1, 4, and 5 in safelane. Position 4 may be jungling.<br />
Position 2 in mid<br />
Position 3 solo offlane (usually against enemy tri-lane)<br />
<br />
<u>B) Aggro Tri-Lane, solo mid, solo safelane (3-1-1)</u><br />
<br />
Position 1, 4, and 5 in offlane, against enemy safelane tri or dual lane.<br />
Position 2 in mid<br />
Position 3 in safelane, solo against enemy solo offlaner.<br />
<br />
<u>C) Dual Offlane, solo Mid, Dual Safe (2-1-2)</u><br />
<br />
Position 1 & 5 in safelane (against enemy solo offlane or dual lane)<br />
Position 2 in mid<br />
Position 3 and 4 in offlane* (against enemy safe tri-lane or dual lane)<br />
<i>*Pro teams may run Doom + Lich in this setup, in the offlane, or some very aggressive laners, such as Tusk + Undying or Spiritbreaker + Bane.</i><br />
<br />
<u>D) Dual mid, Dual Safelane, solo offlane (1-2-2)</u><br />
<br />
Position 1 & 5 in safelane<br />
Position 2 & 4 in mid lane (e.g. Tiny + Io)<br />
Position 3 in offlane <br />
<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>E) Dual Offlane, Dual Mid, Solo Safe (2-2-1)</u><br />
<br />
Positions 3 and 5 in offlane<br />
Positions 2 & 4 in mid lane<br />
Position 1 in safe lane (solo)<br />
<br />
<br />Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-63930715934728344762015-12-09T16:17:00.002-07:002016-01-13T10:02:49.982-07:00Positioning VideosI just found and watched a video by slasher that shows some of the best positioning tips that I've seen in awhile. He discusses using camera positioning and team-positioning to prevent the enemy from getting good engagements and ultimates.<br />
<br />
This is Slasher's "Road to Top 200", focusing on Windranger. However, the tips he gives are applicable to many engagements. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/94-bo7t6c60/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/94-bo7t6c60?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<b>Positioning and Zone Control, by FiercE:</b><br />
<br />
I like this video more because it talks about some very basic things, that new players don't even think about. I find the information he shares to be most valuable to support players who are wondering what to do in team fights, and how to stay alive when low on farm.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9ihVc2swLPQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ihVc2swLPQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<b>Teamfight Analysis of Positioning:</b><br />
<br />
A very chaotic teamfight between Na'Vi and C9, broken down to enable you to see <i>why </i>each player on Na'Vi is doing what they are doing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mUcOELuF_v0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mUcOELuF_v0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-72241660298272902732015-12-09T14:24:00.000-07:002015-12-09T14:24:32.515-07:006.85 Popular Heroes<b>Links:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.dotabuff.com/blog/2015-10-10-pub-tier-list-685" target="_blank">Pub Tier list on DotaBuff (Article)</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://dota2.vpgame.com/event/dota/5426.html" target="_blank">Competitive / Pro Tier List (Article)</a><br />
<br />
<b>Discussion / Observations:</b><br />
<br />
There's actually a trend AWAY from heroes with Primary Stuns. The number of disables that a pro team drafts in general has gone down. Heroes with longer-range disables are favoured (Gyro missile, Wyvern ult, etc).<br />
<br />
"Skillshot" spells are still very popular (Tusk Ice Shards, Lina LSA, SFiend Razes), although different from before (Pudge, Mirana, Earthshaker are less popular)<br />
<br />
Trending towards semi-carries as supports, or offlaners as supports (Tusk, Undying, etc). Emphasis on early-fight heroes and tougher heroes and supports (use of Bounty Hunter, Dazzle, Bane, Ogre, Earthshaker). Squishy supports are much more rare. Emphasis on roaming supports in the 4-position that can "make plays happen".<br />
<br />
Flash-farming carries are much more popular. Anti-mage is still somewhat popular because of his ability to get ahead in farm once he gets core items. Carries that can do well throughout the game are favoured (SFiend, Ember, QoP, Alchemist).Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-90761946758951546322015-12-09T13:44:00.000-07:002015-12-09T13:44:01.891-07:00SustainA lot of casters are now talking about team line-ups having "sustain". What's being referred to is the ability of a team to replenish health and mana on an ongoing basis, so the team can keep fighting or pushing.<br />
<br />
<u><b>How to get "sustain"?</b></u><br />
<br />
<b>Items for Supports:</b><br />
- Arcane Boots<br />
- Urn<br />
- Mekanism <br />
<br />
<b>Items for Carries:</b><br />
- Hp-regen items (BFury, Bloodstone, etc)<br />
- Lifesteal items (MoM, HoD, Vlad's)<br />
- Early Mekanism (built on mid-heroes such as SFiend, Viper, Dragon Knight)<br />
<br />
<b>Drafting:</b><br />
- At least 1 healer (see <a href="http://dota2lists.blogspot.ca/2014/10/list-of-healers-lifesteal-and-health.html" target="_blank">List of Healers</a>)<br />
- Pick <a href="http://dota2lists.blogspot.ca/2015/09/heroes-with-low-cooldown-ultimates.html" target="_blank">heroes with low-cooldown ultimates</a><br />
<br />
<u><b>Why is this important?</b></u><br />
<br />
In the "fighting meta" of the 6.85 patch, a won team fight can often result in large gains (i.e. some kills and more than 1 tower), if the team has the items and abilities that they need, to avoid returning to base.Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-71158127635661940922015-11-27T09:57:00.002-07:002015-12-08T13:30:25.015-07:00Heroes with Highest Cast RangesFor the purpose of this list, we're going to ignore Global cast range abilities (AA Ice Blast, etc), because you can find those in my Global Abilities list.<br />
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I've also left off heroes with spells that summon or dominate creeps - those ranges aren't that relevant in combat.<br />
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<i>NOTE: This post is still a work-in-progress.</i> <br />
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<h4>
1200+ Effective Range</h4>
Wind Ranger - Power Shot (2600)<br />
Jakiro - Ice Path (1200)<br />
Tinker Heat Seeking Missile (2500)<br />
Keeper of the Light - Illuminate (1800)<br />
Disruptor - Glimpse (600/1000/1400/1800 by Level) <br />
<h4>
1000+ Effective Range</h4>
Rubick - Spell Steal (1000, 1400 w/Agh's)<br />
Bane - Enfeeble (1000) <br />
<h4>
900+ Effective Ranges</h4>
<br />
Pugna Life Drain (range 900/1050/1200 by skill level)<br />
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Crystal Maiden - Crystal Nova (1100 = 700 range + 400 radius)<br />
Puck - Orb (2175 = 1950 + 225 radius)<br />
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Jakiro - Macropyre (900, or 1800 w/ Agh's)<br />
Silencer - Last Word (900)<br />
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Disruptor - Kinetic Field (900 + 325 radius)<br />
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Keeper of the Light - Mana Leak (550/700/850/1000 by Skill Level)<br />
Keeper of the Light - Blinding Light (900 + 675 radius)<br />
<h4>
800-850 Cast Ranges</h4>
Lina Dragon Slave (800 extends to 1025)<br />
Wind Ranger - Shackleshot (800, +575 second target latch range)<br />
Zeus - Arc Lightning (850, +500 bounce distance)<br />
Nature's Prophet - Sprout L4 (850)<br />
Silencer - Curse of the Silent (800 + 350 radius)<br />
Rubick - Fade Bolt (800 + 440 bounce)<br />
Disruptor - Thunder Strike (800)<br />
Disruptor - Static Storm (800 + 450 radius)<br />
<h4>
700-750 Cast Ranges</h4>
Pugna - Decrepify (700)<br />
Puck - Dream Coil (750)<br />
Enchantress - Agh's Impetus (740) ((550 normally))<br />
Zeus - Lightning Bolt (700)<br />
Jakiro - Dual Breathe (750 max)<br />
Chaos Knight - Reality Rift (700 @ L4)<br />
Ogre Magi - Ignite (700, 1400 multicast range)<br />
<h4>
600-650 Cast Ranges</h4>
Lina Light Strike Array (625)<br />
Lina Laguna Blade (600)<br />
Shadow Shaman Ether Shock (600, can extend to 1100)<br />
<br />Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-90148189794818037682015-11-11T11:28:00.000-07:002015-11-11T11:28:18.716-07:00Team of semi-carriesWhat if there's no hard carry?<br />
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<a href="http://dota2lists.blogspot.ca/2014/06/dota-2-list-of-semi-carries.html" target="_blank"><i>Reference: List of Semi-carries</i></a><br />
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<b>Team ideas:</b><br />
<b>#1: (Dual lanes)</b><br />
Venge safelane farm + Abaddon safe support<br />
Veno mid<br />
Timbersaw farming offlane + Lina offlane support<br />
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<b>#2: (Aggro tri)</b><br />
Beastmaster solo safelane<br />
Leshrac + Lina + Axe aggro tri<br />
Windranger mid<br />
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<br />Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-45686346437062242782015-11-10T13:36:00.003-07:002017-04-26T11:35:57.168-06:00Spotlight on Vengeful Spirit (6.85)I'm writing this article with a hypothesis: Vengeful spirit could and should probably be played more often as a carry.<br />
<i>Updated for 7.05 on April 26, 2017</i><br />
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<b>Venge as a hero</b><br />
<ul>
<li>3rd Highest starting Agility in the game (after Riki and Phantom Lancer)</li>
<li>2nd Highest Agility growth in the game (after Morphling)</li>
<li>2nd Highest overall stat growth in the game (2.55, after Silencer's 2.57) </li>
<li>Higher base attack damage and attack speed than Phantom Assassin (levels 11 & 16).</li>
<li>Low-cooldown stun (10s at L4)</li>
<li>Powerful skills that scale well with right-click damage (armor reduction, % damage aura)</li>
<li>Ultimate that allows re-positioning of self and of allies/enemies, and also acts as a interrupt. </li>
</ul>
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Pro players have been valuing Blink Daggers and the Force Staff more and more lately - realizing that positioning in Dota 2 is key, and the more the better. Perhaps it's a holdover from old patches, but Vengeful Spirit didn't used to be able to use a Blink Dagger, which might still be clouding the thinking of some long-time players.<br />
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Except for Pudge (skillshot) and Batrider (Blink + Lasso + Forcestaff), Vengeful Spirit is the only other hero who can literally move an enemy hero into an ambush. Now that she has the ability to use a Blink Dagger, she can also get HERSELF out of the bad spot that Nether Swap usually puts her in, and rejoin her team, instead.<br />
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<b>What Limits Venge As a Carry?</b><br />
<br />
<u>1) Farming Speed</u><br />
There's a trend lately, towards fast-farming carries, namely Alchemist, Shadowfiend, Queen of Pain, and Sven. Venge does not have any innate farm-boosting skills, although Wave can help her farm neutrals and push waves a bit faster. She's also not typically itemized with a Maelstrom for faster farming (but she could be!).<br />
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<u>2) Skills: Self vs. Team</u><br />
Venge's skills will benefit her team regardless of whether she's the carry or not. Thus, there's no reason not to take another hero as a carry that synergizes well with Venge, instead of making Venge herself the carry.<br />
<br />
<b>How Carry Venge Could Be Itemized</b><br />
<br />
Most players build Venge with a Desolator, to allow her to snowball as a semi-carry, and also to synergize with her Wave for additional armor reduction. While this is not "wrong", there are other possibilities:<br />
<u><br /></u>
<u>1) Illusion-based Venge</u><br />
Since Venge's aura doesn't affect illusions, it's not optimal to build Manta first. However, items that boost base damage such as Skadi, DO take advantage of Venge's aura. So, if you're adding stat-based damage anyway, why not add some illusions that also benefit from stats? This results in a Aquila+Yasha into Manta/Skadi type of Venge build, which is pretty decent.<br />
<br />
<u>2) Damage-based Venge</u><br />
Since Venge has better Str-gain (2.6) than some Str-based carries, as long as she has time to get some levels and possibly a minor hp-boosting item (Treads, Aquila) <strike>(Drums, or casual Ogre Club, perhaps)</strike>, Venge can focus on damage. Items such as Chrystalis, Shadowblade and S&Y come to mind. Like most Agility-based carries, she also benefits from a Poor Man's Shield in early game.<br />
<br />
<u>3) Maelstrom for Farming / Pushing Venge</u><br />
I think the Maelstrom is an underrated early item. The proc alone is almost worth a nuke, and it's mana-free on a really low cooldown. Better yet, it allows faster wave-clear and farming of neutrals! The only downside is that it doesn't boost Venge's low early hp pool - so buy a casual Ogre Club (you can turn in into an S&Y or BKB later). Also, if you buy the Mithril Hammer first, it doesn't give away your item build - you could be going for a Desolator or BKB, too.<br />
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<u>4) Utility-based Venge</u><br />
While I don't recommend a neither-support-nor-carry build for Venge, because this type of role usually falls to the 3-position, Venge COULD be itemized with utility items, such as an Agh's (low-cooldown swap), Vlad's (team damage boost), or Solar Crest (single target armor reduction). She could also boost her hp pool and stats by getting an early Mekanism for her team, which has been done in the past by mid-carries such as Shadowfiend and Viper.Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6567130403693160304.post-27328034001410533252015-11-09T14:47:00.001-07:002015-11-11T11:06:40.697-07:00Spotlight on Venomancer (6.85)Venomancer is currently being picked as a semi-carry or a greedy support hero. With powerful teamfight and push/anti-push, the hero can be a great asset to a team... if you can find somewhere to lane him.<br />
<br />
My own experience with Veno is that without farm priority, the hero is extremely slow and squishy, similar to Crystal Maiden (CM), but without the early-game power that CM gives. This basically means that Veno ISN'T a support, and other than trying to get a very-early kill with, for example, Venomous Gale + Blade Flurry, the hero should be played as a snowballing semi-carry.<br />
<br />
<b>Nerfs to Venomous Gale:</b> <br />
It should be noted that Venomous Gale's early damage, and Veno in general, has been severely nerfed in recent patches. Check this out:<br />
6.85: Damage = 75/250/425/600 (or 56/187/319/450 after typical magic resistance)<br />
6.80: Reduced base attack damage from 24-26 to 19-21 (total attack damage is now 41-43), and reduced base <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://dota2.gamepedia.com/Health_regeneration" title="Health regeneration">health regeneration</a> from 0.75 to 0.25
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<br />
6.79: Rescaled damage over time from 15/30/45/60 to 0/30/60/90 (total damage from 250/500/750/1000 to 25/500/975/1450)<br />
6.76: Reduced initial damage from 50/70/70/100 to 25/50/75/100, and increased damage over time from 10/20/40/50 to 15/30/45/60 (total damage from (200/370/670/850 to 250/500/750/1000)<br />
<br />
<b>What do these changes mean?</b><br />
6.76 - Veno's Gale initial damage decreases, but total dmg increased. Target can be denied more easily.<br />
6.79 - L1 Gale damage drops from 250 to 25. Veno a lot less relevant until Level 3. Midgame damage increased. Veno moves from a support to a greedy support or midgame semi-carry.<br />
6.80 - Once again, Veno's ability to support is nerfed. Moves further towards semi-carry.<br />
6.81 to 6.84 - little to no change. Poison Nova ultimate improved due to DoT change.<br />
6.85 - Massive damage nerf to Gale. Total dmg decrease from 25/500/975/1450 to 75/250/425/600. While this brings Gale in line with a regular ability (rather than an ultimate), it further hurts Venomancer as a nuker-support.<br />
<br />
<b>How is Veno used now?</b><br />
In pro games, Venomancer has been used in almost any lane, from solo offlane, to mid, to safelane carry. He is rarely used as a support - and if so, he gets a Midas ASAP. One mistake some teams make when using Venomancer is not allowing him to get the levels to get his ultimate online soon enough, or to get enough levels to keep his ultimate's scaling relevant.<br />
<br />
However, Venomancer can shut down many mid-lane farming carries with a mixture of Plague Wards and Poison Sting (poison sting can deal 32/90/176/288 after reductions, with Wards dealing 16/45/88/144 after reductions, over 6-15 secs). Unfortunately, Veno's own Sting DoT does NOT stack with the DoT from his wards, nor with itself (if you want an obscene stacking DoT, I recommend Huskar...)<br />
<br />
<b>Veno as Ganker</b> <br />
What's interesting about Veno is that, by Level 9 (Max Sting, Max Gale, L1 Ultimate), you can do 288+(600*0.75)= 738+auto-attack damage to one target with 1 cast and 1 auto-attack. Add a Shadowblade onto this, and you get 175 extra (physical) damage, plus the auto-attack (assuming attack damage of 84 with L9 and only the shadowblade, and enemy phsyical resist of about 25%), for a total of 932 damage (over 15 secs).<br />
<br />
<b>Veno as Support</b><br />
The problem with Veno as support is that you need levels, and you're very slow and squishy. To me, this says "Blink Dagger", or perhaps "Midas into Blink". However, you still don't want to jump into the middle of the fray - just close enough to get off your ultimate, and then perhaps catch a couple of heroes with Gale. Throw down a few Wards to slow fleeing enemies, and your job is done.<br />
As support, you will generally Max Gale and 1 point in Poison Sting, then Max Wards, and always prioritize your ultimate.<br />
<br />
<b>So how should I build Veno?</b><br />
<u>There are <a href="http://www.dotabuff.com/heroes/venomancer/builds" target="_blank">two popular skill builds</a>:</u><br />
1) Sting + Wards (anti-mid or support)<br />
2) Gale + Sting (semi-carry)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Good Luxury Items for Veno:</b><br />
<i>Aghs</i>: Ultimate damage is already disgusting. This makes it more disgusting, and reduces the L3 cooldown.<br />
<i>Octarine Core</i>: Again, you're trying to get your ultimate cooldown lower, and a lower cooldown on both Wards and Gale is nice, too.<br />
<i>Shadowblade</i>: As a mid-game item, you can gank quite effectively. L4 Gale damage is very high for a non-ultimate, and combined with the slow + Shadowblade bonus damage + auto-attacks, you can solo-gank quite well.<br />
<i>Boots of Travel:</i> Veno also makes a respectable split-pusher, but I'd recommend a Blink Dagger or Shadowblade for escaping. BoTs allow you to be where you need to be on the map. Zrog (ESR)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09610162200721944106noreply@blogger.com0