How To DOMINATE Your Lane As Support (ADVANCED) - Dota 2 Support Guide

Summary

In this guide, 8K Dota 2 player Jeff shares essential strategies for dominating the laning phase as a support. He covers key aspects such as hero selection, ward placement, XP management, and trading tactics to secure an advantage early on. Emphasizing the importance of getting to level 2 before the enemy, Jeff explains how to maximize resources by pulling and denying waves, securing Healing Lotus or Wisdom Runes, and forcing favorable trades. With these tips, supports can set up a snowballing advantage that carries into the mid-game, providing a strong foundation for success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on picking strong laners like Treant Protector, Nature's Prophet, and Warlock to control the tempo early on.
• 😀 Place observer wards early in the game to gain vision and prevent the enemy from setting up their own wards.
• 😀 Sentry wards are essential to block the enemy’s small camps and ensure your team gets the resources first.
• 😀 Prioritize trading early with the enemy support to gain control, but adjust based on whether the enemy support is ranged or melee.
• 😀 Secure level 2 before your opponents by getting the first 9 creeps to gain an advantage with an extra ability in early trades.
• 😀 Position melee heroes ahead of ranged heroes when possible, and adapt based on their health and the need for protection.
• 😀 Take advantage of 2v1 scenarios to isolate and eliminate enemy heroes, especially when their lane partner is absent.
• 😀 Don’t pull the wave at critical moments like 248 or 548, as it interferes with key objectives such as the Healing Lotus.
• 😀 Control key objectives like the Healing Lotus at 3 and 6 minutes, and the Wisdom Rune at 7 minutes to stay ahead in the game.
• 😀 Rotate to other lanes once you reach level 4 or 5 to apply pressure, secure ganks, or help your team with their objectives.

Q & A

Why is the first 78 minutes of the game crucial for support players?

The first 78 minutes are critical because the laning stage sets the tempo for the rest of the game. Support players must make strategic decisions that can determine the outcome of the laning phase, which can lead to advantages in both resources and map control.

What are some of the strongest support heroes in the current patch?

Strong support heroes in the current patch include Treant Protector, Nature's Prophet, Vengeful Spirit, Warlock, and Dazzle. These heroes excel in the laning stage due to their sustainability and impact in early engagements.

Why should you avoid heroes like Oracle during the laning phase?

Heroes like Oracle are weak laners, especially before the zero-minute mark. While they have utility in the mid-game, they don’t contribute as effectively during the laning phase and can struggle to control the early game.

What is the significance of placing Observer Wards before the first minute?

Placing Observer Wards before the first minute helps you gain vision on the enemy’s movements and ward placements. This allows you to counter their vision, secure first blood, and maintain map control during the early stages.

Why is securing level 2 before your opponents important?

Securing level 2 before your opponents gives you an advantage in trades. With access to two spells, you can outplay the enemy by initiating fights and applying pressure, often leading to kills or favorable trades.

How does XP sharing work in Dota 2, and why should you avoid sharing XP?

XP is shared when multiple heroes are near each other, but support heroes receive less XP than cores. To maximize your XP gain, avoid sharing XP unless necessary, as you’ll receive a smaller share compared to your core heroes.

What is the best positioning for melee and ranged heroes in the laning phase?

Melee heroes should generally be positioned ahead of ranged heroes in the lane. If both heroes are melee or ranged, position them according to their health and region. For instance, if a melee hero has lower health, the ranged hero should position ahead to provide protection.

What does a 2v1 situation mean, and how should supports exploit it?

A 2v1 situation occurs when one enemy hero is isolated, allowing two heroes to focus on them. Supports can exploit this by engaging the isolated enemy, securing kills, or forcing them out of the lane when the enemy's lane partner is absent.

Why is pulling an important mechanic in the laning phase?

Pulling is crucial because it helps you control the wave equilibrium, deny XP and gold to the enemy, and maintain lane pressure. Properly timed pulls can prevent the enemy from getting resources and can even push the wave toward their tower.

What is the correct timing for pulling and why should you avoid pulling at certain times?

The best time to pull is around 2:20 for the first pull. Avoid pulling too close to key objectives like the Healing Lotus or Wisdom Rune. Pulling at 2:20 ensures the wave will push toward the enemy tower, which helps maintain pressure and control the lane.

How can securing the Wisdom Rune at the 7-minute mark impact the game?

Securing the Wisdom Rune at 7 minutes provides a significant XP advantage. Stealing the enemy’s Wisdom Rune can give your team a substantial lead, allowing for faster rotations, better ganks, and potentially accelerating your progress into the mid-game.