The International 2024, TI13, was a thrilling showcase of the highest calibres of professional Dota 2. Now that the pros have demonstrated just how you should play the best performing Dota 2 heroes, it’s time these trending heroes hit your average pub matches and stomp some unwitting players!
TI13 (Image credit: The International 2024)
The Dota 2 meta which TI13 got to experience, is arguably one of the most diverse we have ever seen at a TI. There weren’t any overpowered items or hero skillsets, and most of these trending heroes still need a certain level of expertise to pull it off. That said, it doesn’t mean there isn’t some quick MMR to be grabbed with these heroes.
Windranger (Image credit: Dota 2)
We kick things off with Windranger as a carry pick. Windranger’s skillset has always been a versatile combo, having a decent long-ranged nuke, a stun, an escape and potential for heavy auto-attack damage.
However, as cherry on top, her Facet, Whirlwind, gave her a fifth ability that allows her to attack multiple enemy heroes in a radius. This gives her AOE damage based on her physical damage, which coupled with Maelstrom is a potent combo of damage. Honestly, all you need to do is pop your ult, pop BKB, and run into the opponents, and that’s usually a few kills.
Windranger also often uses an item that builds towards Gleipnir, a very popular item in TI13. And, Windranger still sees some play as a flex pick in other roles, so she’s one of the best heroes in the game right now – pick any team selecting Windranger during your Dota 2 bets!
Sand King (Image credit: Dota 2)
Sand King was also a popular pick at TI13 but for a different reason. SK’s Caustic Finale passive is now an Innate ability, so SK doesn’t have to spend a level on this.
Besides being a decent percentage AOE damage in chaotic fights, it allows for efficient jungling during mid game. The former third skill, now changed to Stinger instead, offers additional damage to its overall skill combo.
As such, SK is popular as a mid hero in the pro scene because it can hold its own against even ranged opponents. Pros are playing him as a magic-damage dealer first, and initiator second, which gives him more late-game potential. Even if you lose your lane, you can still be effective in starting fights. Plus there’s some flex potential with other lanes.
Tusk (Image credit: Dota 2)
Tusk is hands-down one of the most reliable support heroes from TI13. Tusk’s default skillset is already very disruptive alone, such as his Ice Shards and Snow Ball being able to block opponents and save allies respectively.
Additionally, his Facet, Drinking Buddies, is able to grant him an additional skill meaning Tusk has more than three ways to save a friend now. We are familiar with the original abilities, but Drinking Buddies pulls an ally target towards Tusk like how the item Harpoon works. It’s even better since it also offers movement speed bonus.
Furthermore, his innate ability, Bitter Chill, passively reduces attack speed in an AOE. Lastly, since the introduction of the strange new Tormentors, Aghanim’s Shards are relatively abundant, so having a good Shard ability definitely makes a hero more favorable.
That’s also the case for Tusk, whose Shard ability increases the depth of his Ice Shards. This can prove fatal for opponents trapped inside this Shards and spend longer time to escape out of.
Speaking of top supports, Shadow Demon is a popular pick in TI13, but especially effective in the hands of TI-winners Team Liquid‘s Aydin “Insania” Sarkohi and Matthew “Whitemon” Filemon.
While the skill, Disruption was useful in saving allies in dire situations. SD also heavily punishes opponents, who failed to finish off their targets. Escaping after a failed attempt with SD countering back is almost impossible in most cases when the Shadow Poison stacks and Demonic Purge are applied.
With these trending Dota 2 heroes at TI13, it’s high time to win MMR before the inevitable post-TI13 Dota 2 update arrives!
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