Nowhere left to go but forward in Dota 2. This Valve’s popular MOBA title has challenged a lot of players, especially in climbing the ranks. Don’t worry though, as it really could happen when you just start playing in the competitive mode. With the right tactics and mindset, you can get back on track easily. Here’s a DOTA 2 guide that will give you the essential tips to rank up effectively.
Master a Limited Hero Pool
This stands to be one of the most effective strategies to escape the hell of Crusader rank. All you have to do is simply focus on mastering a small pool of heroes. It will be enough to give you the variety needed for the game.
- Select 2-3 heroes whom you want to practice. It is ideal that they play different roles.
- Dedicate time and effort to know these heroes extensively by playing them to understand their strengths, weaknesses, and playstyle.
- Be updated on the current meta to adjust your hero pool accordingly. Sometimes, updates can nerf your character.
With these tips, you’ll be able to deeply understand their mechanics without overloading yourself with information. Moreover, this will also give you the chance to pick heroes that are counter to the opponent’s pick.
Improve Your Laning Phase
DOTA 2 puts emphasis on laning phases. These are often crucial in determining the winning chances and coming-from-behind potential of teams. With that, setting up the mid and late games is crucial for victory.
- On the 10-minute mark, start aiming for 50-60 last hits as a carry.
- Stay safe from any potential gank by maintaining creep equilibrium.
- Push the lane at the perfect time. Also learn when to let it keep closer to your tower.
- Coordinate your attacks with your lane partner to harass and secure hits.
Effective Communication and Leadership
Leadership is crucial even in the Crusader ranks. Remember, this is a teamfight game that calls for the contribution of every member in their position. With good communication, it is guaranteed that your team will achieve wins.
- Make use of your microphone or chat wheel when communicating important information.
- Have clear calls for teamfights, objectives, and lane rotations.
- Encourage your teammates, especially if things aren’t going well. There’s no need to play the blame game.
- Alert your teammates of any enemy movements or gank opportunities by pinging the map.
Focus on Objectives
In Crusader rank, kills are less important than securing the objectives. Smart plays are needed to successfully evade the losing part of the game. Remember, it is destroying the enemy’s Ancient that will give you the win. Here’s what to do after winning a teamfight:
- Start pushing the towers to take control of the map.
- If possible, secure Roshan immediately.
- Limit the enemy farms by clearing their jungle camps.
It will also be better if you can understand the “trading” concept. It means that losing a tower means taking away one from the enemies. This will help your team regain map control.
Improve Your Map Awareness and Warding
Dota 2 gameplay heavily relies on vision. Crusader players tend to overlook this aspect of the game. But vision gives an idea of the strategies and tactics of the opposing team.
- Invest in buying and placing wards throughout the game.
- Frequently look at the minimal to see if there are movements from the enemy or any missing heroes.
- Using a smoke of deceit can help your team do effective ganks and objective taking.
- Make sure to deward any enemy wards. This will limit their vision and serve as a chance for your team to counterattack.
Adapt to Your Team’s Needs
You may want to play more versatilely at the Crusader level. Team compositions can dictate the match, as balanced teams have higher chances of winning. Be flexible during picking and adapt roles missing in your team composition.
- Play a role that has not been selected by your teammates. However, make sure that you have experience and practice using it.
- Make necessary adjustments to your item build based on the composition of your enemy.
- Play according to your team’s power spikes. Determine whether your team’s strength lies in the early, mid, or late game.
- Fill in the missing role in your team if you can. Remember that you are aiming to secure a win to climb the rank.
Conclusion
It’ll only be a matter of time before you jump out of the cage of Crusader in DOTA 2. Leveling up can be a daunting task for newcomers in the competitive mode. However, there are plenty of DOTA 2 guides and tips that will help you move forward in the game. Start by wisely crafting your hero pool to add versatility and variety to your gameplay. Moreover, focus on improving your landing skills, communication, and objectives. These are crucial in proving your team the advantage to be ahead of your enemies in the match.
Don’t get discouraged even if your team loses, as it is part of the learning curve. Keep on learning and playing until you reach Immortal!