Dota 2 Terrorblade Offlane Guide: Dominating the Side Lane
A few patches ago, selecting Terrorblade as an offlaner in Dota 2 was considered unconventional, even detrimental. After a brief stint as a position 5 support, he seemed to vanish from the meta. While occasionally seen as a position 1 hard carry, he largely disappeared from the professional scene. However, Terrorblade has recently resurfaced as a popular position 3 pick, particularly at high MMR. This guide delves into what makes him effective in the offlane, optimal item builds, and strategic considerations.
Dota 2 Terrorblade Overview
Terrorblade is a melee agility hero with exceptional agility gain per level. Despite low strength and intelligence gains, his high agility provides substantial armor, making him incredibly durable in the late game. His above-average movement speed, coupled with his abilities, facilitates efficient jungle farming. His innate ability, Dark Unity, enhances the damage of illusions within a certain radius. He possesses three active skills and an ultimate.
Terrorblade's Abilities: A Summary
Ability Name |
How it Works |
Reflection |
Creates an invulnerable illusion of an enemy hero dealing 100% damage and slowing attack/movement speed. |
Conjure Image |
Creates a controllable illusion of Terrorblade that deals damage and has a long duration. |
Metamorphosis |
Transforms Terrorblade into a powerful demon, increasing attack range and damage. Illusions also transform. |
Sunder |
Swaps Terrorblade's HP with a target's HP (cannot kill, but can reduce to 1 HP with Condemned Facet). Can be used on allies. |
Aghanim's Upgrades:
- Aghanim's Shard: Grants Demon Zeal, sacrificing health for regeneration, attack speed, and movement speed (melee form only).
- Aghanim's Scepter: Grants Terror Wave, inflicting fear and dealing damage, activating or extending Metamorphosis.
Facets:
- Condemned: Removes the health threshold for Sundered enemies.
- Soul Fragment: Conjure Image illusions spawn at full health, but casting costs additional health.
Position 3 Terrorblade Build Guide
Terrorblade's effectiveness in the offlane stems from his Reflection ability. This low-mana, low-cooldown spell creates a damaging illusion of enemy heroes, disrupting the enemy team and creating kill opportunities. However, his low health pool necessitates strategic itemization.
Facets, Talents, and Ability Order
The Condemned Facet is crucial for the offlane build, maximizing Sunder's potential for devastating blows. Prioritize maxing Reflection first for early harassment and kill potential. Take Metamorphosis at level 2 for added kill threat, Conjure Image at level 4, and Sunder at level 6.
This guide provides a foundation for mastering Terrorblade in the offlane. Remember to adapt your build and strategy based on the specific game situation and enemy team composition.