How to ACTUALLY play Pos 2 in 7.38

How to Play Mid Lane After the 7.38 DOTA Patch

Overview of Changes and Strategy

• The recent 7.38 DOTA patch has prompted questions about optimal mid lane play, particularly regarding changes in neutral camp locations and bounty rune placements.

• The video aims to clarify how to effectively play mid lane with two clear examples, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies post-patch.

Importance of Winning Mid Lane

• The current mid lane strategy emphasizes winning the lane due to increased difficulty in accessing camps caused by tree blockages.

• Players must focus on killing waves, zoning out opponents, and breaking towers early to maintain control over the mid lane.

Warding Strategies

• New warding spots are crucial; players should prioritize placing wards on cliffs that prevent enemy recovery after dominating the lane.

• Effective ward placement allows for better control over enemy jungle areas, facilitating farming and pressure on opponents.

Common Mistakes in Mid Lane Play

• A frequent error is abandoning mid control too early for side ganks, which can allow enemies to recover and regain map presence.

• Maintaining pressure in mid is essential; players should continue pushing lanes until they draw attention away from their own position before considering side engagements.

Transitioning Between Lanes

• Once a player establishes dominance in mid (e.g., being significantly ahead in levels), they can start thinking about side lane ganks but only after ensuring safety.

• Players should aim to zone out enemies consistently while managing their own farm and positioning strategically for potential rotations.

Coaching Offer

• The speaker offers coaching services through Discord, highlighting a successful track record of helping players improve their ranks significantly.

Playing from Dire Perspective

Game Strategy and Mid Lane Control

Establishing Early Game Control

• The speaker discusses the importance of breaking the enemy's tower as a first step, followed by planting a ward in the jungle to prevent the enemy mid-laner from recovering.

• After placing the ward, it's crucial to take away neutral camps from the enemy while keeping an eye on the mid-lane situation due to changes in bounty rune locations.

• Emphasis is placed on how mid-laners with bottles are affected by distant bounty runes, making it harder for them to recover and farm effectively.

Maintaining Pressure in Mid Lane

• The strategy involves continuously pushing waves and zoning out the enemy mid-laner while farming their camps.

• After establishing control over neutral camps, returning to push waves again is essential for maintaining pressure on both lanes.

• The speaker highlights that controlling good runes can provide opportunities for ganks or further lane pressure if executed correctly.

Importance of Map Awareness

• Players should check for advantageous runes like haste or double damage before moving into side lanes for potential kills.

• It's important not to neglect sentry wards that protect your own wards while also ensuring you don't lose access to valuable camps.

Creating Space and Zoning Out Opponents

• A significant focus is placed on creating space through effective zoning strategies against opponents who are behind in levels.

• The discussion transitions into examples of poor decision-making where players fail to capitalize on their advantages after dominating their lane.

Analyzing Mistakes in Gameplay

• An example illustrates a player who has dominated their opponent but makes suboptimal choices by not continuing aggressive plays after gaining an advantage.

• Instead of taking control of neutral camps and pushing waves, unnecessary caution leads them away from maximizing their lead against a weaker opponent.

Game Strategy Analysis: Mid Lane Control

Importance of Mid Lane Control

• Emphasizes the significance of maintaining control in the mid lane to secure a strategic advantage, suggesting that proper management can lead to better outcomes.

• Discusses missteps made during gameplay, highlighting missed opportunities such as failing to kill Huskar and not capitalizing on jungle camps effectively.

Transitioning from Mid to Jungle

• Advises players to push mid after breaking towers and then invade the enemy jungle for greater map control.

• Points out that instead of pushing advantages, players often lose focus and give up established control by wandering into side lanes unnecessarily.

Resource Management and Timing

• Critiques attempts to engage with high-health opponents like Anti-Mage (AM), stressing the importance of resource allocation and timing in engagements.

• Notes that excessive time spent moving between lanes without farming leads to wasted resources and lost opportunities for kills.

Common Mistakes in Lower MMR Play

• Identifies a prevalent mistake among lower MMR players: focusing too much on side lanes rather than maintaining pressure in mid.

• Highlights how distractions can lead to losing significant advantages gained earlier in the game, emphasizing the need for consistent pressure.

Consequences of Poor Lane Management

• Illustrates how neglecting mid lane allows opponents like Huskar to recover levels, which could have been prevented with better play.

• Warns that failing to maintain pressure results in opponents catching up, undermining early-game advantages despite securing kills.

Long-term Game Strategy Insights

• Reiterates that winning mid lane is crucial for transitioning into effective jungle control and snowballing leads throughout the game.

Mid Lane Strategy and Execution

Trading and Tower Breaking

• The Death Prophet (DP) is effectively trading against Invoker, utilizing her siphon ability to win the trade.

• After winning the fight, DP breaks the tower while considering strategic routes for future plays.

• The plan involves pushing the wave, moving into enemy territory, and placing wards strategically to monitor Invoker's movements.

Creating Space for Teammates

• Despite being lower in CS than Invoker, DP pushes the lane and plants wards in the enemy jungle to create space for teammates.

• By drawing attention to herself, DP allows other heroes like Necrophos and Lich to farm safely in their lanes.

• The goal of mid-lane play is not just winning but also creating opportunities for side lanes by breaking towers and drawing enemy rotations.

Comparison with Other Heroes

• Unlike conventional heroes such as Ember Spirit or Queen of Pain who focus on kills and ganks, DP can push towers more effectively due to her abilities.

• Players should consider using their ultimate abilities strategically to assist teammates rather than forcing down towers prematurely.

Transitioning from Mid Lane

• Successful mid-lane players will continue pushing waves until a clear opportunity arises for team fights or tower pushes.

• A successful transition from mid-lane involves breaking towers, planting wards, drawing rotations away from side lanes, and farming safely afterward.

Importance of Strategic Play

• Every action taken has purpose; players should not engage without a clear strategy that aligns with overall game objectives.

• Continuous wave management is crucial; players must return to mid after assisting side lanes to maintain pressure on enemies.