Dota: The Middle Lane

[Dust]

I'm going to cover all three lanes and I decided to start with this one because it's probably the least understood in pubs. Now, the two questions we must ask are: What are the defining characteristics of the this lane which differentiate it from the other two? and, How am I supposed to play when going Mid?

- First off, The middle lane represents the fastest path to the enemy throne/base because it is a (almost) straight line while the other two lanes curves around the map. Because of this, and because of the other point I'm about to bring up, pushing mid instead of any other lane is often more rewarding.

- Second, The mid lane, for both sides, is close to many of the important places in the map, and thus gives a significant advantage to the opposing team when its towers are taken down and when they hold control over it. These places are: Both rune spots, the ancient camp and one hard camp, the secret shop and especially for Scourge, Roshan.

- And finally, because the matchup mid is often a 1v1, the two heroes there will have a level and perhaps gold advantage over everyone else and will have a big impact during the whole game.

Most are aware of the importance of the middle lane when compared to the other two, however, many misunderstand what the role of the mid hero is, and how that can differs depending on which hero it is. While it is true that the hero on the middle lane should often gank, saying that he always should is simply false.

I would say there exists two kind of mid heroes : The ganking/play making type, and the farming type.

The goal of the ganking/play making type is fairly obvious. They want to utilize the big farm and xp provided by the middle lane to quickly earn levels and start ganking at around level 4-5-6, securing runes and often warding, trying to get as many kills as possible in the early stages of the game. This sort of aggression creates safe space for the carry to farm. Heroes that plays like this includes, but are not limited to : Puck, Pudge, Skywrath, Mirana*, Slark*, Bloodseeker*, NA, Phoenix, Venge, etc.


The goal of the farming type is to stay mid for a long period of time and focus on cs and being aware of the position of enemy heroes so as to not get ganked. These heroes will utilize the farm and xp from the middle lane not to gank, but to keep farming and leveling up, not only because they need it, but also because when comes the mid game and the late game, they will have a big farm advantage over everyone else and will be able to carry the game from henceforth. Heroes that plays like this includes, but are not limited to: Sf, Medusa, Sniper, Drow*, Weaver*, Alchemist, Dk*,etc.

Heroes marked with a * are heroes that I consider to be hybrid that benefits from, and are both proficient at farming and ganking. What role they will take is dependent on the context of the game.

What to take from this is that if you ever have problem in your lane and blames sniper mid for not ganking, remember that it's probably better for him (and your team) that he stays mid and farm rather then help you.

[Aghnaar]

Well, if alche goes mid, hes not supposed to afk farm. He should be making a fast medallion instead, max his stun and acid first and destroy opponents with ganks. Getting one shotted on early game from this sick combo is annoying as fck lol.