Lina, the fiery mid-lane hero in Dota 2, has become a force to be reckoned with in recent updates. Thanks to the buffs in patch 7.37e, she has cemented herself as one of the most powerful heroes in the current meta. While not a first-pick in every draft, her overwhelming burst magic damage and impressive versatility make her a valuable choice in many competitive scenarios.
In this article, we’ll explore why Lina is a top-tier mid-laner, how her item build has evolved, and why you should consider picking her up in your next game to climb the ranks.
Why Lina is Dominating the Dota 2 Meta
Unmatched Magic Damage
Lina’s main selling point has always been her incredible burst damage. With the buffs to her Aghanim’s Shard, Lina now deals even more magical damage with every stack of Fiery Souls. This allows her to obliterate enemies, especially when combined with the right items. For example, a level 12 Lina can dish out up to 1375 magic damage to a target with moderate magic resistance.
This makes Lina an ideal hero for dealing with squishy heroes or those who rely on magical resistance. Players like Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan have been building items like Aghanim’s Scepter, Yasha, and Kaya to maximize her damage potential, proving just how devastating she can be when played well.
High Mobility and Map Presence
Lina’s item build offers exceptional mobility, which is essential for a mid-laner. Players such as Zhang “Paparazi灬” Chengjun have been rushing Boots of Travel, allowing them to quickly relocate across the map and catch enemies by surprise. This makes Lina a constant threat, even outside of the mid-lane, as she can help other lanes or secure objectives quickly.
With items like Shadow Blade and frequent Boots of Travel usage, Lina can initiate fights, escape dangerous situations, or catch out-of-position enemies. Her ability to move swiftly around the map forces opponents to group up or risk giving up easy kills.
Flexibility in Drafts
Lina’s versatility extends beyond just being a mid-lane powerhouse. While she’s typically played as a core, she can also function as a support. With her high attack range and strong harass potential, Lina can be a nightmare for opponents in the early game. As a support, her build focuses more on mobility and utility, with players like Cr1t- opting for items like Eul’s Scepter, Blink Dagger, and Force Staff.
In this role, Lina can still deal significant magical damage while providing utility for her team. Her large range allows her to poke enemies from a safe distance, while her crowd control abilities, such as Light Strike Array, provide ample setup for team fights.
Strong Laning Phase
Lina excels in the laning phase due to her ability to last-hit and harass. As a core, many players skip investing heavily in Light Strike Array early on, instead focusing on maxing Dragon Slave and investing in Fiery Souls for enhanced attack speed. This provides excellent harassment potential, allowing her to outfarm most other heroes.
For support players, focusing on Light Strike Array to control the enemy and maxing Dragon Slave for harassment is a strong strategy. Regardless of her role, Lina players generally prioritize talents that reduce the cooldown of her spells, as this increases her effectiveness in both farming and team fights.
Conclusion
Lina has proven to be one of the most dominant heroes in Dota 2’s current meta, thanks to her burst damage, mobility, and drafting flexibility. Whether you play her as a core or support, mastering Lina’s abilities and item builds can make a significant impact on your games.
If you haven’t yet embraced this fiery hero, now is the perfect time to start practicing and dominating your opponents in the mid lane.
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