Introduction to puck in dota 2
Puck Dota 2 Hero is one of the most elusive and versatile mid-lane heroes in the game. Known as the Faerie Dragon, Puck combines high mobility, crowd control, and burst damage to wreak havoc in team fights. With a strong presence in both professional and pub games, Puck is a favorite for players who enjoy slick escapes and flashy plays.
Hero Overview
Puck is a ranged Intelligence hero who excels in both initiation and counter-initiation. With a unique set of abilities, Puck offers chaos and control in equal measure. While the hero has a relatively low health pool, its high mobility and magic resistance allow skilled players to evade danger and reposition easily during fights.
Puck's Role in the Game
Puck is typically played in the mid lane, where it can leverage its strong laning tools and reach level 6 quickly to start setting the tempo of the game. However, it can also be seen in offlane or support roles depending on the composition and strategy of the team. Puck's role is usually that of an initiator or playmaker, jumping into fights with disruptive spells to catch enemies off guard.
Abilities
Illusory Orb
This ability sends a magical orb flying in the target direction, damaging enemies along its path. Puck can use Ethereal Jaunt to teleport to the orb’s location, making it both an offensive and defensive tool. It allows Puck to start fights or flee with a single button press.
Waning Rift
A powerful silence and burst damage tool, Waning Rift teleports Puck a short distance and silences all nearby enemies. Against spell-reliant heroes, this skill is invaluable in shutting down key abilities.
Phase Shift
One of the most iconic skills in Puck’s kit, Phase Shift allows Puck to avoid all damage and spells by temporarily exiting reality. It requires precise timing but offers near-unparalleled survivability when mastered.
Dream Coil (Ultimate)
Puck’s ultimate creates a tether between enemies in an area. If they move too far from the tether's center, they are stunned and take damage. This ability is key in disrupting enemy formations and setting up kills. Combined with Aghanim’s Scepter, it becomes a formidable lockdown tool.
Tips for Playing Puck
Early Game
Focus on securing early last hits and using Illusory Orb to harass opponents or dodge ganks. Runes are essential for maintaining mana and securing kills or escapes.
Mid Game
Once you obtain Blink Dagger or Witch Blade, Puck’s kill and pickoff potential increases greatly. Use mobility to scout and initiate on isolated targets, then retreat before the enemy can retaliate.
Late Game
In the late game, Puck’s role becomes that of a control-heavy initiator. Dream Coil is vital for locking down mobile or elusive carries. Maintain buyback if playing a core Puck, as your utility in fights can make or break team engagements.
Item Build Recommendations
- Early Game: Null Talisman, Bottle, Magic Wand
- Core Items: Blink Dagger, Witch Blade, Kaya and Sange
- Situational Items: Eul’s Scepter, Aeon Disk, Scythe of Vyse, Linken’s Sphere
Countering Puck
Though Puck is elusive, silence and instant-disable heroes can be effective counters. Heroes such as Lion, Silencer, and Doom can lock Puck down before it has a chance to escape. Carrying Dust or Sentry Wards is crucial when Puck builds items like Glimmer Cape or Eul's.
Conclusion
Puck is a high-skill, high-reward hero who thrives in the hands of experienced players. From slipping through ganks to initiating game-winning team fights, Puck brings immense versatility to any lineup. With quick reflexes, game awareness, and sharp decision-making, players can unlock the full potential of this mischievous faerie dragon.