The International 2023 (TI12) has been a rollercoaster of action, surprises, and exhilarating gameplay. Within this grand spectacle of Dota 2, the emergence of certain heroes has captured the attention of fans and players alike. These heroes not only defined the meta within the tournament but have also found their way into countless ranked and unranked matches. In this article, we will delve into the five most-picked heroes of Dota 2 TI12, exploring their strengths and why they became fan favorites.
Muerta: The Newcomer Sensation
Dota 2’s latest addition, Muerta, left an indelible mark on TI12, being picked an astounding 56 times in 150 games. Her versatility allowed her to shine both as a hard carry and a soft support, with 25 of her appearances happening on the main stage.
Muerta’s surge in popularity during TI12 can be attributed to the buffs she received in patch 7.34. The enhancements to Dead Shot and Pierce the Veil, coupled with a Level 15 Talent Tree boost for Dead Shot, made her a formidable presence. The Calling, reducing the attack and movement speed of enemies, proved to be particularly effective against heroes lacking BKB.
With such a high pick rate in the tournament, it’s safe to assume that Muerta may face some nerfs in the upcoming updates.
Grimstroke: The Support Maestro
Grimstroke made a significant impact during The International 2023, with support players favoring him in 48 matches. His ability kit, featuring Phantom’s Embrace, Ink Swell, Soulbind, and Talent Tree buffs, made him a formidable choice.
A standout feature of Grimstroke’s Aghanim’s Shard upgrade is its ability to heal the target for the damage inflicted by Ink Swell. This, combined with the strong dispel upon Ink Explosion, made Grimstroke a popular pick, as strong dispels and stuns are a potent combination.
Dark Willow: The Shadowy Enigma
Dark Willow’s Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade, enhancing Shadow Realm, made her a force to be reckoned with at TI12. This buff enabled players to remain in Shadow Realm for an extended period, dealing bonus damage until the spell’s conclusion.
Dark Willow was picked 46 times, with both support and carry players recognizing her potential. Her Bramble Maze and Cursed Crown, when timed correctly, could stun multiple enemy targets. As TI12 matches often extended into the late-game phase, players frequently opted for Scepter, BKB, and other damage items. Even support players adopted Scepter and displayed a more aggressive playstyle.
Phoenix: The Rising Star
Phoenix, with 42 appearances and a 50% win rate, was exclusively picked by support players at The International 2023. The hero’s potent ultimate and healing capabilities played a pivotal role in their selection. Sun Ray, especially at level 4, could heal for 7.75%, and with a shard, it could be used during Supernova.
Furthermore, Fire Spirits proved to be a significant nuisance during the laning stage, causing enemy cores to lose attack speed and endure damage over time. The utility of Icarus Dive for ganking and escaping imminent death, along with the potential 2.4-second stun from a level 3 Supernova, solidified Phoenix’s prominence in TI12.
Kunkka: The Seafaring Strategist
Kunkka took the spotlight in midlane and offlane roles throughout The International 2023. Players were quick to equip him with Blade Mail, BKB, and Aghanim’s Scepter, amplifying his damage output in teamfights. His early-game killing potential and powerful spells made him a frequent choice at TI12.
Kunkka’s ultimate, Ghostship, applied Admiral’s Rum Buff to allies and himself upon landing on enemy heroes. This buff granted them bonus movement speed and delayed incoming damage. With 42 appearances and a respectable win rate of 47.62%, Kunkka proved to be a versatile and impactful choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What made Muerta so popular at The International 2023?
Muerta’s popularity at TI12 can be attributed to the buffs she received in patch 7.34, which increased her damage output and mobility. Her versatility in both hard carry and soft support roles also contributed to her high pick rate.
Why did Grimstroke become a top choice for support players in TI12?
Grimstroke’s strong abilities, including Phantom’s Embrace, Ink Swell, and Soulbind, made him a formidable support hero. His Aghanim’s Shard upgrade, which can heal the target, and the strong dispel upon Ink Explosion were major factors in his popularity.
What does Dark Willow’s Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade bring to the table at TI12?
Dark Willow’s Aghanim’s Scepter enhances Shadow Realm, allowing players to remain in it for an extended period and deal bonus damage. This made her a formidable presence in both support and carry roles.
Why was Phoenix primarily chosen by support players in The International 2023?
Phoenix’s powerful ultimate and healing potential, especially the healing provided by Sun Ray at level 4, made it a popular choice among support players. Additionally, Fire Spirits could disrupt enemy cores during the laning stage.
What made Kunkka a strong pick at TI12 in midlane and offlane roles?
Kunkka’s early-game killing potential, strong spells, and his ability to grant bonus movement speed and damage reduction to allies with Ghostship contributed to his popularity in midlane and offlane roles at TI12.
Are there any potential nerfs in store for Muerta due to her high pick rate in TI12?
Given Muerta’s significant presence at TI12, it’s quite likely that she may receive nerfs in the upcoming updates to balance her impact in the game.
How can players maximize Grimstroke’s effectiveness in matches?
To make the most of Grimstroke’s abilities, players should focus on coordinating Ink Swell with the Ink Explosion for a strong dispel, and utilize Soulbind to control multiple enemies simultaneously.
What are the key items that Dark Willow players prioritize in TI12 matches?
Dark Willow players often opt for Aghanim’s Scepter, BKB, and other damage items to increase her impact in late-game situations.
How does Phoenix’s Icarus Dive affect gameplay in The International 2023?
Phoenix’s Icarus Dive serves as both a ganking tool and an escape mechanism, allowing players to engage in strategic maneuvers and potentially turn the tide of battles.
What strategies were employed by Kunkka players to achieve success in TI12?
Kunkka players often rushed items like Blade Mail, BKB, and Aghanim’s Scepter to enhance their damage output. Additionally, they capitalized on Kunkka’s early-game kill potential and strong spells to make an impact in teamfights.
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