Earthshaker Hero Guide in Dota 2: Master Game-Changing Initiations
Author: Hawk Live LLC
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Earthshaker still stands out as a ferocious force in Dota 2 even though he is not as often used as in the past. He is marked with high stuns, unrivalled crowd controlling techniques and his final ultimate, Echo Slam is breath taking. No matter whether you are a veteran or a beginner, after learning how to use this hero, you will be leading your team to heartwarming wins. This guide will explain his acceptable capabilities, his counters and ways to perform which will help your team dominate.
Credit: Valve Corporation
Strengths of Earthshaker
Offering Enhanced Control - More than his other abilities he is especially effective when using Fissure and Aftershock during the team fights as it has the ability to stun multiple enemies.
Echo Slam would be a great comeback ability thanks to the scaling damage against the number of enemies in close proximity. Scatter a group of enemies and sieve the Echo Slam back at them for some fun damage.
Offer the freedom of morphing into support, semi-core or a setter because Earthshaker is able to do all that if it means the team would be benefitted.
Dread Echo Slam because it can literally change the flow of the match in seconds.
Counterpicks for Earthshaker
Earthshaker performs exceptionally well against heroes that manage to use illusions to get clustered scut, but has a problem with heroes that have high magic resist or range combat skill scut.
Heroes Earthshaker Is Strong Against
Hero | Advantage | Win Rate | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
Broodmother | +7.75% | 58.37% | 10,696 |
Meepo | +7.38% | 59.81% | 5,143 |
Naga Siren | +3.99% | 58.29% | 4,289 |
Lone Druid | +2.85% | 51.89% | 5,595 |
Slark | +2.79% | 52.48% | 29,032 |
Anti-Mage | +2.43% | 54.24% | 30,253 |
Phantom Lancer | +2.12% | 55.28% | 12,710 |
Why? Earthshaker is not fazed or discouraged by illusion-based heroes such as Naga Siren, Phantom Lancer, and Meepo because of his AoE damage and seems to do well against mobility reliant heroes like Anti-Mage who has difficulty against his stuns.
Heroes Earthshaker Is Weak Against
Hero | Disadvantage | Win Rate | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
Templar Assassin | -2.44% | 53.43% | 15,818 |
Huskar | -2.22% | 49.39% | 18,126 |
Enchantress | -2.18% | 50.32% | 12,141 |
Viper | -1.59% | 48.14% | 23,991 |
Bristleback | -1.41% | 48.97% | 35,594 |
Why? Heroes like Bristleback and Huskar who are durable or have a good sustained magic resistance can withstand most of Earthshaker’s burst damage. Also, Templar Assassin can keep him away from those long reaches to initiate.
Aspects of Earthshaker
His performance relies on good positioning, and Earthshaker’s overall execution is specific to each match. His common playstyles include:
Aspect | Presence | Win Rate | K/D/A | Gold/Minute | XP/Minute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tectonic Buildup | 86.92% | 49.43% | 2.91 | 503 | 762 |
Slugger | 13.08% | 48.79% | 2.58 | 422 | 679 |
Item Build for Earthshaker
Credit: DotaFire
Starting Items
Tango: Sustains health during laning.
Blood Grenade: Useful for early aggression.
Iron Branch (x2): Provides small stat boosts.
Observer & Sentry Wards: Offers vision and counters enemy wards.
Early Game Items
Boots of Speed: Enhances mobility.
Magic Wand: Instant resource replenishment.
Soul Ring: Ensures consistent mana supply.
Core Items
Blink Dagger: Essential for initiating team fights.
Arcane Boots: Resolves mana issues.
Aghanim’s Shard: Adds utility by turning Fissure into a lingering damage zone.
Late Game Items
Refresher Orb: Enables double Echo Slam in crucial fights.
Octarine Core: Reduces cooldowns and improves sustain.
Aeon Disk: Prevents burst death during initiation.
Situational Items
Force Staff: Provides mobility.
Lotus Orb: Reflects disables and debuffs.
Black King Bar: Grants spell immunity for safer engagements.
Earthshaker Abilities Overview
Credit: Valve Corporation
Ability | Effect |
|---|---|
Fissure | AoE spell that Stuns the target while walling off pre-targeted locations. |
Enchant Totem | Gives Bonus damage on Earthshaker’s next normal attack. |
Aftershock | Provides AoE damage and a stun effect when other abilities are used. |
Echo Slam | Deals high amount of burst AoE damage depending on the lead and other allies around. |
Earthshaker Skill Build
Credit: DotaFire
Level 1: Fissure
Level 2: Enchant Totem
Level 3: Fissure
Level 4: Aftershock
Level 5: Fissure
Level 6: Echo Slam
Earthshaker Talents
Credit: DotaFire
Level 10: +90 Fissure Damage
Level 15: +50 Aftershock Damage
Level 20: +50% Enchant Totem Damage
Level 25: -50% Echo Slam Cooldown
Conclusion
Earthshaker is the strongest initiator in Dota 2, as an Echo Slam at just the right time is capable of changing the flow of the battle. Understanding how to use his spells, where to position yourself, and what items to purchase can turn you into a blessing to your teammates and a curse to your adversaries. He is effective whether you are even countering illusion heroes by hitting TK’s or making outplays that are highlight material. Earthshaker is a hero for skilled hands.
Be sure to check out our other in-depth Dota 2 hero guides. Whether you’re looking to master another offlaner or fine-tune your carry skills, our comprehensive guides cover everything you need to succeed on the battlefield.
