Silencer, the once-maligned Dota 2 hero, has been making waves as both a core and support pick for nearly a year now. What’s even more impressive is that his win rate has steadily risen from 51.16 percent in Patch 7.28 to a staggering 55 percent in Patch 7.32. Even after the significant shake-up in Patch 7.33, Silencer’s win rate has remained remarkably high, making him the standout support pick of the month.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Dota 2, heroes rise and fall in popularity and effectiveness. Silencer, once overlooked and underestimated, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. His versatility as both a core and support has propelled him to the top of the charts, boasting the highest win rate among supports and ranking third overall this month.

Silencer as a Support Pick

Silencer has found a new home in the support role, with professional players and top-tier teams recognizing his potential. Team Liquid’s iNSaNiA, BetBoom Team’s TORONTOTOKYO, and Tundra Esports’ Saksa are just a few examples of players who have embraced Silencer as a support and achieved remarkable success. His ability to disrupt and frustrate enemy cores has made him a nightmare to play against.

The Preferred Build

The current go-to build for Silencer as a support starts with essential items such as Tangos, Blood Grenade, Enchanted Mango, and Iron Branches. Iron Branches are used to create a Magic Wand, while some players opt for a Null Talisman or Wraith Band to enhance damage and survivability in the laning phase. Situationally, a Ring of Basilius can provide valuable mana regeneration.

As the game progresses, Silencer supports typically build Arcane Boots or Tranquil Boots, with the latter being upgraded to Boots of Bearing. Force Staff, Glimmer Cape, and Aghanim’s Shard are commonly built for added utility. Some players may also consider Veil of Discord, Ghost Scepter, or Hurricane Pike depending on the specific demands of the game.

Strengths and Utility

Silencer excels as a laner, utilizing his poking, prodding, nuking, silencing, and zoning abilities to create a favorable environment for his allies. His presence in the lane makes life difficult for opponents, while his ultimate, Global Silence, has the power to completely turn the tides of team fights. In the current meta, which emphasizes brawling and skirmishing, Global Silence is a game-changer. Additionally, Silencer’s Glaives of Wisdom ability provides permanent intelligence steal, allowing him to scale well into the late game.

Countering Tanky Offlaners

Silencer has particularly shined in matches against tanky offlaners like Bristleback, Dawnbreaker, Necrophos, and Timbersaw. His win rate against these heroes surpasses even the 60 percent mark. Silencer’s ability to silence and hinder these beefy opponents has proven invaluable, making him a go-to pick for supports looking to counter strong offlaners.

Conclusion

While Silencer’s current state may not be considered overpowered, he is undoubtedly a must-pick hero for supports in the Dota 2 meta. His rise to prominence as a top-tier support pick is a testament to his versatility, laning prowess, and game-changing ultimate ability. Silencer has solidified his place among the elite supports and shows no signs of fading into obscurity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Silencer be played as a core as well?

Yes, Silencer can be played as both a core and support. His versatile skill set allows for adaptability in various positions.

Is Silencer a difficult hero to learn and master?

While Silencer has a unique skill set, he is relatively straightforward to learn and can be mastered with practice. Players of all skill levels can enjoy success with Silencer.

What makes Silencer particularly effective against tanky offlaners?

Silencer’s ability to silence and hinder opponents, coupled with his Glaives of Wisdom intelligence steal, can significantly weaken tanky offlaners. The combination of these abilities makes him a natural counter to heroes who rely on sustained durability.

Are there any specific support heroes that counter Silencer?

Support heroes with strong dispel abilities, such as Oracle or Abaddon, can help mitigate the impact of Silencer’s silences and provide support to their team.

How should I approach laning as a Silencer support?

In the laning phase, focus on harassing the enemy core, utilizing your abilities to disrupt their farm and secure an advantage for your carry. Maintain good positioning and prioritize staying alive to continue applying pressure.