The Dragon Lance is one of the most popular early-to-mid game items in Dota 2, offering a unique combination of increased attack range, agility, and strength. This item is particularly beneficial for ranged heroes, allowing them to maintain a safer position while dealing damage in battles. Whether you’re a casual or professional player, understanding the strengths and limitations of the Dragon Lance can help maximize your effectiveness in the game. In this guide, we will dive into its stats, usage strategies, ideal hero choices, and how it fits into different gameplay scenarios.
What is Dragon Lance in Dota 2?
Dragon Lance is a core item for many ranged heroes in Dota 2, providing them with enhanced stats and an extended attack range. This item is an excellent choice for heroes who rely on staying at a distance while dealing sustained damage.
Cost and Availability
- Cost: 1900 gold
- Availability: Can be purchased from the main shop
Dragon Lance – Stats and Effects
Dragon Lance provides a balanced set of stats that enhance a hero’s combat abilities:
- +15 Agility
- +10 Strength
- +150 Attack Range (Only applies to ranged heroes)
Passive Ability: Dragon’s Reach
Dragon Lance comes with a passive ability called Dragon’s Reach. This ability increases the attack range of ranged heroes by 150 units, allowing them to hit targets from a further distance. However, this effect does not stack, meaning that owning multiple Dragon Lances won’t further increase the attack range.
Why Should You Buy Dragon Lance in Dota 2?
Dragon Lance is a great item for heroes who rely on positioning and ranged attacks. Here are some key reasons why players opt for this item:
- Extending attack range ensures better positioning during fights.
- Improves survivability with extra strength while also enhancing agility for damage output.
- Fast and efficient itemization leading into powerful upgrades.
- Can be disassembled later to build into Hurricane Pike, an advanced utility item.
Best Heroes for Dragon Lance
Dragon Lance is particularly effective for certain heroes who benefit from an increased attack range. Let’s take a look at some of the best candidates:
Meepo
While Meepo is not typically a ranged hero, he sometimes uses Dragon Lance early for the added stats. Since he can farm rapidly, Meepo players often replace this item later in the game for more powerful alternatives.
Sniper
Sniper thrives on staying as far away from enemies as possible while dealing tremendous damage. Dragon Lance synergizes well with his abilities, allowing him to attack from an even greater range.
Drow Ranger
Drow Ranger benefits from both agility and attack range. Dragon Lance helps maximize her damage output while keeping her at a safe distance from enemies.
Templar Assassin
Despite being a hybrid melee-ranged hero, the Dragon Lance can improve Templar Assassin’s attack range when using Psy Blades to harass and efficiently deal splash damage.
Huskar
Huskar can benefit from the increased attack range, making it easier for him to harass opponents in lane and sustain fights with his BurNIng Spears.
When to Buy and Upgrade Dragon Lance
Understanding when to get Dragon Lance and knowing when to replace or upgrade it can greatly impact your game plan.
Early Game
Dragon Lance is a solid early-game option for ranged heroes who need extra range and stats. At just 1900 gold, it offers excellent cost-effective benefits.
Mid-Game
By the mid-game, some heroes may opt to upgrade Dragon Lance into Hurricane Pike for better mobility and attack boosting effects. Others may prefer packing more damage-heavy items instead.
Late Game
In late-game scenarios, Dragon Lance serves less purpose compared to high-value items. At this stage, heroes often replace it with better scaling options.
How to Use Dragon Lance Effectively
Mastering Dragon Lance usage in Dota 2 involves positioning and understanding hero matchups. Here are some pointers:
- Use the increased attack range to harass enemies in lane efficiently.
- Ensure you optimize your range to attack without being too vulnerable to counterattacks.
- Consider upgrading to Hurricane Pike when mobility becomes essential.
Dragon Lance in Competitive Dota 2
In professional matches, Dragon Lance is commonly picked up by agile carry heroes needing extra range. Competitive stats indicate:
- Median pickup time: 13:39 minutes
- Win rate: 50.81%
The stats show that while Dragon Lance is not a game-breaking item, it provides a reasonable advantage to heroes who utilize it effectively.
FAQ – Dragon Lance in Dota 2
What is Dragon Lance used for in Dota 2?
Dragon Lance is used to extend the attack range of ranged heroes, providing additional agility and strength.
Does Dragon Lance stack?
No, the attack range bonus from Dragon Lance’s passive ability does not stack when you purchase multiple copies.
Which heroes benefit the most from Dragon Lance?
Heroes like Sniper, Drow Ranger, Templar Assassin, and Huskar benefit the most from the increased range and stats.
When should I buy Dragon Lance?
It is best acquired in the early-mid game when attack range and stats provide optimal benefits to your hero.
Can Meepo use Dragon Lance?
Yes, Meepo sometimes buys Dragon Lance early for added stats, but it is usually replaced later.
Should I upgrade Dragon Lance into Hurricane Pike?
If your hero benefits from mobility and extra escape options, upgrading into Hurricane Pike can be a great choice.
How can I counter Dragon Lance users?
Heroes with strong gap-closing abilities, such as Phantom Assassin or Slark, can counter Dragon Lance users by closing distance quickly.
Is Dragon Lance effective on melee heroes?
No, Dragon Lance only increases attack range for ranged heroes.
What items synergize well with Dragon Lance?
Items such as Mask of Madness, Satanic, and Mjollnir complement Dragon Lance by amplifying attack speed and survivability.
How does Dragon Lance impact last-hitting?
The increased attack range allows heroes to secure creep kills from a safer distance, reducing the chances of getting harassed.
Conclusion
Dragon Lance is an incredibly useful item in Dota 2 for ranged heroes wanting additional range, agility, and strength. While it is effective in the early and mid-game, it does not scale well into the late game, making it an item that players often replace with stronger options. Knowing when and how to utilize Dragon Lance effectively can make a significant difference in your gameplay, helping you maintain better positioning while dishing out damage.
Source : XcaliburYe
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