Lina, the Slayer, stands among Dota 2’s most versatile and fiery heroes. Renowned for her explosive magical damage and unparalleled versatility, Lina excels as a ranged intelligence hero who can obliterate enemies with devastating spells while also scaling into a powerful attack damage carry. With a unique kit that combines burst damage, crowd control, and attack speed scaling, Lina is a force to be reckoned with in any role she takes on. In this article, we’ll delve deep into Lina’s biography, abilities, talents, strategic gameplay, itemization, and interesting trivia to help you master her in your games and dominate the battlefield.
Lina – The Fiery Slayer
Lina is an enigmatic hero with a rich backstory tied to fire and power. Known for her mastery over flames, Lina brings heat to the battlefield, both figuratively and literally. Boasting flexible roles, she can dominate games as a mid-lane nuker, a safe-lane core, or even as a support in certain niche strategies. With the right items and skill rotation, Lina can obliterate enemies from a distance before they realize what hit them.
Hero Attributes
Understanding Lina’s core stats is essential for mastering her gameplay. Here’s an in-depth look at her attributes:
- Primary Stat: Intelligence
- Attack Range: High, but slightly hindered by a low base attack speed and attack animation
- Health Pool: Starts with a low 560 health and low armor, making her vulnerable early
- Movement Speed: 290
- Sight Range: 1800 during the day, 800 at night
- Starting Armor: 3.22
- Base Attack Time: 1.6 seconds
- Base Damage: 51-59
Lina’s Abilities
Lina’s abilities are what define her as a top-tier nuker and all-around spellcaster. Used effectively, they can devastate opponents, provide utility, and propel Lina to become a dominating force in any match.
Dragon Slave
Description: Lina channels the breath of a dragon, sending out a wave of fire that deals damage in a straight line, up to 1225 range.
Role in Gameplay: Primarily used for farming creeps, harassing enemies in the lane, and delivering damage inteam fights. Its long-range efficiency makes it an excellent ability for picking off retreating enemies.
Light Strike Array
Description: Lina summons a column of flame to damage and stun enemies in a small AoE.
Role in Gameplay: This ability is invaluable for controlling enemies. It can be used to interrupt channeling spells, secure kills, or provide an escape route by stunning pursuers.
Fiery Soul
Description: Lina gains bonus attack and movement speed every time she connects her abilities to an enemy. The buff can stack up to 7 times and lasts for 18 seconds.
Role in Gameplay: This passive ability transforms Lina into an efficient attack-speed machine. It’s excellent for pushing towers, outputting sustained damage, and kiting enemies.
Laguna Blade
Description: Lina fires a bolt of lightning at a single target, delivering colossal magic damage. Upon activation, it grants Lina 10 stacks of Fiery Soul.
Role in Gameplay: This ultimate is a game-changer, especially in the early and mid-game. Use it wisely to eliminate key targets and establish dominance in skirmishes. The synergy with Fiery Soul allows Lina to transition between nuker and DPS roles seamlessly.
Advanced Abilities and Shard/Scepter Upgrades
Upgraded Abilities
Aghanim’s Shard
- Effect: Enhances Fiery Soul, granting Lina’s abilities an additional 20 damage per stack.
Aghanim’s Scepter
- Effect: Adds “Flame Cloak,” a bonus active ability that maxes Fiery Soul stacks, grants unobstructed pathing, increases spell damage, and provides bonus magic resistance.
Facets (Crownfall Update)
Thermal Runaway
Casting Laguna Blade grants Lina stacks of Fiery Soul above the maximum limit.
Slow Burn
Applies a damage-over-time effect to Lina’s abilities, amplifying her team fight potential even further.
Playstyle – How to Play Lina
Mastering Lina requires a deep understanding of her strengths and vulnerabilities at each stage of the game. Here are some tips and playstyle suggestions to elevate your Lina gameplay.
Early Game
- Lina is vulnerable due to her low health pool and armor, so positioning and timing are critical.
- Focus on last-hitting creeps while harassing your lane opponent with Dragon Slave.
- Once you hit level 6, look for opportunities to secure kills with Laguna Blade during rotations.
Mid Game
- Focus on farming jungle camps and pushing lanes with Dragon Slave.
- Participate in skirmishes to maximize your burst damage and secure objectives.
- With Fiery Soul constantly active, take advantage of Lina’s attack speed to melt enemy towers.
Late Game
- Build Lina into a hybrid carry who excels at both magical and physical damage.
- Utilize Flame Cloak (via Aghanim’s Scepter) for enhanced survivability and mobility in team fights.
- Save Laguna Blade for high-priority targets to swing team fights in your favor.
Best Items for Lina
- Boots of Travel: Enhances Lina’s map mobility and farming efficiency.
- Kaya and Sange: Increases spell amplification and provides status resistance.
- Aether Lens: Extends spell casting range, boosting Lina’s utility.
- Black King Bar (BKB): Essential for surviving magical damage and disabling effects.
- Daedalus: Improves Lina’s physical DPS in a hybrid carry build.
Interesting Lina Trivia
- Lina represents the fiery counterpart of her sister, Rylai, the Crystal Maiden.
- Her nickname, Slayer, highlights her incredible damage potential in fights.
- The Dragon Slave ability references dragonfire, aligning with her fiery persona.
FAQ – Lina in Dota 2
What are Lina’s primary roles in Dota 2?
Lina is most often played as a mid-lane nuker or a support, but she can also scale into a late-game attack damage carry.
What is Lina’s strongest ability?
Laguna Blade is her strongest ability, capable of delivering a decisive blow to high-priority enemy heroes.
Can Lina be a carry?
Yes, Lina excels as a carry when built with attack-speed and physical damage items, thanks to Fiery Soul stacks.
What items should I prioritize for Lina early?
Boots of Speed, Aether Lens, and Kaya are excellent for mobility and spell amplification.
How do I counter Lina in Dota 2?
Focus on silencing or bursting her down quickly, as her low armor and health make her vulnerable in prolonged fights.
What is Lina’s base attack damage?
Lina’s base attack damage ranges from 51-59.
Is Lina viable in professional Dota 2 matches?
Yes, her adaptability has made her a consistent pick in professional games across various patches.
What is the cooldown of Laguna Blade?
The cooldown reduces significantly at higher levels and with items like Octarine Core.
Does Aghanim’s Scepter make a big difference for Lina?
Absolutely! The added Flame Cloak ability boosts her survivability and spell damage significantly.
Why is Lina called the “Slayer”?
This title speaks to her role as a high-damage nuker capable of “slaying” enemies with her magical abilities.
How to Master Lina in Dota 2
- Study her abilities and practice their synergy in demo mode.
- Learn to position well in the early game to avoid unnecessary deaths.
- Focus on efficient last-hitting and harassment during the lane phase.
- Coordinate with your team to dominate skirmishes using Lina’s burst damage.
- Adapt your item build based on the team composition and game state.
By following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll excel as Lina and heat up your Dota 2 matches. Whether you choose to scorch opponents with her magic or blaze your way as a fire-tempered carry, Lina is a hero that rewards skill, tactics, and precision.
Source : Dota2HighSchool
Stay updated with reliable Dota 2 news sources. Visit dota2gamers.gg and for more insights about Dota 2.
