In the support world, few roles are as underappreciated yet vital as position 5. You’re responsible for lane security, vision, and game-winning teamfights. Thankfully, Patch 7.38c delivers two standout heroes that thrive from minute one all the way into the late game.
If you’re queuing for pubs and want impact without overcomplication, these are the top 2 pos 5 supports to pick this patch.
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#1 – Warlock: Reliable Lane and Scaling Teamfighter
Warlock has long been a pub staple for good reason—but in Patch 7.38c, he’s emerged as one of the most consistent, high-impact supports in the game.
Why Warlock Works
- His lane presence is strong, with Shadow Word offering both damage and sustain.
- His teamfight impact is unmatched, especially with Fatal Bonds and Chaotic Offering.
- His synergy with aggressive cores like Storm or Phantom Assassin makes him even better.
Warlock’s early itemization also enables macro play via Black Grimoire,which gives XP and gold advantages if used intentionally.
Build Recommendations
- Start: Tangos, Wards, Wind Lace
- Laning Items: Wand, Boots, Mangoes
- Core: Mana Boots > Glimmer Cape or Solar Crest
- Scaling: Aether Lens (for Fatal Bonds + Upheaval), Shard (slow zone control), Force Staff
His W (Shadow Word) can be a nuke or a clutch heal depending on cast timing. Learn when to dual-purpose it in fights.
Facets & Talents
- Both Facets are solid.
- Prioritize Fatal Bonds early if you’re not needed to babysit constantly.
- Upheaval has become more viable with Aether Lens due to its awkward cast range.
#2 – Ancient Apparition: The Healing Terminator
If Warlock is the safety Net, Ancient Apparition (AA) is the hammer. With healing and tanky cores being so popular in 7.38c, AA’s kit is the perfect counter.
Why AA Shines Now
- Both facets are viable: Bone Chill and Exposure each amplify kill potential.
- His ultimate (Ice Blast) invalidates regen and heals.
- Even without farm, he offers massive teamfight presence.
While his laning is weaker than Warlock’s, his mid and late game impact more than makes up for it.
Build Recommendations
- Start: Boots, Wards, Tango, Mangoes
- Early: Tranquils or Brown Boots + Wand
- Core: Glimmer Cape, Force Staff, Aether Lens
- Optional: Shard (Ice Vortex radius + spell amp), Eul’s, Ghost Scepter
AA’s damage amp and strength reduction from his abilities are devastating when combined with burst-heavy cores.
How to Play AA Well
- Don’t over-prioritize harassing in lane. Focus on staying safe.
- Positioning is everything. Treat yourself like a sniper.
- Use your ult proactively—especially pre-BKB fights.
Honorable Mentions
- Jakiro: Still strong, but slightly nerfed.
- Treant Protector: Can work in slow games.
- Disruptor: Great when playing from ahead.
If you’re tired of feeling like a ward bot, pick one of these two pos 5s and feel your impact scale with the game. Warlock offers safety, healing, and teamfights. AA offers burst, denial, and pressure.
Patch 7.38c might be full of universal heroes and flashy mid laners—but don’t sleep on the supports who actually win games.
FAQs
Q: Which is better for low MMR—Warlock or AA?
A: Warlock. His forgiving lane presence and reliable spells make him the perfect support for new or returning players.
Q: When should I pick AA?
A: Against heavy healers (Abaddon, Lifestealer, Warlock), or when your team lacks burst damage to finish kills.
Q: Does Warlock require specific cores to be good?
A: Not necessarily, but he shines with mobile, high-damage heroes like PA, Storm, or Ember.
Q: What talents or items are must-haves?
A: Warlock: Aether Lens + Shard. AA: Shard + Glimmer. Cast range is king for both.
Q: Can these heroes scale into late game?
A: Absolutely. Warlock’s Golem and Bonds never fall off. AA’s Ice Blast gets scarier the more farmed enemies are.
