Tusk, also known as Ymir, is one of the most versatile and powerful heroes in Dota 2. Famous for his ability to initiate team fights, control enemies, and deal significant burst damage, Tusk is an invaluable addition to any lineup. Whether playing as a support, an initiator, or even an offlaner, Tusk thrives when he’s at the center of the action. This guide explores everything you need to know about Tusk, from his lore and abilities to detailed strategies and item builds.
Biography – Who is Tusk?
Tusk, also known by his real name Ymir, is a hulking warrior hailing from the snowy wilderness. Known as a fierce brawler and tavern brawler, he has a storied past of getting into fights when he’s off the battlegrounds. Ymir embodies the harsh and unforgiving nature of the icy climate he calls home. His most defining moment came when he united with like-minded warriors to defend a village, ultimately carving out a reputation that earned him a spot on the battlefield of Dota 2.
Whether rolling through enemies with his mighty Snowball, or delivering a knockout strike with Walrus Punch, Tusk brings the storm of the north to any battle. Despite his rugged personality and hard-hitting style, Tusk’s ability to support and protect his team makes him a surprisingly cooperative ally.
Tusk’s Abilities in Detail
Snowball – A Unique Initiation Tool
Snowball is Tusk’s signature move that allows him to roll toward an enemy target, gathering nearby allies and combining their strength for a devastating impact. It serves as a dual-purpose spell: both a powerful initiating tool and a lifesaving mechanism to protect teammates in precarious situations.
- Cast Range: 1150 units.
- Snowball Speed: 625-700 units per second, depending on level.
- Effect: Stuns and damages enemies in its path.
- Additional Features: Can pick up allies toincrease damage output.
This ability is crucial for closing the gap on enemies and setting them up for team attacks. Effective usage of Snowball often determines the success of Tusk’s overall impact in a match.
Ice Shards – Control the Battlefield
Ice Shards generates a barrier of massive ice spikes that blocks enemy movement and deals damage. It’s a versatile crowd control ability perfect for isolating targets or denying paths away from engagements. With an Aghanim’s Shard upgrade, it deals additional damage over time and slows enemies within its area of effect.
- Duration: 4-7 seconds.
- Slow Effect: 40% with Aghanim’s Shard.
- Damage: Initial damage plus additional tick damage with upgrade.
Correct placement of Ice Shards is critical to its success. A well-timed Ice Shards can trap enemies in undesirable situations or split teams during chaotic engagements.
Tag Team – Amplify Your Team’s Damage
Tusk activates Tag Team, causing nearby enemies to take amplified damage and suffer a movement speed slow. This ability scales well into the late game, especially when paired with high-damage allies who can capitalize on its bonus attack damage.
- Damage Amplification: 20-95 bonus damage (scales with level).
- Movement Slow: 75% for each attack that lands (lasts 0.5 seconds).
- Range: 500 units, affecting enemies in the target zone.
Using Tag Team during early ganks or team fights is invaluable for providing the edge needed to secure quick kills. It synergizes exceptionally well with heroes who rely on rapid attack output.
Walrus Punch – High-Damage Critical Strike
Walrus Punch is Tusk’s ultimate ability, a devastating upward strike that delivers a massive critical hit, briefly stuns the target, and applies a slow. Few enemies can survive the brunt of this ability, making it an ideal finisher for fleeing or weakened foes.
- Critical Damage: 300%-400% attack damage.
- Stun Duration: 1 second.
- Slow Effect: Reduces movement speed by 40% for 2-4 seconds.
The key to mastering Walrus Punch is timing. Save it for high-priority targets like damage-dealers or fragile supports to disrupt the enemy’s fighting capabilities.
Walrus Kick – The Lesser-Known Finisher
Unlocked via an Aghanim’s Scepter, Walrus Kick sends enemies flying 1400 units in a targeted direction. It also applies a stun, deals damage, and slows the target. While less commonly mentioned, it offers unparalleled utility for disrupting enemy positioning or saving allies from pursuing enemies.
- Distance: 1400 units.
- Effect: Stuns and displaces targets.
Walrus Kick shines in late-game scenarios where precise control can decide the fate of the match, especially against mobile enemies or split-pushers.
Roles and Playstyle – How to Play Tusk Effectively
Key Roles
- Initiator: With Snowball and Ice Shards, Tusk excels at engaging enemies and forcing advantageous team fights.
- Roamer/Support: His ability to gank and disrupt enemies early on makes him a versatile roaming support.
- Offlaner: Tusk’s damage burst and survivability allow him to handle the offlane role effectively, creating space for his team.
Strengths
- Unparalleled initiation capability with Snowball.
- High crowd control with Ice Shards and allied synergy with Tag Team.
- Capable of zoning, isolating, and disrupting enemies.
- Explosive damage from Walrus Punch.
Weaknesses
- Reliance on successful initiation for maximum impact.
- Squishy if crowd-controlled or caught out of position.
- Can struggle during the laning phase against certain heroes.
- Vulnerable to heavy magic damage without defensive items.
Item Builds – Maximizing Tusk’s Potential
Starting Items
- Tango – Sustain in the early game.
- Blood Grenade – Provides early damage.
- Iron Branch – Adds minor stats.
Core Items
- Blink Dagger: Essential for closing gaps and enhancing initiation capabilities.
- Aghanim’s Scepter: Unlocks Walrus Kick for added utility.
- Solar Crest: Amplifies allied damage and weakens enemies.
Situational Items
- Lotus Orb: Reflects spells and purges debuffs.
- Force Staff: Excellent for chasing or escaping.
- Vladmir’s Offering: Adds lifesteal for sustainability.
FAQs – All About Tusk
How do I counter Tusk?
Pick heroes that can escape or counter-initiate like Puck, Anti-Mage, or Force Staff carriers.
What is the best role for Tusk?
Tusk thrives as a roaming support or an initiator position 4 or 3.
Which items are essential for Tusk?
Core items include Blink Dagger, Aghanim’s Scepter, and Solar Crest.
How do I maximize Tusk’s damage output?
Combine Tag Team with auto-attacks and finish with Walrus Punch for optimal burst.
What is Tusk’s main weakness?
His reliance on precise execution of abilities can expose him during errors.
What is the best skill to max first?
Ice Shards is often prioritized for early zoning and control.
How do I use Walrus Kick effectively?
Use it to isolate dangerous enemies or disrupt enemy formations.
What heroes synergize well with Tusk?
He pairs best with high-damage heroes such as Lifestealer, Drow Ranger, and Juggernaut.
Is Tusk viable in the late game?
Yes, with the right items, Tusk maintains utility and high burst output.
How do I position in team fights?
Start fights with Snowball or disrupt enemies using Ice Shards, then prioritize taking out priority targets with Walrus Punch.
Source : PlayerPerspectiveDota2
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