Underlord, known to some as Vrogros, is a formidable melee Strength hero in Dota 2 whose utility and durability make him a versatile force on the battlefield. First introduced in August 2016, Underlord is beloved for his ability to dominate team fights, control the map, and reposition allies with unmatched tactical prowess. With a hybrid role encompassing support, utility nuker, disabler, and durable front-line presence, Underlord’s unique skillset brings immense value to any team. In this deep-dive guide, we explore everything from his abilities and talent trees to recommended item builds, counters, and some fascinating trivia about this iconic hero.
Overview – Who is Underlord?
Underlord, also titled Vrogros, hails from the dark depths of Dota 2’s expansive hero roster. Categorized as a Strength melee hero, he thrives in roles that demand high survivability, area control, and engagement/disengagement utility. His signature abilities include damage reduction auras, teleportation mechanics, and incapacitating crowd control, making him a dominant pick in both professional and casual games. Let’s dissect what makes Underlord such a vital asset in every phase of the game.
Abilities – Underlord’s Skillset
Atrophy Aura (Passive)
Underlord’s Atrophy Aura is a passive ability that delivers a massive impact during fights. It reduces the attack damage of enemies in a 900 radius while granting bonus damage to Underlord for every unit or hero killed within the aura’s range.
- Reduction: 18%/26%/34%/42%
- Bonus Damage: 30/35/40/45 per hero, 5 per non-hero unit.
- Duration: 25/40/55/70 seconds.
- Radius: 900 units.
This ability enhances Underlord’s physical damage in prolonged fights, making him more dangerous as the battle progresses.
Firestorm
Firestorm sees Underlord conjuringwaves of fire that deal damage-over-time to enemies in a designated area. Notably, it can now be cast directly on allied units, allowing for creative utility plays.
- Cast Range: 600/625/650/675
- Effect: Burns and slows enemies.
- Wave Mechanics: The number of fire waves and frequency scale with levels.
- Burn Interval: Reduced at higher levels.
The AoE radius and sustained damage make Firestorm a valuable lane-clearing and team-fighting tool.
Pit of Malice
With Pit of Malice, Underlord creates a trap that roots and damages all enemies in an AoE. This disables their movements, posing significant risks during rotations or team fights.
- Cast Range: 675 units.
- Root Duration: Scales with level and talent upgrades.
- Impact: Repeatedly catches enemy heroes within its area.
Fiend’s Gate
A groundbreaking utility in Underlord’s arsenal, Fiend’s Gate deploys two portals that allow allied heroes to transport between them.
- Allies gain bonus movement speed and damage mitigation post-teleportation.
- Pit of Malice is applied under the portals immediately after cast.
This ability is perfect for rapid map traversal and lends unmatched mobility to Underlord’s team.
Dark Rift (Ultimate)
Underlord’s Dark Rift ultimate allows allies in its effigy to teleport to any allied structure or unit anywhere on the map.
- Delay: 5/4/3 seconds before the teleport.
- Radius: 450 units.
- Mana Cost: 75/150/225.
Dark Rift is a powerful repositioning tool for both offensive strategies and emergency disengagements.
Playstyle – Mastering Underlord
As a versatile and multi-faceted hero, Underlord excels in orchestrating team fights, locking down vital chokepoints, and enhancing team movement. Below are the most critical elements of his playstyle:
- Map Control: Use Pit of Malice and Firestorm to claim vision-heavy or chokepoint areas such as Roshan’s pit.
- Team Mobility: Leverage Fiend’s Gate and Dark Rift for strategic map plays and rescuing out-of-position allies.
- Sustained Power: Atrophy Aura ensures he gains damage during prolonged skirmishes while weakening enemy cores.
- Survivability: Build tank items to prevent him from being focused down as the front line.
Items and Equipment
Essential Items for Underlord
- Vanguard: Adds durability with health and passive damage block.
- Soul Ring: Enables mana sustainability for frequent spell casts.
Situational and Core Recommendations
- Vladimir’s Offering: Grants lifesteal to allies and further aids team sustainability.
- Force Staff: Adds a critical escape mechanism or positioning tool.
- Pipe of Insight: Absorbs magical AoE to preserve your team through mage-heavy compositions.
How-To Guide – Tips for Playing Underlord
- Maximize Firestorm early for farming and harassment potential.
- Position Pit of Malice in chokepoints or enemy escape routes.
- Use Dark Rift to relocate your team strategically or as an escape tool.
- Communicate with your team to leverage Fiend’s Gate for map advantages.
FAQs About Underlord
What role does Underlord excel in?
Underlord thrives in flexible roles such as durable offlane, support, and team utility initiator.
What is Underlord’s hardest counter?
Heroes like Sniper and Doom can significantly hinder Underlord’s impact in fights.
Is Underlord beginner-friendly?
Yes, his straightforward abilities and durability make him an excellent choice for new players.
How does Atrophy Aura work?
It reduces enemy attack damage while granting bonus attack damage to Underlord for every unit death within its radius.
Does Underlord need a Blink Dagger?
Not always—but in mobility-restrictive games, it can be a great tool for initiating.
Can Fiend’s Gate be used defensively?
Yes, its purpose extends to both engaging and saving allies effectively.
What are the best items for Underlord?
Vanguard, Pipe of Insight, Vladimir’s Offering, and Force Staff are great choices depending on the game.
How should I position Firestorm?
Use it to zone out enemies during fights or to clear creep waves efficiently.
Is Dark Rift interruptible?
No, but the teleportation delay gives enemies time to react.
What is Underlord’s biggest strength?
His ability to control fights with AoE and reposition his team makes him indispensable in the right hands.
Trivia – Fun Facts About Underlord
- Underlord was the last hero ported from DotA to Dota 2, making his release a symbolic milestone for fans.
- Fiend’s Gate is newer, replacing his old ability Firestorm mechanics to add versatility.
- His lore ties him to a demonic realm, being a commander of unending armies.
In conclusion, Underlord continues to be a strategic powerhouse with a kit centered on utility, area control, and team repositioning. Mastering his abilities and understanding his role within the team is vital for winning games and dominating the map in Dota 2. Start practicing today, and watch your gameplay reach new levels!
Source : LeagueOfDota
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