Okay, so I’ve been messing around with this idea of “mind controlling” units in Dota 2, and I wanted to share what I’ve been up to. It’s not as crazy as it sounds, I promise!
Getting Started
First thing I did was just jump into a practice lobby. I needed a controlled environment, you know? I picked Chen, because, well, he’s the OG mind control guy. I spent a good chunk of time just getting the feel for his Holy Persuasion ability. Like, really understanding the range, how many creeps I could grab at once, and that sort of thing. It’s basic, but super important.
Creep Selection
Next, I started thinking about which creeps are actually worth controlling. The big neutral creeps are obviously tempting, but they aren’t always the best choice. I found myself experimenting with:
- The Centaur Conqueror: That stun is just gold, especially early game.
- The Hellbear Smasher: The clap can be surprisingly strong for pushing towers or harassing heroes.
- The small satyr: Those little guys with purge are good at burn mana.
- The Troll Priest: That heal is very important in early game.
I played around with different combos of creeps, trying to figure out what worked best in different situations. It’s not just about grabbing the biggest creep, it’s about what abilities they bring to the table.
Putting it into Practice
Then came the hard part – actually using this stuff in real games (unranked, of course, I’m not that crazy). I quickly learned that micro-managing a bunch of creeps while also playing your hero is a lot harder than it looks. I messed up, a lot. Like, a lot a lot.
I started focusing on just one or two key creeps at a time. Using the Centaur to initiate, then following up with my hero, became my go-to move. I also got better at using the creep abilities before sending them into the fight. Seems obvious now, but I definitely wasted some creeps early on.
What I Learned (So Far)
This whole “mind control” thing is more about strategy and timing than anything else. It’s not about having an army of super-creeps, it’s about using the right creep at the right time. Also, practice, practice, practice. My micro still needs work, but I’m definitely getting better at juggling my hero and my little creep squad.
I’m still experimenting with different heroes and creep combinations. Enchantress is next on my list, she seems like a natural fit for this playstyle. I’ll keep you guys posted on how that goes!
