Earthshaker hero analysis

Let's continue the hero analysis series. This week Valve did not give us the new hero like last week’s Kez, but Earthshaker is a hero no worse!

He is a melee strength hero in Dota 2, consistently maintaining a significant presence in the game's meta. According to Dotabuff, he ranks tenth in win rate (approximately 50.82%)

His versatility allows him to function effectively in multiple roles, including support, off-lane, and even mid-lane positions.

Description

Earthshaker is known for his ability to excel in fights through crowd control and area-of-effect (AoE) damage. His skill set focuses on stuns and disruptions, making him one of the most iconic initiators and team fighters in Dota 2. Mastering Earthshaker involves a deep understanding of itemization, gameplay dynamics at different game stages, and optimal build strategies.

At the start of the game, Earthshaker thrives as a lane support or off-laner. His early impact revolves around Fissure, a long-range ability that stuns enemies and creates an impassable wall. Properly landing Fissure can block enemies from retreating, securing early kills or protecting allies. Starting items like Tangoes, Clarity, and a Magic Stick should focus on mana regeneration and durability.

During the mid-game, Earthshaker transitions into an initiator role. Blink Dagger is the centerpiece of his build, enabling him to jump into fights and land the perfect Echo Slam. Arcane Boots help alleviate his notorious mana problems and can be disassembled into Aether Lens or upgraded into Boots of Bearing for additional utility. Consider Force Staff or Glimmer Cape for added mobility or survivability, depending on the game.

In the late game, Earthshaker's role is all about high-impact initiation. Aghanim's Scepter grants him mobility through Enchant Totem, allowing him to leap to a target location while empowering his next attack. This upgrade adds significant damage and mobility, making Earthshaker harder to kite. Black King Bar (BKB) is essential for avoiding disables and ensuring you can cast your spells during critical moments. Refresher Orb enables a devastating double Echo Slam combo for additional AoE damage, often turning fights single-handedly.

Earthshaker's talents further enhance his abilities. Early choices should prioritize mana efficiency and cooldown reductions, while late-game talents amplify his utility and damage. For example, a level 25 talent increases Aftershock AoE and damage, making him a more significant threat in clustered fights.

Itemization can vary depending on the game's flow. Against heavy physical damage, consider Crimson Guard or Shiva's Guard. If your team needs more crowd control, Eul's Scepter of Divinity can help disrupt enemies or set up combos. Flexibility is critical, as Earthshaker needs to adapt his items to the specific challenges posed by the enemy lineup.

Lore

From the very depths of the earth itself, Raigor Stonehoof, known as Earthshaker, rises—a powerful, self-forged entity embodying the indomitable spirit of the land! Unlike any being of legend, he has shaped himself through sheer willpower, crafting a mortal form that allows him to engage the world above in exhilarating ways. Armed with a magical totem, he wields the primal forces of the earth, unleashing breathtaking seismic shockwaves that shake the battlefield and shatter the resolve of his enemies. Brace yourself, for Earthshaker is here to transform the fight with the raw power of nature itself!

Latest Updates

Get ready for some thrilling updates! As of November 17, 2024, Earthshaker has experienced a whirlwind of changes in the latest patches, especially with the explosive versions 7.37 and 7.37c. Exciting times are ahead as the game evolves!

Patch 7.37 proposed the following updates:

• Spirit Cairn (Innate Ability): Upon Earthshaker's death, a 75-radius cairn is created at his death location. This cairn grants Earthshaker experience, provides vision, and acts as a pathing blocker.
• Aftershock: This ability is no longer innate. Its damage has been rescaled from 35/70/100/130/160 to 70/100/130/160, and the stun duration has been adjusted accordingly.
• Enchant Totem: The Slugger knockback component now applies to kills sourced from Earthshaker's abilities, enhancing his crowd-control potential.

Subsequently, in Patch 7.37c:

• Enchant Totem: The Slugger component was moved to a standalone ability that levels up with Echo Slam, providing more flexibility in its usage.

Benefits

• Versatility: Earthshaker can adapt to various roles, including support, off-lane, and mid-lane, providing flexibility in team compositions.
• Crowd Control: His abilities offer multiple stuns and the creation of impassable terrain, allowing for effective initiation and disruption during engagements.
• High Burst Damage: With abilities like Echo Slam, Earthshaker can deliver substantial AoE damage, especially against clustered enemies.

Downsides

• Mana Dependency: Earthshaker's abilities have high mana costs, necessitating careful resource management and itemization to sustain his presence in fights.
• Positioning Requirements: Effective use of his abilities demands precise positioning, which can be challenging in dynamic combat scenarios.
• Vulnerability to Silences: Being silenced can severely limit his effectiveness, as it prevents him from using his crucial abilities.

Abilities

1. Fissure: Slams the ground, creating an impassable ridge that stuns and damages enemies in a line. This ability can block enemy movement and is pivotal for initiation and escape.
2. Enchant Totem: Empowers Earthshaker's next attack with increased damage. Aghanim's Scepter allows Earthshaker to leap to a target location, adding mobility to his arsenal.
3. Aftershock: Causes the ground to tremble when Earthshaker casts a spell, dealing damage and stunning nearby enemies. This passive ability enhances the impact of his other skills.
4. Echo Slam (Ultimate): Releases a shockwave that damages nearby enemies. Each enemy hit triggers additional echoes, dealing further damage to surrounding units. This ultimate is devastating in team fights, especially against clustered foes.

Hints and Tips to Master

• Positioning: Always be mindful of your positioning to maximize the impact of Fissure and Echo Slam. Proper placement can turn the tide of battle.
• Mana Management: Invest in Arcane Boots and Soul Ring to address mana issues, ensuring you can consistently use your abilities.
• Timing: Use Echo Slam when enemies are clustered to maximize damage output. Patience can lead to game-changing plays.
• Practice Fissure Blocks: Mastering the art of blocking enemy paths with Fissure can secure kills and save allies.

Recommended Allies

1. Dark Seer:

Dark Seer's Vacuum synergizes perfectly with Earthshaker's Echo Slam, pulling enemies into a tight cluster where Echo Slam can deal devastating damage. Additionally, Dark Seer's Ion Shell helps Earthshaker farm early and dish out extra damage in fights.

2. Magnus:

Magnus offers Reverse Polarity, another grouping ability that complements Earthshaker's AoE toolkit. His Empower also enhances Earthshaker's melee attacks, particularly when paired with Enchant Totem, allowing him to deal heavy cleave damage in fights.

3. Crystal Maiden:

Crystal Maiden's Arcane Aura is a lifesaver for Earthshaker, allowing him to spam his mana-intensive abilities more effectively. Her crowd-control abilities, like Frostbite, help Earthshaker easily land his skill shots.

4. Faceless Void:

Faceless Void's Chronosphere locks enemies in place, making it easier for Earthshaker to position for a devastating Echo Slam. Moreover, Void's ability to control fights ensures that Earthshaker can unleash his abilities without interruption.

5. Tidehunter:

Tidehunter's Ravage is another AoE ability that pairs beautifully with Earthshaker's kit. The Ravage and Echo Slam combination can wipe out entire teams in seconds. Tidehunter also serves as a durable frontliner, drawing attention away from Earthshaker.

Counters

1. Silencer:

Silencer's Global Silence completely shuts Earthshaker's ability to use his spells. With access to his abilities, Earthshaker is rendered helpful during fights. Silencer's Last Word can also disrupt Earthshaker's initiation.

2. Anti-Mage:

Anti-Mage is a nightmare for Earthshaker due to Mana Break, which drains his mana pool quickly, and Mana Void, which punishes his high mana cost abilities. Anti-Mage's mobility also makes him difficult to pin down with stuns.

3. Clockwerk:

Clockwerk's Hookshot and Battery Assault are particularly disruptive for Earthshaker. Battery Assault interrupts his ability to cast spells, while Power Cogs can trap and isolate Earthshaker, leaving him vulnerable.

4. Pugna:

Pugna's Nether Ward punishes Earthshaker for casting his high mana-cost abilities by dealing massive damage. Pugna can also use Decrepify defensively, making Echo Slam and Earthshaker's physical attacks useless.

5. Batrider:

Batrider's Flaming Lasso can pull Earthshaker out of position, interrupting his initiation attempts. Batrider's Firefly also makes it difficult for Earthshaker to maneuver in fights, as he needs clear paths for proper ability usage.