Players are still not sure where to ward in Dota 2. Dota is a game of team strategy. A team on the other side of the map competes to destroy the opposing team’s base. The maps where they play the game are also large. The fog of war also blankets the whole map.
With maps this vast, the team cannot keep track of their territory at all times. This is also where the minigame of vision comes into play.
Dota 2 is particular about its vision mechanics. The game also features a day-night system that manipulates unit vision. Even more, heroes like Night Stalker and Phoenix can manipulate the cycle directly with their abilities. Talents also manipulate vision, such as Spiritbeaker’s level 10 talent that gives him +500 night vision. Vision is important in the game of information—being one step ahead of the enemy is crucial
Familiarizing the Map
You don’t need to work hard here. The task is to know the map to make good decisions. The minimap is your friend, and knowing where the enemy can be on it is an acquired skill.
It is difficult, but the game and its players can help you in where to place wards best. In the game, an “Eye” marks the designated warding spots on the map.
There are two spots in both jungles, and one in each of the ancient areas, totaling six ward spots. Due to their visual look, warding here becomes predictable. They’re best when the enemy doesn’t expect it.
The game also rewards your ward placement creativity with map control, gold, and exp advantages. Off-hand warding spots like around the outpost, behind towers, and on the river cliffs, give great vision with less deward chance.
The Sentry Ward in Dota 2
Observer wards are yellow and cost no gold to get from the shop. They grant vision and you can use them in areas with the most coverage. The blue wards are called Sentry wards and cost 50 gold to get.
Instead of vision, placing one grant true sight over an area around it. With a true sigh radius of 900 versus the observer’s 1600 vision radius, smart sentry placement is rewarded more.
Ward placement has a cast range that goes beyond the melee range. This makes it possible to plant wards up cliffs with melee supports. Ward plant range can be manipulated by items like Aether Lens. Sentries are better for situations where an invisible enemy that cannot move needs killing, versus dust of appearance. If someone destroys an observer, they yield significant gold and exp. So, make sure to place sentries in good places during the game.
Dewarding Tactics
The game gives each team a max of 4 observers and 10 sentries at any time. Buying one will replenish until the maximum number is reached—make sure to buy out the wards. Ward usage concerning enemy movement is a good way to find where they have their vision. Always check your mini-map for enemy positions. Losing a teammate in a dark area is a sign an enemy ward is in that area.
Using a gem is an effective way to deward, with the true sight centered around the holder. Its new ability allows rewarding cliffs without using wards to provide temporary vision. The next tip is about knowing what your enemy wants to achieve. Understanding the enemy’s goals can give you an idea of where they want the vision set up.
The last one is to learn from other better players. Warding places are, as we said, an acquired skill. One can have the benefit of acquiring that skill faster from watching better players play around vision and wards.
You can also check out our other guide to learn how to ward in Dota 2. If you liked this article, be sure to check out more on our website. Follow us on social media to stay updated with the latest esports and gaming news.
