TORONTOTOKYO: “Dota is just so complex that even in the finals, teams don’t play to the game’s full potential.”
Professional player Alexander “TORONTOTOKYO” Hertek appeared on Anton “dyrachyo” Shkredov’s stream to discuss the complexity of Dota 2 and offer advice on how to distinguish the real Phantom Lancer from his illusions.
On identifying the real Phantom Lancer among the illusions
TORONTOTOKYO: How can you tell by the hitbox? You just wait. Let’s say the PL is AFK; you cast a spell, click on the PL, and if there’s more there than with his illusions, you immediately know that’s the real one. That’s how I do it.
On the importance of understanding heroes in the late game
TORONTOTOKYO: Understanding the hero and the number of games you’ve played with him are what matter here.
dyrachyo: In the Grand Final?
TORONTOTOKYO: Well, generally speaking, yes. In the late game—and in Dota in general. Especially when you’re buying the fourth, fifth, or sixth slot; it’s very important to choose the right heroes there.
dyrachyo: You have to go with your gut there.
On the lack of a level cap in Dota 2
TORONTOTOKYO: It might seem like the finals are set in stone, but there’s no such thing as “perfect Dota”—there are no perfect builds.
dyrachyo: Well, look, that’s what the Grand Final is all about: a best-of-5 series where you can keep improving.
TORONTOTOKYO: You can always play Dota better. That’s what I’m talking about. I’m not saying the teams are bad—that’s not what I mean—they’re good, they play *** [awesome]. It’s just that Dota is so complex that even in the finals, teams aren’t playing at 100% of their potential.
dyrachyo: They try, but mistakes happen.
TORONTOTOKYO: Not to mention OpenAI Dota, where you have five cows. Not to mention that.
dyrachyo: So basically, when you joined OG, you ended up in Misha’s “cult.” And anyway, generally speaking, everyone on OG—this OpenAI team, the five players—they all buy resources; all five are “cows,” meaning there’s no division of roles; every role is a “cow.” It’s practically an OG cult at this point. Misha has always been pushing this whole thing.
TORONTOTOKYO: I don’t know about Misha, but there’s something to the idea.
dyrachyo: He’s a fan of N0tail, a fan of Ceb.
TORONTOTOKYO: I wouldn’t say I’m a fan of N0tail, or Ceb, or Misha, but yeah.
Earlier, Team Liquid offlaner Marcus “Ace” Hölgard released a guide on how to play Centaur Warrunner. “Centaur Warrunner’s main feature is his innate Horsepower ability,” the esports player noted.
Photo: Valve.
Kirill Alexandrov
