The highly anticipated Ringmaster has finally made his way into the game, and it’s clear that this hero is not only viable but incredibly powerful. However, his win rate stands out mainly in higher-level games, indicating that fully utilizing his potential may not be easy. In this article, we’ll explore why Ringmaster excels in higher-level play and how to replicate that success.
Ringmaster’s kit is primarily focused on support, which may explain his underwhelming performance in games below 3k MMR. He’s not suited for the carry role, doesn’t shine in the mid lane, and isn’t ideal for the offlane. It’s our belief that assigning Ringmaster to a core role is a mistake; instead, he thrives when played as an aggressive position four.
His laning phase is strong for several reasons, including his impressive initial stats, almost full ranged attack, decent damage, and high starting movement speed. His ability to engage and chase down enemies makes him a potent force in the early game.
With a potential 180 damage nuke at level one, Ringmaster’s Tame the Beasts ability is nearly overpowered. While landing it consistently may require some setup, it can be effectively comboed with stuns or slows from offlane heroes. His ultimate, Wheel of Wonder, provides significant teamfight control but can be dispelled by heroes like Abaddon, Oracle, and Legion Commander.
Ringmaster’s Souvenirs add a fun element to his kit, offering various utility options. When it comes to itemization, playing him as a support leaves little room for creativity. Save items, Aether Lens for increased range, and Shard against invisible heroes are recommended.
Level 15 Blink Dagger provides additional initiation potential, while Aura and teamfight items like Pipe of Insight and Guardian Greaves are valuable additions. Talents should be focused on maximizing control, with choices to be made at different levels based on the game’s needs.
Overall, Ringmaster brings a cohesive and enjoyable gameplay experience, even though he may not be the most unique addition to Dota. Share your thoughts on this hero and whether you believe he offers something truly distinctive to the game!
