Introduction to Abaddon
Abaddon, the Lord of Avernus, is a versatile hero in the popular MOBA game Dota 2. Known for his incredible durability and support capabilities, Abaddon is a hero who can turn the tide of battle with his protective spells and strong debuff removals. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various aspects of playing Abaddon, including his abilities, gameplay strategies, item builds, and tips for both beginners and advanced players.
Abaddon is typically played in the offlane or as a support due to his ability to sustain in lane and provide aid to his teammates. His skill set makes him an excellent choice for players who prefer a defensive playstyle while still having the potential to be aggressive when necessary.
Abaddon’s Abilities
Mist Coil: Abaddon releases a coil of deathly mist that can damage an enemy unit or heal an ally.
Aphotic Shield: Abaddon places a protective shield on himself or an ally that absorbs a set amount of damage before bursting, dealing damage to nearby enemies.
Curse of Avernus: Abaddon’s passive. His attacks slow the target and speed up his and nearby allies’ movement and attack speed. After four hits, the target is silenced.
Borrowed Time (Ultimate): When activated, all damage dealt to Abaddon is converted into health. It can also automatically activate when his health drops below a certain threshold.
Skill Build
The typical skill build for Abaddon in dota 2 focuses on maximizing Aphotic Shield first for its defensive and offensive capabilities, followed by Mist Coil for additional healing and nuking potential. Curse of Avernus is usually leveled last, though it’s sometimes beneficial to get an early point for the utility it provides. Borrowed Time should be taken whenever available.
Itemization
Early Game Items:
- Boots of Speed: Essential for positioning and chasing down enemies.
- Magic Stick/Wand: Good for burst healing and mana.
- Wind Lace: Increases movement speed, synergizing with Curse of Avernus.
Core Items:
- Phase Boots or Tranquil Boots: Depending on whether you need more mobility or sustain.
- Vladmir’s Offering: Provides lifesteal, armor, and mana regen aura, benefiting both Abaddon and his team.
- Lotus Orb or Linken’s Sphere: For reflecting or blocking targeted spells.
Late Game Items:
- Aghanim’s Scepter: Enhances Borrowed Time by redirecting a portion of damage done to nearby allies to Abaddon.
- Radiance: Provides AoE damage and miss chance to enemies, making Abaddon more of a threat in team fights.
- Assault Cuirass: Boosts armor and attack speed, beneficial for both Abaddon and his team.
Gameplay Strategy
Early Game:
In the laning phase, Abaddon should focus on securing farm if he’s in the offlane or protecting his carry if he’s playing as a support. Use Aphotic Shield to negate enemy harassment and Mist Coil for healing or securing last hits.
Mid Game:
During the mid-game, Abaddon becomes more involved in team fights. Use Aphotic Shield to save teammates and remove stuns or silences. Position yourself in fights where you can make the most of Curse of Avernus and Borrowed Time.
Late Game:
In the late game, Abaddon’s role is to be in the frontlines during team fights, disrupting the enemy and saving allies. Use your items and abilities to turn the tide of battle. Remember, your presence can be a deciding factor in team fights.
Playing Against Abaddon
When playing against Abaddon, it’s crucial to recognize the limitations of his Borrowed Time. Heroes with strong lockdown or burst damage can be effective after his ultimate has been used. It’s also beneficial to focus on other targets in a team fight, as Abaddon can be difficult to bring down quickly.
Synergies
Abaddon works well with heroes that can engage in prolonged fights where his sustainability and support can shine. Heroes like Slark, who benefit from prolonged engagements, or carries that require protection, like Spectre, can synergize well with Abaddon’s skill set.
Tips for Beginners
- Understand Your Role: Your primary role is to protect your teammates and disrupt the enemy.
- Positioning: Stay near the heroes you need to protect but don’t overextend.
- Mana Management: Keep an eye on your mana pool as Abaddon’s spells can be quite costly.
Advanced Tips
- Aphotic Shield Timing: Use Aphotic Shield not just for the shield but also for its dispel ability.
- Aggressive Borrowed Time: Use Borrowed Time aggressively in team fights to absorb damage and distract enemies.
- Item Adaptability: Your items should reflect the needs of the match. Sometimes more defensive or utility items might be necessary.
Conclusion
Abaddon is a hero that excels in protection and disruption in Dota 2. Whether as a tanky frontliner or a supportive backliner, his ability to turn around fights and save teammates is unparalleled. Mastering Abaddon requires an understanding of positioning, timing, and itemization. For those who revel in outlasting their opponents and being a thorn in the side of the enemy, Abaddon is a perfect choice. Remember, the key to mastering Abaddon is not just in how you play him, but also in how you adapt to the flow of the game.
