DOTA 2 Phoenix Guide Abilities, Strengths, Skills And Weaknesses

Dota 2 is known for its heroes, each of these heroes has its unique abilities and roles. One such hero that stands out in the Dota 2 roster is Phoenix, a fiery avian force to be reckoned with. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the depths of Phoenix’s abilities, strengths, skills, and weaknesses, equipping you with the knowledge to master this formidable hero.

Icarus Dive: The Trail of Flames

Phoenix’s abilities make it a versatile and powerful hero in the Dota 2 arena. It all starts with “Icarus Dive,” a skill that allows Phoenix to soar forward up to 1400 units. However, this mobility comes for 15% of the hero’s health.

The journey leaves a fiery trail in its wake, dealing 75 burn damage per second for 4 seconds to any enemy it touches. Furthermore, enemies are slowed by 25%, making it an ideal initiation skill or escape mechanism. However, remember that Phoenix will return to the starting point unless “Supernova” is cast.

Fire Spirits: Scorching the Opposition

Phoenix’s second ability, “Fire Spirits,” adds even more fiery destruction to its arsenal. This skill summons four Fire Spirits that fly towards the target area, dealing 80 damage per second and reducing the attack speed of enemies by 140 for 4 seconds. The catch here is that the ability costs 20% of Phoenix’s health to use, so timing is essential. Mastering this ability can significantly hamper an enemy’s offensive capabilities while contributing to your team’s damage output.

Sun Ray: Healing Beam of Devastation

“Sun Ray” is a channeling ability that embodies the duality of Phoenix’s powers. This beam of energy deals damage to enemies based on their maximum health, adding a percentage of their HP as damage.

Simultaneously, Phoenix can use the same beam to heal its allies, offering 16 HP per second plus 2% of their maximum health. However, this potent skill comes for 6% of Phoenix’s health per second, making it vital to strike a balance between damage and healing.

Supernova: The Ultimate Transformation

Phoenix’s ultimate ability, “Supernova,” is nothing short of spectacular. This skill transforms Phoenix into a radiant sun for 6 seconds, requiring 10 attacks to be destroyed. It does 12 damage to adjacent opponents per second during this period.

The Supernova stuns all opponents within a 1200-unit radius for 2.4 seconds if it survives its duration. Furthermore, Phoenix is a powerful team-fighting tool because it comes out of the Supernova in perfect health. Phoenix can now cast “Sun Ray” during Supernova thanks to the shard improvement, which also adds a 12% slow effect, increasing its usefulness.

Talents: Phoenix’s Path to Power

Phoenix’s talents add depth to its abilities, providing various enhancements and choices as the hero levels up. Here’s a glimpse of the talent tree for Phoenix:

Level 10: Choose between +6% Spell Amplification or a +25% slow effect on “Icarus Dive.” The choice depends on your preferred playstyle and team composition.

Level 15: At this level, you can opt for 500 extra HP, boosting Phoenix’s survivability, or amplify the “Fire Spirits” by increasing their damage output by +20. The choice here often depends on whether you aim to tank or deal damage.

Level 20: Choose whether to improve crowd control, prolong the stun duration of “Supernova” by 0.4 seconds, or increase the damage of “Sun Ray” by 1.5% of the target’s maximum health. The decision you make should fit your function in the game and the needs of your squad.

Level 25: Finally, at the highest level, you face a choice between increasing “Icarus Dive’s” cast range by a whopping +1000 units or making “Supernova” even more resilient by requiring +3 extra attacks to be destroyed. Both choices have their merits, and your selection should be based on the evolving dynamics of the match.

Strengths and Strategies: Phoenix’s Fortes

Phoenix’s dynamic abilities make it a hero with a unique blend of strengths. Here’s a breakdown of its advantages and suitable strategies:

1. A Potent Source of Damage: Phoenix excels in both dishing out damage and controlling the battlefield. “Sun Ray” and “Fire Spirits” can deal significant damage to enemies, while “Supernova” offers a game-changing crowd control tool.

2. Resilience: Compared to most supports and offlaners, Phoenix is harder to kill. The ability to return to full health after “Supernova” adds to its survivability.

3. Synergy with AoE Abilities: Phoenix thrives in team compositions where there are multiple heroes with area-of-effect (AoE) abilities. The hero’s “Supernova” can turn the tide in such scenarios, making it a valuable asset.

4. Aghanim’s Scepter Utility: With Aghanim’s Scepter, Phoenix can save allies by enveloping them within the “Supernova.” This game-changing utility can turn a potentially lost fight into a victory.

Weaknesses: The Flame’s Flicker

Despite its remarkable strengths, Phoenix also has its fair share of weaknesses:

1. Health Costs: Phoenix’s abilities impose health costs, and using them carelessly can lead to a premature demise. A player must strike a balance between using abilities aggressively and preserving health.

Items: Equipping the Firebird

Selecting the right items for Phoenix is crucial for maximizing its potential. Here’s a glimpse of recommended item choices:

Starting Items: Begin with items that provide HP regeneration and a Ring of Protection. This setup facilitates the acquisition of Tranquil Boots and enhances Phoenix’s mobility and armor.

Early Game: In the early game, prioritize items like Boots of Speed or Tranquil Boots and Urn of Shadows to enhance sustainability and mobility.

Mid-Game: Depending on the evolving dynamics of the match, consider items such as Mekansm or Veil of Discord. In some cases, Eul’s Scepter may be a viable option for added utility.

Late Game: In the late game, Phoenix can reach its full potential with items like Shiva’s Guard and Scythe of Vyse. Additionally, for those aiming to amplify damage output, Radiance can be a viable choice, especially when occupying the offlane position.

Countering the Firebird: Heroes to Watch Out For

While Phoenix is a formidable force, it is not without counters. Several heroes can effectively neutralize Phoenix’s strengths in the Dota 2 arena:

1. Huskar: Huskar’s magic resistance and rapid attack speed enable him to dismantle the “Supernova” egg swiftly.

2. Ursa: Ursa’s impressive attack speed makes him a formidable adversary against Phoenix.

3. Anti-Mage: Heroes who build Manta Style and possess substantial attack speed, like Anti-Mage, can be highly effective against Phoenix.