Summary
- The Arc Warden buff has significantly changed the gameplay by making Tempest abilities default in Dire form and altering abilities’ effects based on Order or Disorder choices
- Arc Warden’s ultimate ability Tempest Double can use active items and does not suffer attack damage penalties which greatly boosts his damage potential
- Choosing between Order or Disorder facets affects Arc Warden’s abilities and strategies especially during the laning stage where the selected facet can lead to an early power spike
Arc Warden Overview
Primary Attribute: Agility
Arc Warden’s primary attribute is agility, a crucial element that enhances his overall capabilities on the battlefield. This agility provides significant boosts to his attack speed and armor, both vital for his survivability and damage potential. When combined with his abilities, this improvement in agility can turn the tide in close duels or extended skirmishes, especially when utilizing the recent Arc Warden buff.
Forms: Radiant and Dire
Arc Warden exists in two distinct forms: Radiant and Dire. Each form influences his abilities in unique ways. In Radiant form, he wields his normal abilities, preserving the classic gameplay style. Meanwhile, his ultimate, Tempest Double, creates the Tempest versions of his abilities. This dual-form mechanic gets even more interesting on the Dire side, where a new Arc Warden buff has made the Tempest abilities the default, altering playstyle substantially.
Tempest Double
A standout feature of Arc Warden is his ultimate ability, Tempest Double, which creates a clone of himself. Unlike most hero replicas in Dota 2, Tempest Double suffers no attack damage penalties, allowing it to unleash the full wrath of Arc Warden’s arsenal. This trait is particularly potent when combined with the Arc Warden buff, significantly amplifying his damage output in fights. Tempest Double can also utilize active items in Dota 2, adding another layer of strategic depth.
Buff Impact on Gameplay
Facets and Ability Effects
The new Arc Warden buff has drastically altered the choice between Order and Disorder facets. By selecting Order, the main hero retains his original spells while Disorder swaps the effects, giving the Tempest Double the new spells. This swap can significantly alter in-game tactics, forcing players to think twice about their kit during various phases of the game.
Choosing Order for Arc Warden keeps abilities like Flux and Magnetic Field in their classic state on the main hero. However, using Disorder means the Tempest Double gets a stronger slow and damage over time for abilities, such as Flux. This variability can surprise opponents, adding a creative edge to Arc Warden’s strategy for Dota 2.
Spell Effects Differences
The Arc Warden buff has not only diversified the hero’s abilities but also differentiated the spell effects between Arc Warden and his Tempest Double. For instance, Flux on the primary hero applies a stronger slow, while the Double benefits from better damage over time. This makes each clone uniquely lethal, necessitating different counter-strategies and item builds.
Magnetic Field now offers distinct advantages: on Arc Warden, it grants enhanced attack speed and evasion, whereas the Tempest Double receives additional attack range and damage. Understanding these nuances can make a huge impact during engagements, particularly in multi-hero clashes. The unique spell modifications enabled by the Arc Warden buff require players to master both forms for optimal performance.
Laning Stage Impact
Early on, the facet choice between Order and Disorder fundamentally influences Arc Warden’s laning. The Arc Warden buff alters ability availability, making the laning stage a critical period to establish dominance. Selecting Disorder can give an early power spike due to the enhanced Tempest abilities, making Arc Warden a formidable laner.
Another aspect to consider is how these altered cooldowns and durations play out. For instance, controlling the lane with stronger versions of Flux or Magnetic Field can deny critical farm to the enemy, giving Arc Warden the upper hand. The implications of this new Arc Warden buff ripple throughout the game, starting strong lanes.