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Top counterpicks and dominating heroes this patch

Counterpicks and Heroes That Are Thriving Following Patch 7.40c | Strategies Evolving

By

Emily Thompson

Mar 1, 2026, 09:33 AM

Edited By

Emily Johnson

Updated

Mar 2, 2026, 01:11 AM

2 minutes of duration

Two popular mid-lane heroes in battle, showcasing their skills amidst a vibrant gaming arena
popular

A heated debate among gamers has surfaced regarding the most effective strategies after the 7.40c patch. Significant discussions took place, especially around the top heroes for mid-lane positions, leading to unexpected remarks about counterplays and item importance.

Current Meta and Player Strategies

The meta is in flux, and players are voicing their opinions on hero effectiveness. Some key remarks include:

  • Guardian Greaves are deemed essential in the current meta, praised for being affordable while keeping teams synchronized in battles.

  • Razor remains a hot pick, especially seen in off-lane roles. One player remarked, "I even first pick Razor sometimes because it is really contested pick rn."

  • Initiators like Magnus and Tidehunter are still critical, with a player emphasizing that without proper initiation, winning fights is challenging.

Interestingly, one competitive match between Tundra and Liquid saw Tundra winning 2-0 without Greaves, suggesting alternative strategies can also yield success.

Surging Favorites in the Current Game

Some heroes are grabbing attention this patch:

  • Phantom Assassin (PA) might be limited against well-coordinated enemy supports. Conversely, Phantom Lancer (PL) is gaining traction, with one player noting their strong win rate of 61%.

  • Mid-lane options like Invoker and Templar Assassin (TA) are still viewed as weaker early on, while heroes like Queen of Pain and Puck dominate.

  • Many players are focusing on a mix of ranged stuns (like Lion or Shaman) and melee initiators (such as Tusk or Tiny) to secure control and initiate fights effectively.

Tactical Shifts in Team Builds

Players are increasingly recognizing the value of items that provide auras. Combinations of Greaves, Pipe, and Crimson Guard can significantly impact team dynamics.

One comment highlighted the strategy: "Build auras on Razor and turn your brain off. Youโ€™ll end up winning somehow." This reflects a shift towards teams leveraging shared resources for success.

Community Engagement and Game Dynamics

As people share their experiences, itโ€™s clear that teamwork is key. With feedback indicating that the effectiveness of heroes rests heavily on team synergy, the communityโ€™s insights provide a crucial lens into current strategies.

"Heroes who can fight earlier are stronger" - Common sentiment among players.

Emerging Trends

The combination of effective aura items and strong initiation remains pivotal in wins, with expectations that about 70% of players at higher MMRs will prioritize builds showing this dynamic.

With heroes like Magnus and Tidehunter likely to continue dominating drafts, the evolving meta might encourage experimentation with various hero combinations.

Key Insights

  • โ–ณ Guardian Greaves are crucial in the current gameplay

  • โ–ฝ Initiators maintain their importance in team fight dynamics

  • โ€ป "Even with low frags, you can still impact the game" - Player comment on Razor

As player strategies continue to adapt, the focus is shifting toward a collaborative approach, suggesting that the teamwork is more critical than ever in the evolving landscape of competitive play.