Dota 2
Not enough ratings
Offlane Lone Druid 6.86
By Caff
A guide for my boyfriend Reis.
   
Award
Favorite
Favorited
Unfavorite
Preparation and Mindset
Lone Druid is a hero that requires a small amount of micro to succeed. Few things you should consider is making two control groups, a key to switch between control groups, and under options "Unified Unit Orders" on. If you wish to attack a single target hold ctrl to use both the bear and you. Double tapping any control group will highlight, and camera center the desired unit.

MindSet
This hero isn't the strongest late game hero as the bear is very vulnerable. So you should probably aim to end around the 30-45 minute mark, when you're at your strongest. If it drags late remember your bear has the ability to demolish towers, become a rat of sorts using "Savage Roar" to escape ganks and apply pressure around the map. But don't underestimate your single target burst damage with "Battle Cry". Any squishy targets, especially supports should be your targets in team fights when you've fallen off. Killing a Bane, Crystal Maiden, Enigma, or Oracle can potentially win your team the fight and transition into a push.
First minute of the game

The video above shows why Lone Druid is potentially one of the stronger offlaners. The ability to contest rune (100xp, 100 gold) and creep block successfully can potentially win you the early game.
Address lanning phase

This trick can keep the creep equilibrium in your favor. Securing you farm and levels, as well as denying it from the enemy supports in a trilane. If the enemy carry didn't buy a stout shield yet, the creeps will also burn through most of his regen.

Here is the most common paths on both Radiant/Dire offlane to do this with. The "X" indicates where your bear should initially collide with the creep wave. Don't forget your bear has the ability to recall at lvl 3 (lvl 2 bear). So if you must, simply send it home then recall it once fully healed, only do this if the creeps are close enough that you can sap xp without your bears protection. If the creeps aren't close enough give regen to your bear (Tengo/salve). NEVER re-summon your bear if you don't have to. If you get ganked after your re-summon it could potentially throw you the entire early game.
When does Lone Druid come Online?
Lone Druid is a hero that has many power spikes, and if abused properly can lead to at least 60% win rate in any bracket this patch.
  • Level 3 - If you're against a dual lane level 2 bear is abusable. The ability to chase under tower, then recall your bear to disjoint projectiles provides free harass. Especially with orb of venom + stout shield. Also allows you to freely access side shop, recall to get items in a hard lane. Or heal your bear in fountain/use as a courier.
  • Level 5 - This is when you have kill potential. As you play the hero more and more and get a feel for when you're stronger then the enemy. You can pre-hit the pseudo random chance (each time entangle doesn't proc the next hit has a higher chance) of an entangle and solo kill against a dual lane/under-leveled trilanes. Depending on how low the enemy is level/farm/HP wise, with your bear tanking tower, dives are possible. Careful of rotations though, remember your bear has recall if you need to bail.
  • Radiance - This isn't so much a farming item for Lone Druid as much as a damage/chase item for his bear. If the enemy drafted squishy supports/carries you can run them down with your radiance bear, even if it's outside of the leash attack range. If the enemy tries to get the bear off of the target, remember you only have to avoid damage for a few seconds before recall is available again. Don't be afraid to "Suicide" your bear for a kill on a sniper/lich/zeus.
  • AC - It's getting late and you're about to fall off. This is one of your, if not last power spike. With this item your bear has increased attack speed, tanks up your creep wave, and applies minus armor to towers. Pushing is your goal. You want to end ASAP.


Remember Lone Druid isn't the best late game carry. If you're still out carrying your enemy it's because you have a huge network difference in your favor. Early Kills/Tower Kills/Denying the enemy farm.