Top ten DOTA 2 lane combinations

There are currently 115 (as of writing this) heroes in DOTA 2, this leads to many different combinations of teams and lanes. Lets have a look at my top ten laning combinations to for you to try out in the lanes next time you play DOTA 2. If you are interested in seeing the best players of these heroes, check out our top player posts in preparation for The International 2019. We have posts for mid laners, carries, offlaners and supports!

10. Venomancer and Viper

Venomancer, the king of slows and DOTs (Damage Over Time).
Venomancer, the king of slows and DOTs (Damage Over Time).

Probably one of the most annoying combinations to lane against in the game. Viper and Venomancer will slow and chase down any hero in the early game, especially with an Orb of Venom :). While this is a bit of a fun lane it can also work into the late game with both heroes able to output huge amounts of damage especially if they have a great laning stage.

9. Riki and Dark Seer

Riki, an annoying, invisible hero.
Riki, an annoying, invisible hero.

Another fun and goofy combo, with Dark Seer able to cast his ion shell on an invisible Riki  at level 1. This should really annoy the opposition. If the opponents start to run this is even better for Riki! Backstab with Surge  will ensure opponents won’t be able to get away alive.

8. Lion and Lina

Lion, one of the best nukers in the game.
Lion, one of the best nukers in the game.

Here we yet another fun/goofy lane as Lion and Lina. The chain stunning and double nuke of these two is absolutely crazy. If you are feeling cheesy add a couple of dagons and you have a lot of burst damage coming from this lane. These two have strong early-mid game presence as well outputting a ton of damage and crowd control into the late game.

7. Tiny and Axe

Axe, DOTA 2's resident tank.
Axe, DOTA 2’s resident tank.

A classic combination that is great in the laning stages as well as into the later parts of the game. Both heroes are tanky and don’t mind getting into early fights in lane. Tiny can toss Axe, who can the taunt the opponents and spin. Tiny can then follow up with and avalanche leading to a deadly combo in the early and mid game.

6. Bane and Razor

Bane, DOTA 2
Bane, DOTA 2

Another strong combo in lane with potential to be powerhouses late into the game especially with a good start. Bane can sleep the opponent allowing Razor to get a long duration damage steal from the opponent. This can lead to an easy kill or leaving the opponent unable to get any last hits.

5. Lich and Enigma

Lich, DOTA 2
Lich, DOTA 2

These two heroes can make any lane an utter pain with the amount of denying they can do. Lich’s deny allows them to get bonus XP and Enigma can spawn creeps to last hit with. They can completely shut down and opposing lane and their ultimates work in synergy throughout the game.

4. Shadow Shaman and Ursa

Shadow Shaman, an excellent support for beginners.
Shadow Shaman, an excellent support for beginners.

This can be a very scary lane to face with lots of crowd control and insane damage. Shadow Shaman can use his hex and shackles to keep the opponent in place. Then Ursa is free to wail on them using his overpower and fury swipe abilities. With a few early kills, it won’t be long before Ursa can solo Roshan and become a mid-game monster.

3. Tiny and Centaur Warrunner

Tiny, the king of ganking.
Tiny, the king of ganking.

A combination that has been used for many years in DOTA, these two have huge amounts of burst damage and stuns to decimate opponents. The classic combo is Tiny will Toss Centaur into the opponent, Centaur will Stomp then Double Edge. Hopefully by this time Tiny can close the gap and Avalanche the opponent for another stun/nuke.

2. Bane and Mirana

Mirana, also known as the priestess of the moon.
Mirana, also known as the priestess of the moon.

Another lane that features Bane and using its sleep ability to great affect. Bane is able to initiate with the sleep setting up for Mirana to hit an easy arrow. Bane’s pure damage nuke is also beneficial for easily ganking opponents. This combo can be used throughout the game to get pick offs and allow you team to find advantages.

1.  Crystal Maiden and Juggernaut

Juggernaut, DOTA 2
Juggernaut, DOTA 2

An absolute classic laning duo, these two heros are able to get many early kills with Crystal Maiden’s freeze and slow combined with Juggernaut’s bladefury. Going boots and tangos for starting items on Juggernaut can easily net you first blood. This will give you a strong start in lane which allows Juggernaut to turn into a mid-late game powerhouse.