The best way to play the midlane in Patch 7.38c

Dota 2 is a game that heavily relies on the synergy between team roles, with each role-playing a crucial part in a team’s victory or defeat. Among them, the midlane is one of the most iconic and sought-after roles, often seen as the chalice for aspiring professional players..

However, the midlane is also the most mechanically demanding role in Dota 2. As the game has evolved over the years, so has this position, leading to various philosophies and playstyles.

Let’s take a closer look at the best way to play the midlane in patch 7.38c.

The uniqueness of the Midlane

Unlike other lanes, the midlane features only two heroes—one from each team. There are no pesky laning supports to disrupt the cores, and the Tier 1 tower's range is close to the lane on both sides.

Thus, the only way to win and dominate the midlane is by outplaying and outmanoeuvring the opponent—both mentally and mechanically. The first step to achieving this is understanding creep equilibrium and controlling it to your advantage. By doing so, a player can secure last hits, deny creeps, and effectively harass their opponent.

While the midlane meta has evolved over time, this core principle remains unchanged. Mastering this fundamental skill is the best way to play the midlane in any meta including patch 7.38c.

Why winning Midlane is important

Many aspiring players look up to legendary midlaners like Miracle- and Topson, and for good reason. The midlaner carries significant responsibilities for their team until the safelane carry comes online.

Thus, the best way to play the midlane is to win it, and this remains true in Patch 7.38c. To achieve this, a player must follow a series of key steps, the first of which is crucial for gaining an edge. Securing midlane dominance creates playmaking opportunities and allows the midlaner to dictate the game’s tempo.

Two midlaners trading in low level pubs

Conversely, losing the midlane and its Tier 1 tower has several major drawbacks. One of the most significant is losing control of the outer jungle, which can severely impact the safelane carry’s farm and the team's overall net worth.

Additionally, the loss of the midlane tower limits map control and forces the particular team to play defensively. As a result, the winning team gains a strategic advantage, making it easier to secure key objectives like Roshan.

How to win and play the midlane in 7.38c

Winning the midlane is the best way to play but in patch 7.38c but this task can be daunting. Regen plays a pivotal part in winning the midlane as out-trading and out-harassing the opponent is the key to gaining an advantage.

An damage dealing intiator midlane.

Regen items are essential tools for midlaners during the laning stage because it enables aggressive play. Playing aggressively often forces opponents into misplays, creating opportunities to punish their mistakes and take control of the lane. Consequently, this will often allow the aggressor to punish them.

Another crucial aspect of midlane success is rune control. The right rune allows midlaners to rotate efficiently, enabling their sidelanes without missing much action on their lane. Thus, most midlaners rush a Bottle. This item not only provides sustain but also enhances rune control. Runes picked up with a Bottle can be saved for a particular amount of time for later use.

The Responsibilities of the midlaner

The midlaner carries many responsibilities for the team until the safelane carry comes online. One way to accelerate the safelaner’s item timings is by enabling them through ganks. However, ganking isn’t the only way a midlaner can support their team.

Most midlaners have abilities that allow them to clear waves efficiently. In higher ranks, most often, midlaners will push lanes to draw enemy attention and force a response.

With an XP lead after the laning stage, they can accomplish this without much risk. For those wanting to play the midlane in patch 7.38c, this is the best way.

As the game progresses, midlaners typically take on the role of playmakers, finding pickoffs across the map—especially targeting the enemy safelaner. In the late game, the midlaner will often dive into the backlines during skirmishes, disrupting enemy supports and allowing their own safelaner to fight more comfortably.

Which Midlane heroes are best in Patch 7.38c

The Wandering Waters patch update introduced new jungle areas, leading to the rise of greedy midlaners. However, in Patch 7.38b, players shifted their preference toward midlaners that come online as early as possible.

The best midlaners in the previous patch.

Thus, in Patch 7.38c, the best way to play the midlane is to pick heroes that hit their power spikes quickly. Midlaners who come online immediately after the laning stage would be the most popular and effective choices among players.

This approach creates space for the safelane carry to farm safely and reach key item timings. Additionally, it allows the midlaner to snowball efficiently, securing crucial objectives for the team. Until the safelaner comes online, it's the midlaner's job to hold the team together.