Why Earthshaker is an iconic hero in Dota 2

In the realm of online multiplayer games, Dota 2 stands prominently, captivating players worldwide with its strategic depth, exciting meta, crafty heroes and competitive spirit.

At the heart of this experience are the heroes—each uniquely crafted with distinct lore, abilities, and roles. Among this formidable roster, Earthshaker holds a revered place, an emblematic figure whose impact has been etched into the history of Dota 2.

Earthshaker has remained a staple in the Dota 2 meta, thanks to his abilities that can shake up matches both literally and figuratively.

In recent years, he has grown increasingly viable, often stepping beyond his traditional support role to serve as a flexible pick across multiple positions.

In this article, we will reflect on the evolution of Earthshaker throughout the years and what makes him such a viable and sought-after hero in Dota 2.

Why Earthshaker never goes out of style in Dota 2

Dota 2 features many iconic heroes, but few are as enduringly popular as Earthshaker. His status comes from being a high-impact playmaker, a rare trait for a hero.

While Dota 2 has evolved, introducing other support heroes capable of serving as effective playmakers, none have fully replaced Earthshaker’s unique impact. Instead of fading into obscurity, he has remained a contested pick, proving that his skill set is irreplaceable.

As players searched for alternatives, they discovered that no hero could truly replicate his influence. This has led to creative strategies, with teams incorporating Earthshaker into their drafts beyond his traditional support role.

Earthshaker was one of the heroes that received an immortal skin on the 10-year anniversary of Dota 2.

Earthshaker’s abilities are a testament to his dominance, with each skill capable of reshaping the battlefield.

At the core of his kit is Echo Slam, a devastating ultimate that unleashes seismic waves, dealing massive damage based on the number of nearby enemies.

This ability alone has secured countless victories and clutch moments, cementing its status as one of the most feared and respected abilities in the game.

Complementing Echo Slam is Fissure, a skill that creates an impassable barrier across the terrain. It’s perfect for isolating enemies, controlling choke points, or initiating team fights with precision.

His other ability, Enchant Totem, further amplifies his control—providing powerful stuns and explosive burst damage.

To top it off, his passive ability, Aftershock enhances all of his active abilities.

Together, these abilities enable Earthshaker to turn the tide of battle in an instant, securing his legacy as one of Dota 2’s most iconic heroes.

Earthshaker as a flex pick

In the past, Earthshaker was primarily picked as a support. However, thanks to his unique skill set and versatile abilities, players have expanded his viability beyond this traditional role.

Earthshaker also fits well into other roles. His abilities allow him to initiate team fights, control the map, and protect his allies.

With the right itemisation, strategic approach, and by adapting to the team’s needs and evolving game dynamics, Earthshaker can excel as an offlaner or even a midlaner.

This flexibility highlights Earthshaker’s strategic depth, enabling players to experiment with different playstyles and ensuring his relevance across the Dota 2 metas.

Earthshaker's itemisation

Being a flex hero, Earthshaker has some item choices depending on the match and the role he's playing. Nevertheless, there are some items, that have remained consistent regardless of his in-game role.

These items are a Blink Dagger, an Aghanim Scepter, an Octarine Core and a Refresher Orb.

The late game itemisation for Earthshaker.

As a support, players will rush to get Blink Dagger on ES. Sometimes, they might get Arcane Boots first. Even as an offlaner, players will take this route on the hero.

The alternate boots for ES are Power Treads and it can be seen when he is playing as a midlaner. As a midlaner, sometimes players would like to skip Blink Dagger, just to rush to get Aghanim Scepter as it allows better control and adds mobility with Enchant Totem leaps.

After acquiring a Blink Dagger and Aghanim’s Scepter, players often purchase a Black King Bar, as it grants spell immunity to Earthshaker, allowing him to maintain mobility and resist lockdown abilities.

The itemisation for ES changes after BKB depending on support and a core. As a support, ES players would often get Refresher Orb as Double Echo Slam can be lethal in any late-game skirmishes.

For core Earthshaker, players often build Daedalus. This item, combined with Earthshaker's Enchant Totem, allows him to one-shot fragile backline heroes. As a result, it creates more space for his team to manoeuvre during skirmishes.

A good Echoslam is always a beauty to watch.

Additionally, armour items like Assault Cuirass or Shiva’s Guard are commonly picked up on core Earthshaker. They provide increased survivability for both him and his team in fights.

Nevertheless, core ES will also get a Refresher Orb to round up his build. This item combined with Echo Slam could single-handedly decide the victory or defeat of the match.

Situational items for ES include but are not limited to Satanic, Silver Edge, Eul’s Scepter and Lotus Orb.

Earthshaker Counters

Even though he's irreplaceable in Dota 2, Earthshaker is extremely counterable. While there are many counters to ES, the following heroes stand out.

Among the support, Rubick and Clockwerk stand out. This is because Rubick can steal most of Earthshaker's spells with his ultimate ability and use it with much greater damage thanks to his passive.

Clockwreck can interrupt Earthshaker's long cast animations, preventing him from using any abilities apart from Echo Slam.

As a safelane hero, Lifestealer is one of the best counters against Earthshaker as his first ability rage prevents him from getting lockdown by ES.

Viper is another brilliant counter against ES. His Poison Attacks and Viper Strike allow him and his team to kite ES whilst putting his Blink on cooldown.

As a support, Earthshaker has a 51% win rate in 1392 matches.