Dota 2: Analysis of Chen 7.20, the hero that brings success to those who know how to play

Chen was one of the most reworked heroes in 7.29, and the community is still debating how this hero should be played. Hero can no longer use big creeps early in the game, but Chen has enough tools to make a presence in the lane, making himself almost a whole new hero.

Chen was nothing short of impressive. On average, the hero wins 44% of all appearances and is one of the least picked heroes in pubs. However, that changes dramatically in the high ranks.

Chen’s win rate in 4K is over 50%. However, the pick rate is still extremely low, appearing only in about 1.5% of games, but at least we know that Chen can succeed if he falls into the hands of gamers who know how to play.

LEARN REWORK – CHEN TO LANE

Having a creep level limit in Holy Persuasion means that Chen can’t start the game with a strong allied creep to bully the enemy in lane. Probably, Harpy Stormcrafter is the best creep to catch. In addition, Harpy can harass the enemy well with Chain Lightning, creeps can also use it to push lanes.

According to recent guidelines, current Chen players usually max out Divine Favor first. This skill is beneficial in the long run, each level doubling the bonus damage, while increasing the target’s healing rate by 25 at max level, not to mention the 25% healing bonus.

With 360 mana initially, Chen can use this move three times at level one. The long duration plus effects are very useful to compete with early game creeps, Divine Favor should not be underestimated. It also increases the healing of healing items, like Tango, and is roughly on par with Warlock’s Shadow Word.

Penitence rework costs 70 mana and lasts 5 seconds at level 1 which is considered quite good for active lane play. By increasing the damage and speed of your carry, you can get extremely good results in the early lane. It works best with aggressive heroes with good DPS, combined with Divine Favor to add buff to heroes if they want to fight safely.

With a carry capable of winning the lane on his own, or needing a little push to do so, Chen can become a super strong laning support, if he focuses on his first two moves. You can also take control of your opponent’s catapult with just one point of Holy Persuation for better early game advantage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EeETJWYr7A

CHEN TRADITIONAL

Traditional Chen becomes more difficult in this rework. Having more strong damage guards, buffalo in the lane helps a lot. It helps with lane control, harasses the enemy and keeps the carry from having to win creeps – if played well, Chen can chase two enemy heroes with relative ease.

This playstyle isn’t very well supported at the moment – despite the base health being at least 1,000, the low level jungle creeps don’t deal enough damage or have good supports. Satyr Tormentor with Shockwave and a healing aura can single-handedly win the Centaur Conqueror lane, prolonging disables and guaranteeing kills, while Hellbear Smasher combines attack and damage.

To play traditional Chen, you need to make sacrifices. Players can enter the lane with level 1 Holy Persuasion and use fake creeps, or delay Holy Persuasion to build other moves until they reach level 2 or 3. Jungle creeps don’t appear until minutes anyway. 1st of the game.

With level 2 Holy Persuasion, you have much better options: Ghost from Ghost camp is very useful in active lane. Harpy is also fine, especially against Enigma – Enigma pushes lanes, disrupts turrets and can totally dive turrets. Hill Troll Priest is an overrated creep that supports 30HP/sec healing and a very strong 2.5 mana recovery aura. However, controlling the Hill Troll Priest is a bit complicated, because the heal does not prioritize the hero when auto-casting.

With level 3 and two Holy Persuasion points, you will be able to use Conqueror and Smasher, and then gradually switch to the traditional way of playing Chen. You still haven’t obtained a Tormentor or a Dark Troll summoner at this point, but Conqueror and Smasher should still do a good job.

EPILOGUE

It’s very difficult to know how the Chen meta will play out – the hero has become more versatile and with good Chen players, they need to assess the game before starting on which build.

A win rate of over 50% at high ranks means the hero is playable, but may only be in the hands of experienced players or in certain matches.