How Flagbearer creep changed Dota

Flagbearer does not differ from other melee creeps in terms of characteristics. They have identical health, attack, armor, and so on. It is fundamentally different only in a few things. New creep has 40% resistance to magic, while other creeps have this indicator equal to 0, and aura that restores 3 health per second to all allies within a 700 radius. This is an improved aura of Headdress, Pipe, or Mekasm in terms of regeneration, the auras of which give 2 and 2.5 regen respectively. 

The auras of multiple Flagbearers don’t stack. And if we add to this one health regeneration from the T1 tower, it turns out to be very solid. Therefore, Headdress seems to be great now, as the total regen for heroes in the side lane will be 6.5 HP/sec, which is equivalent to the regen from Ring of Health.

Creep’s economy

When Flagbearer is killed, the player and their allies within a 1200 radius receive 100% gold for killing him. Logically, buffed creep grants additional reward. That is, one creep gives a reward for three creeps: for your core and support. It is now much more critical to last hit Flagbearer creep than the ranged creep. The difference in reward is 2x, always prefer it to other creeps.

It is not necessary to leave Flagbearer to your core character, but desirable. You can deny him with any summon, Meepo clone or Ark Warden, LD’s Summon Bear, or Visage gargoyles. At the same time, it is more difficult to kill him with abilities due to the 40% resistance.

Tips and hints

I don’t recommend taking these creeps playing for Chen and Enchantress at all not to deprive myself and my core mate of “fat” reward. Moreover, I don't want to feed the Flagbearer’s bonus reward to the enemy. Surprisingly, if you take such a creep with Dominator, the bonus reward for it will be 100 gold. You can exploit it, but I don't think it's worth it.

Summary

Flagbearer creep has already changed the game. The cores on the sides lanes have a free regen during the first 10+ minutes. and do not shake your legs to escape early into the jungle because the bonus reward for Flagbearer creep is too important and high. It has become even more important to stand well in the side lane.

I am sure that starting purchases and the number of consumables bought per lane from both supports and carries will change soon. Dota is changing, and it's great. Transmit your impressions on our social networks and write what moments are missing in the comments. Share your experience with Cyber-sport.io. Subscribe and follow the latest eSports news!