Lina, known as the Redhead or the Phoenix, is one of the brightest and most beloved heroes of Dota 2. She is chosen for her versatility, destructive power and flexibility in combat.
The best both in the foreign ministry and in support, and a full-fledged carry capable of deciding the outcome of the match. The redhead is not tied to one position — she can be found anywhere: in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the line or in the forest. Lina is not a static fighter — she is always on the move, reacting to the moment like a flash of flame.
On the central line, the Phoenix is capable of causing a lot of trouble to enemies. The upgraded Lina strikes from afar, her spells have tremendous power. Although the heroine’s health reserve is small, she makes up for it with speed, mobility, and lightning-fast attacks.
It will be difficult to fight against the Redhead one-on-one. To counter, choose the right counter-peak Lina — heroes and items with weakened Phoenix.
Table of Contents
Who is Lina in Dota 2
Lina is the embodiment of Fire magic. She knows how to set fire to, incinerate enemies. Thanks to long-range attacks, the Redhead presents close combat to the heroes.
However, her strength is based on her mana reserve. Without energy, Lina loses the ability to cast her spells, and her normal damage is low. Therefore, at the beginning of the game, the heroine needs a farm — killing creeps and monsters for gold and experience. As a rule, the Phoenix spends the first minutes in the forest, is enhanced by objects, and then goes out into the MFA and begins to dictate its rules.
Why are even experienced players afraid of Lina
Experienced fighters advise not to let Lina develop calmly: interfere with the farm from the very start. Lina’s early counter-rush in Dota 2 is able to slow down her pace and buy the team time to attack. After all, Lina’s main strength lies in her magic and an ulta that demolishes half of HP and even the most enduring tanks.
Lina’s abilities
Lina has five magical skills:
-
“DRAGON SLAVE” — a wave of fire in the shape of a dragon pierces enemies, causing damage and setting fire to everything in its path.
-
“Pillar of Flame” (LIGHT STRIKE ARRAY) — a powerful pillar of fire stuns an opponent for three seconds and burns him to the bone.
-
“FIERY SOUL” is a passive that accelerates attacks after each use of spells; each new blow becomes stronger.
-
The LAGUNA BLADE is a deadly lightning bolt that causes tremendous damage and temporarily enhances the “Fiery Soul” tenfold.
-
FLAME CLOAK — temporarily makes Lina invulnerable to traps and magical damage, while simultaneously activating the maximum “FIERY SOUL” effect.
-
The combination of FLAME CLOAK + FIERY SOUL + LIGHT STRIKE ARRAY skills turns Lina into a walking fire. She is able to destroy the enemy in seconds, and if the situation escalates, quickly retreat.
Equipment and playing style
Lina often collects artifacts that enhance her attack speed. Coupled with “FIERY SOUL”, her strikes become lightning fast — up to 2000% speed. The “Blade of the Lagoon” remains her calling card — a blow similar to an explosion of heavenly electricity can decide the outcome of a duel.
Lina’s Counter Peaks in Dota 2
The battle against Lina is always a game based on the weaknesses of the fire mage. Her main vulnerabilities are her low health and high dependence on mana. By choosing the right hero with ranged attacks and powerful damage, you can destroy the Redhead even before she has time to activate her spells.
As Lina gains levels and unlocks talents, she’s up against the best mobile heroes capable of draining mana. Without energy, the sorceress becomes defenseless, and even a simple mistake leads to death.
The choice of counter-peak and strategy depends on the position of the Line, whether it is mid or line.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In the middle lane, Lina is able to stand up to two enemies for a long time and quickly respond to the help of her allies. Therefore, the key to victory is to kill the Redhead as early as possible before she rocks.
Ember Spirit is one of the best heroes against Lina on the MFA.
Here is a list of heroes that are especially effective against her.
-
Puck — with the help of immunity to a number of Phoenix abilities, he is able to control Lina and prevent her from releasing an ultimatum;
-
Storm Spirit — suppresses Lina’s magic, knocks down castes and kills her with lightning speed;
-
Ember Spirit — partially converts damage, is able to stun and deprive the Redhead of the ability to cast spells.
If Lina decides to run away, don’t rush after her: it’s often a trick. Experienced players know that she likes to lure opponents into an ambush or under the cover of support.
On the line
The tactics on the line are different according to the plan. The goal here is not so much to kill Lina as to deprive her of her freedom and space. It’s worth just not letting her farm and cutting off the escape routes.
Disruptor is a negative enemy for Lina: he can literally turn off her abilities and lock her in place.
Effective heroes against Lina on the line:
-
Riki — slows down and stuns, although it is not always able to kill a Redhead;
-
Naga Siren — keeps her distance and prevents her from engaging in close combat;
-
Omniknight — blocks Lina’s magic and can kill her on occasion.;
-
Disruptor — completely deprives the heroine of mobility;
-
Legion Commander — arranges grueling duels and often comes out of them victorious.
After her death, the Redhead should be expected to return to the line — and usually not alone, but with the support of allies.
Lina Passive Ability: how to shoot down
Her Fiery Soul talent is a real problem. Each successful cast increases the attack speed and damage, turning the heroine into a fire machine. It is impossible to bring down this effect — neither with dispel, nor with artifacts, nor with magic. That’s why it’s important not to let her use her abilities freely.
Who will counter Lina in Dota 2 the best
If you look at the win rate (the ratio of wins and losses), then the heroes show the best results in duels against Lina.:
-
Templar Assassin – 58%;
-
Medusa – 56%;
-
Batrider – 55%;
-
Spirit Breaker – 55%;
-
Puck – 55%;
-
Windranger – 54%;
-
Razor – 54%;
-
Storm Spirit – 53%;
-
Mars – 53%.
According to Dota 2 statistics, Lina is found in more than 80% of amateur matches and about 75% of games on the professional stage. Unsurprisingly, she’s a strong hero, but she also has decent counter-peaks.
Who Lina is fighting against: which heroes is she particularly strong against
Lina is one of those Dota 2 heroes who shows results against melee fighters from strong magic. According to winrate statistics, Necrophos, Meepo, Phoenix, Troll Warlord and Muerta perform the worst against the Redhead.
Muerta is easy prey for Lina
At any stage of the game, Muerta becomes an easy target for Lina. When the fire mage gains a level and becomes overgrown with artifacts, she turns into a thunderstorm of arenas: she can deal with almost any hero, except those who are her direct counterpick.
What items will help to resist the Line
To win on the line against Lina, it is important to choose the right artifacts that can contain her damage.
Optimal items against the Fire Enchantress:
-
Blade Mail — deflect directed spells from part of Lina’s magic damage (except for her passive effects).
-
Black King Bar (BKB) — gives you invulnerability to magic and helps you survive damage spikes not only from Lina, but also from heroes like Phoenix.
-
The Lotus Orb is a great option, reflecting the directional abilities and ultimates of the Redhead.
As soon as Lina builds Aghanim’s Scepter, the effectiveness of Blade Mail and Lotus Orb will decrease significantly.
Conclusion
Lina is a dangerous opponent with devastating magic combos and high—speed attacks. It’s not easy to play against her: one mistake can cost your life. But if you prepare in advance, collect suitable artifacts and choose a counter peak, even a beginner in Dota 2 will be able to stop this firestorm.
