Dota 2 midlander tier list: Who are the Position 2 heroes?

Dota is the MOBA that kick-started the genre. It started life as a Warcraft 3 mod all the way back in 2003; none could have predicted the kind of legacy it would help create, with one of the strongest esports scenes in gaming, with Dota 2 going from strength to strength. 

With all the Dota 2 heroes, it can be tricky to figure out which are best, especially in their respective roles, with midlaner historically being the most popular of these roles. This has changed in recent years, although many still play in the isolated midlane to be the tempo setter of a match.

Technically, any of the 126 heroes can be played in this role, but a certain group of heroes shine in the Dota 2 midlane meta.

This Dota 2 midlane tier list takes into account the path of the meta and the game’s current state. While the top heroes in this tier list tend to perform best in general circumstances, it will not take into account counters and specific matchups.

Like with any Dota 2 hero tier list, it will be dictated by the most recent buffs, nerfs, and updates. It should be noted that factors like items, an individual’s understanding, and a professional player’s influence can cause heroes to move up and down the list.  

The information used in this tier list is based on the current state of the game after its most recent patch, specifically looking at the middle of Dota 2’s ranks (Archon, Legend, and Ancient). Those below should focus on heroes they enjoy, while those above can make the unorthodox excel.

Pro and tournament play won’t have a strong bearing, given how differently the best play Dota 2, although note that pro-players can often lead shifts in the meta. Data is predominantly from dotabuff and dota2protracker.

What makes Dota 2 Position 2 heroes effective is the ability to 1v1 and set the tempo. This is what makes Meepo such an effective option, a hero that can control clones to farm, push, and gank simultaneously, taking control of the lane.

Many midlaner heroes have high tempo map control and split pushing, which Broodmother excels at, or sustained lane dominance, like with Necrophos, who has a whopping 35% pick rate. Others, like Outworld Destroyer, utilise high burst damage to dominate their lane.

Dota 2 heroes in A-tier still have plenty going for them, with the Queen of Pain being a good example of the strong staples in this tier. She has high damage, mobility, excellent lane harassments, and built-in escape options. She’s devastating in the early and mid game, but trails off in the late game.

Many A-tier heroes aren’t missing much to be in S-tier, especially the likes of Queen of Pain and Earthshaker with their extremely high pick rates (57.77% and 32.82% respectively). Small shifts in the meta could cause the likes of Ursa and their high, single-target damage to be S-tier worthy. 

In the Dota 2 midlane meta, many B-tiers can do a job and are adequate in the role with the right build, but are sometimes better at other roles, as is the case with Ogre Magi being a B-tier midlaner but an A-tier hard support (Position 5).

While B-tier options tend not to excel in the midlane, some are still commonly picked, like Puck. With a 42.57% pick rate due to their high mobility, survivability, and versatility, Puck was once a top tier in Dota 2’s midlane, but has since slipped down the tiers after subsequent patches. Sometimes, a B-tier is a good option to counter an S-tier, with Timbersaw being a viable counter to Pudge.

C-tier heroes are where players need to get creative or have to deal with some shortcomings to make a hero work in the midlane. For instance, Lina, despite a high pick rate of 24%, takes some time to get going, and players usually don’t see the best of her until the late game, which is typically the opposite of what is needed from a midlane hero.

These characters can be made to work, but tend to be more situational. Using Lina as an example again, she is relatively successful as a counter to Meepo, one of the best heroes in this role. Other heroes are probably better in other roles, as is the case with Drow Ranger being arguably an S-tier Position 1 (hard carry) hero.

D-tiers simply aren’t fit for the role, and a D-tier hero’s kit is better suited elsewhere. They often lack the means to be isolated in a 1v1 situation, although that doesn’t mean they are terrible heroes in general. While Snapfire is a D-tier midlaner, he is a strong option for either support role (Position 4 and 5).

Many of the D-tiers just can’t survive on their own or aren’t suited to set the tempo. Instead, many excel by playing for their team as either Position 4 or 5. Lich is another example of a D-tier midlaner who is one of the best hard and soft supports.

Midlaners are the metronome of the team in Dota 2. They set the tone and tempo in their isolation, and their success in their 1v1 is often vital to a team’s success. It requires strong lane fundamentals and for the player to take a lead early to apply pressure.

When looking at a Dota 2 midlaner tier list, it is important to understand that, while S-tier heroes are usually always a good choice, knowing a match-up is vital, especially with the 1v1 nature of the role. While this tier list represents the current meta, players who lack strong lane fundamentals will be quickly exposed in this role.