Batrider
Once an alchemist of the Gyrocopter, an accident fused him with a bat, granting him flight and control over fire. Now he soars above the battlefield, raining down sticky napalm and dragging enemies to their doom with his flaming lasso.
At a Glance
Core Principles
“Stack napalm, fly with fire, and drag enemies to doom - through the skies comes victory for those who master the art of aerial dominance.”
Master Sticky Napalm
Your strength begins with Sticky Napalm stacking. Remember that Batrider doesn't need to turn to cast Sticky Napalm, allowing you to harass from unexpected angles. Don't just toss Napalms casually - ensure you're maintaining stacks on key targets. The difference between 2 and 4 stacks can be game-changing. Cast from fog whenever possible to avoid giving Magic Stick charges. Remember that Napalm is relevant all game long because turn speed is always important.
Control the Skies
Firefly provides unmatched mobility and vision control. Use it to scout, initiate fights, or escape dangerous situations. Pay attention to the buff icon timer to avoid getting stranded when it ends. Enemies can see your Firefly trail even when you're under Smoke, so use it wisely. Even if you die, your Firefly trail remains for its full duration, providing continued area denial and vision control.
Execute Flaming Lasso
Flaming Lasso is your game-changing ultimate. Don't feel obligated to drag targets the maximum distance - sometimes it's better to apply additional Napalm stacks or position for a teamfight. If your team is nearby or you're 1v1ing, focus on stacking more Napalm rather than dragging. Remember that sources of forced movement have no effect on a Lassoed target. Use it to isolate key threats and turn teamfights in your favor.
Optimize Initiation
Your role as an initiator requires precise timing and positioning. Use Blink Dagger to surprise enemies from unexpected angles. Stack Sticky Napalm on priority targets before engaging with Flaming Lasso. With Aghanim's Scepter, you can disrupt teamfights by removing two key threats simultaneously. Remember that good initiation can single-handedly win teamfights, so choose your moments carefully.
Maintain Vision Control
Use Firefly to maintain vision control over key areas of the map. Your ability to fly over terrain gives you unparalleled scouting potential. Keep track of enemy movements and positions to set up successful ganks and initiations. Remember that knowledge is power - the more vision you have, the better decisions you can make about when and where to engage.
Maximize Damage Output
Your damage potential comes from the synergy between Sticky Napalm and your other abilities. Remember that Smoldering Resin adds a DoT to your attacks that scales with Napalm stacks. While most item DoTs don't benefit from Napalm, Meteor Hammer and Witch Blade do. Stack Napalm before using Flamebreak or engaging with auto-attacks to maximize your damage output throughout all stages of the game.
Hero Overview
Batrider is an intelligence hero who excels as an initiator, ganker, and nuker. His unique combination of Sticky Napalm stacking, Firefly mobility, and Flaming Lasso displacement makes him a formidable presence throughout the game. With the ability to fly over terrain and drag enemies out of position, he can single-handedly turn the tide of battles.
His gameplay revolves around building Sticky Napalm stacks to amplify all damage, using Firefly for unmatched mobility and vision, and executing perfect Flaming Lasso initiations to isolate priority targets. The Smoldering Resin innate adds a surprising amount of damage through DoT that scales with napalm stacks, making even his auto-attacks threatening in the late game.
Pros
- Strong early game dominance with Sticky Napalm
- Unmatched mobility with Firefly
- Game-changing ultimate with Flaming Lasso
- Excellent ganker and initiator
- Good area damage with Firefly
- Effective against low mobility heroes
Cons
- Vulnerable to silences and disables
- Dependent on mana management
- Weak against magic immunity
- Limited escape without Firefly
- Requires good positioning
- High skill ceiling
Ability Analysis
Smoldering Resin
PassiveInnate ability that adds a damage over time effect to Batrider's attacks. The DoT duration and damage increase with each stack of Sticky Napalm on the target.
Notes: Your Smoldering Resin innate adds a DoT to your attacks that synergizes perfectly with Sticky Napalm. Each stack of Sticky Napalm on a target increases both the duration and damage of the DoT. This makes your auto-attacks surprisingly potent, especially when you've built up multiple napalm stacks on a target. Remember that this innate works with all your attacks, including those during Firefly.
Sticky Napalm
Target AreaApplies a sticky napalm to target area, slowing turn rate and amplifying damage from all sources. Can be stacked up to 10 times on the same target.
Notes: Batrider doesn't need to turn to cast Sticky Napalm, allowing you to harass from unexpected angles. Don't just toss Napalms casually - make sure you're keeping stacks up on enemy heroes. The difference between 2 and 4 stacks can be the difference between forcing an enemy to eat a Tango or hide under their tower. Enemies only get Magic Stick charges if you're in vision when casting, so try to cast from fog as often as possible. Napalm is relevant all game long because turn speed is always important.
Flamebreak
Target PointHurls a volatile flask of napalm that explodes on impact, damaging and knocking back enemies in the area. The explosion leaves a burning area that slows enemies.
Notes: Flamebreak is your primary nuke and area control ability. It can be used to secure kills, control the lane, or set up ganks. The knockback can be used to interrupt channeling abilities or position enemies for follow-up attacks. The burning area left behind provides additional crowd control, making it harder for enemies to escape or reposition. Remember that Flamebreak can be used to stack neutral camps by drawing aggro with the damage.
Firefly
ActiveBatrider takes to the skies, leaving a burning trail that damages enemies who pass through it. Gains flying movement and unobstructed vision during this time.
Notes: Pay attention to the buff icon timer for Firefly. When it ends, you need to make sure you won't be stuck somewhere you don't want to be. Enemies can see your Firefly trail even when you're under Smoke. Even if you die, your Firefly trail will remain for its full duration. Firefly doesn't deal damage to Roshan, so don't rely on it for Roshan fights. Use Firefly to scout, initiate fights, or escape dangerous situations - its mobility is unmatched.
Flaming Lasso
Target UnitLassos an enemy unit and drags it towards Batrider. The dragged unit is disabled and takes damage over time.
Notes: Don't feel obligated to drag someone as far as you can when you Flaming Lasso someone. If your team is nearby or you're 1v1ing, your time may be spent better trying to lay on additional Napalm stacks. Sources of forced movement have no effect on a Lassoed target. With Agh's Scepter Lasso, Linken's Sphere can be bypassed if a target is the secondary Lasso, not the primary Lasso. Remember that Flaming Lasso is your game-changing ultimate - use it to isolate key targets and turn teamfights in your favor.
Aerial Suppression (Agh's)
Target UnitEnhances Flaming Lasso to affect two targets. The secondary target is also dragged and disabled, but takes reduced damage.
Notes: With Aghanim's Scepter, your Flaming Lasso becomes even more devastating by affecting two targets. The secondary target is dragged and disabled just like the primary, but takes reduced damage. This allows you to completely disrupt enemy teamfights by removing two key threats simultaneously. Remember that the secondary lasso has a shorter range than the primary, so position yourself carefully to maximize its effectiveness.
Firefly (Shard Upgrade)
ActiveFirefly now applies a slowing effect to enemies who pass through the burning trail.
Notes: The Shard upgrade adds a 30% slow to your Firefly trail, making it even more difficult for enemies to escape or reposition. This synergizes perfectly with your Sticky Napalm stacking, as slowed enemies are easier targets for additional stacks and follow-up damage.
Developer's Notes
Developer Insights
Batrider is one of the most versatile initiators in Dota 2. His Sticky Napalm stacking combined with Flaming Lasso displacement makes him a nightmare for positioning-dependent heroes.
Key Insights:
- Stack Sticky Napalm before engaging for maximum damage
- Use Firefly for unparalleled mobility and scouting
- Flaming Lasso can single-handedly win teamfights by isolating key targets
Batrider rewards strategic play and precise timing. Master the art of aerial dominance and become the playmaker your team needs!
Game Strategy
Early Game
Timeframe: 0-15 minutes Objective: Dominate the lane with Sticky Napalm stacking and secure core items Key: Focus on stacking Sticky Napalm on enemy heroes to dominate the lane; Remember that Batrider doesn't need to turn to cast Sticky Napalm, allowing you to harass from unexpected angles; Try to cast from fog to avoid giving Magic Stick charges; Use Flamebreak to secure kills or control the lane; If playing as a jungler, use Sticky Napalm to stack neutral camps and clear them efficiently with Firefly Items: Blink Dagger (Priority #1); Magic Wand for sustain; Boots of Speed for mobility Tips: Keep 3-4 stacks of Sticky Napalm on enemy heroes at all times; Use Flamebreak to interrupt enemy spells and secure last hits; Position yourself to avoid enemy harass while maintaining napalm stacks; Coordinate ganks with your team once you have Firefly
Mid Game
Timeframe: 15-30 minutes Objective: Initiate ganks and control teamfights with Flaming Lasso Key: This is where Batrider shines as a ganker; Use Firefly to fly over terrain and surprise enemies; Stack Sticky Napalm before engaging to maximize damage output; Use Flaming Lasso to isolate key targets and drag them into your team; Pay attention to the Firefly buff timer to avoid getting stranded Items: Blink Dagger (Essential for initiation); Aghanim's Scepter (For double Lasso); Force Staff (Additional mobility) Tips: Remember that you don't always need to drag targets the maximum distance; Sometimes it's better to apply additional Napalm stacks or position for a teamfight; Use Firefly to scout enemy positions and set up ganks; Coordinate with your team before initiating with Flaming Lasso
Late Game
Timeframe: 30+ minutes Objective: Execute perfect initiations and provide team fight control Key: Use Blink Dagger + Firefly + Flaming Lasso combination for devastating initiations; With Aghanim's Scepter, you can completely disrupt enemy teamfights by removing two key threats; Position yourself carefully to maximize the effectiveness of your abilities; Maintain vision control with Firefly to scout enemy movements Items: Aghanim's Scepter (Double Lasso is game-changing); Refresher Orb (Double double Lasso); Scythe of Vyse (Additional control); Black King Bar (Protection against disables) Tips: Focus on isolating the most dangerous enemy heroes with Flaming Lasso; Use Firefly to maintain vision over key objectives like Roshan; Don't underestimate the damage from Smoldering Resin with high napalm stacks; Position yourself to survive initial burst damage before committing to fights
Tips & Strategies
Sticky Napalm Mastery
- Batrider doesn't need to turn to cast Sticky Napalm - use this to harass from unexpected angles
- Don't just toss Napalms casually - ensure you're keeping stacks up on enemy heroes
- The difference between 2 and 4 stacks can force an enemy to eat a Tango or hide under tower
- Enemies only get Magic Stick charges if you're in vision when casting - cast from fog
- You can stack neutral camps with Sticky Napalm damage to draw aggro
- Click on an enemy hero to see how many Magic Stick/Wand charges they have
- Napalm is relevant all game long - turn speed is always important
Firefly Positioning
- Pay attention to the Firefly buff icon timer - don't get stranded when it ends
- Enemies can see your Firefly trail even when you're under Smoke
- Even if you die, your Firefly trail remains for its full duration
- Firefly doesn't deal damage to Roshan - don't rely on it for Rosh fights
- Use Firefly to scout, initiate fights, or escape dangerous situations
- Napalm synergizes with Smoldering Resin innate - adds DoT to your attacks
- Most item DoTs don't benefit from Napalm, but Meteor Hammer and Witch Blade do
Flaming Lasso Execution
- Don't feel obligated to drag someone as far as possible with Flaming Lasso
- If your team is nearby or you're 1v1ing, focus on applying more Napalm stacks
- Sources of forced movement have no effect on a Lassoed target
- With Agh's Scepter, Linken's can be bypassed on secondary Lasso target
- Primal Beast's Pulverize will cause your Lasso to go on cooldown without effect
- Kunkka's X Marks Returning a Lassoed target will immediately cancel Lasso
- Lone Druid's Spirit Bear Fetch can cancel Lasso if cast on the same target
Item Guide
Starting Items
Standard starting items for Batrider. Mantle provides early intelligence for more spell casts. Faerie Fire offers burst healing for trades. Tangos and Clarities help with sustainability in lane. Iron Branch provides stats for a stronger early game.
Tango, Faerie Fire, Clarity, Mantle of Intelligence, Iron Branch
Core Items
Blink Dagger is essential for initiation and positioning. Aghanim's Scepter enhances Flaming Lasso to affect two targets. Aghanim's Shard adds a slow effect to Firefly. Force Staff provides additional mobility and escape. Scythe of Vyse offers additional disable and control.
Blink Dagger, Aghanim's Scepter, Aghanim's Shard, Force Staff, Scythe of Vyse
Luxury & Situational
Refresher Orb allows double Flaming Lasso for massive disruption. Octarine Core reduces cooldowns and provides spell lifesteal. Bloodstone offers mana sustainability and respawn reduction. Linken's Sphere protects against disables. Meteor Hammer synergizes well with Sticky Napalm stacks for area damage.
Refresher Orb, Octarine Core, Bloodstone, Linken's Sphere, Meteor Hammer
Counter Guide
Good With
Batrider excels when paired with heroes who can capitalize on his initiation and provide follow-up damage or control. Earthshaker creates devastating combos with Echo Slam after Batrider drags enemies together with Flaming Lasso. Magnus can land perfect Reverse Polarity on Lassoed targets for massive AoE damage. Enigma benefits from Batrider's ability to isolate key targets before setting up Black Hole. Crystal Maiden can safely channel Freezing Field behind Batrider's disruption. Jakiro provides additional AoE damage that synergizes with grouped enemies from Lasso. Tidehunter can follow up with Ravage on Lassoed targets for guaranteed follow-up control. The key is heroes who need enemies to be positioned correctly - Batrider delivers exactly that through his Lasso displacement.
Bad Against
Batrider struggles against heroes who can neutralize his core strengths or exploit his weaknesses. Juggernaut and Lifestealer with magic immunity can completely ignore Batrider's primary damage sources and control. Storm Spirit and Queen of Pain with high mobility can easily escape Batrider's initiation and outmaneuver him. Silencer and Skywrath Mage can silence Batrider, preventing crucial ability usage. Oracle and Abaddon provide strong dispels that can save allies from Flaming Lasso or remove Sticky Napalm stacks. Lina and Lion with burst damage can eliminate Batrider before he can position properly. Anti-Mage burns Batrider's limited mana pool, preventing crucial Firefly escapes. The pattern is clear: heroes with magic immunity, high mobility, silences, dispels, or burst damage all pose serious threats to Batrider's game plan.
Good Against
Batrider dominates heroes who rely on positioning, have low mobility, or need to channel spells. Low mobility heroes like Sniper, Crystal Maiden, and Drow Ranger are easy prey for Sticky Napalm stacking and Flaming Lasso isolation. Heroes with poor turn rate like Pudge and Tidehunter suffer immensely from Sticky Napalm's turn rate slow, making them helpless in fights. Position-dependent heroes such as Enigma (Black Hole), Witch Doctor (Death Ward), and Crystal Maiden (Freezing Field) become sitting ducks when dragged away by Flaming Lasso mid-channel. Heroes that group up in teamfights are vulnerable to Batrider's area damage and disruption. Heroes with limited escape abilities likeInvoker and Tinker find themselves trapped by Sticky Napalm's movement slow and Firefly's damage trail. Batrider's ability to fly over terrain, control positioning, and isolate targets makes him a nightmare for these hero types.