Lich
Once a powerful wizard named Ethereal, Lich was transformed into an undead monstrosity by the Icewrack's dark magic. He commands freezing temperatures and death magic, making him a formidable presence in teamfights with his area control and devastating ultimate.
At a Glance
Core Principles
“Command freezing temperatures, control the battlefield, and unleash devastating frost - through ice comes eternal victory for those who master the art of magical domination.”
Master Burst Mana Management
Your Death Charge innate prevents natural mana regeneration, making burst mana sources essential for your sustainability. Prioritize items like Mango, Magic Stick/Wand, Soul Ring, and Arcane Boots over traditional mana regeneration items. Understanding this unique mana mechanic is crucial for maintaining spell availability throughout the game. Always have a source of burst mana available before engaging in fights or using your abilities aggressively.
Strategic Frost Shield Placement
Frost Shield is one of your most versatile abilities, capable of protecting allies, structures, and even ward-type units. Cast it on your carry during laning to provide additional protection and slow attackers. Use it on towers during pushes to increase their durability. Remember that it can be cast on Phoenix's Supernova, Pugna's Nether Ward, or Undying's Tombstone to provide additional protection. With the HP Regen talent, it can even heal buildings, making it invaluable during sieges.
Leverage Sinister Gaze Positioning
Sinister Gaze is a powerful disable that can completely change the dynamics of a fight. Its ability to ignore pathing allows you to pull enemies up and down cliffs, creating devastating positional advantages. Use it to pull enemies out of position, into your team, or away from safety. Remember that it locks the enemy's facing direction, allowing you to follow up with Force Staff for additional displacement. With Aghanim's Scepter, you can even cast other spells during the channel, making it even more versatile.
Maximize Chain Frost Impact
Chain Frost is one of the most devastating teamfight ultimates in the game, capable of turning fights around with a single cast. Position yourself to maximize the number of bounces and targets hit. Remember that only the first hit can be blocked by Linken's Sphere, making it particularly effective against teams with this item. Time your ultimate carefully, waiting for the optimal moment when enemies are grouped together and unable to easily dodge the bouncing projectile.
Utilize Ice Spire Effectively
Your Agh's Shard Ice Spire provides significant strategic value through vision and utility. Place it in key locations to gain vision and control important areas of the map. Remember that you can target the Ice Spire with Chain Frost and Frost Shield, creating interesting tactical possibilities. The Ice Spire can serve as a focal point for your abilities, allowing you to control engagements from a distance. When combined with Frost Shield, the Ice Spire can be healed, making it more persistent on the battlefield.
Control the Battlefield
Your true strength lies in your ability to control the battlefield through area denial and positioning. Use Frost Blast to slow and damage groups of enemies, creating zones that they must avoid. Position yourself safely in teamfights, using your range advantage to stay alive while maximizing spell impact. With proper timing and positioning, you can dictate the flow of battles, forcing enemies to engage on your terms or suffer the consequences of your devastating freezing magic.
Hero Overview
Lich is an intelligence hero who excels as a support or offlaner. His Death Charge innate means he doesn't regenerate mana naturally, making burst mana sources crucial for his sustainability. With his area control abilities and powerful ultimate, he can dominate teamfights and provide significant value throughout the game.
The hero's strength lies in his versatile toolkit and teamfight presence. Frost Blast provides reliable area damage and slow, while Frost Shield offers protection to allies and structures. Sinister Gaze serves as a powerful disable that can pull enemies out of position, and Chain Frost is one of the most devastating teamfight ultimates in the game. With proper positioning and spell timing, Lich can turn the tide of battles with his freezing magic.
Pros
- Powerful teamfight ultimate
- Excellent area control
- Frost Shield provides protection to allies and structures
- Sinister Gaze can pull enemies out of position
- Good mana sustain with burst sources
- Low complexity makes him accessible
Cons
- No natural mana regeneration
- Vulnerable to dispels
- Relatively squishy
- Limited mobility
- Dependent on proper positioning
- Chain Frost can be blocked by Linken's Sphere
Ability Analysis
Death Charge
InnateInnate ability that prevents natural mana regeneration but allows Lich to benefit from burst mana sources.
Notes: While mana regen doesn't work on Lich thanks to his Death Charge innate, burst mana still works. So items like Mango, Magic Stick/Wand, Soul Ring, Arcane Boots, and Healing Lotuses still give mana. This makes burst mana sources particularly valuable on Lich, as they provide the mana he needs to cast his spells without natural regeneration.
Frost Blast
ActiveReleases a blast of freezing magic that damages and slows enemies in a target area.
Notes: Frost Blast is your primary damage and slow ability. It provides reliable area damage that can hit multiple enemies, making it valuable for both harassing in lane and dealing damage in teamfights. The slow effect makes it easier for your team to follow up with additional damage or secure kills. Position yourself to maximize the number of enemies hit by each Frost Blast for maximum effectiveness.
Frost Shield
ActiveCreates a protective shield around a target unit or building that slows attackers and deals damage back.
Notes: Frost Shield only reduces damage from right clicks or instant attacks, not physical spell damage. It does not reduce damage from tower attacks. You can cast Frost Shield on creeps, all towers and buildings, and even ward-type units. With the 'Frost Shield Provides HP Regen' talent, it can also heal buildings. Frost Shield being castable on ward-type units also applies to your Agh's Shard Ice Spire, healing it in addition to its normal behavior.
Sinister Gaze
ActiveChannels a terrifying gaze at an enemy, stealing their mana and pulling them closer. Pulls enemies regardless of pathing.
Notes: You can cast Sinister Gaze on ranged creeps or neutral creeps that have mana to steal their mana. Targets under Sinister Gaze will ignore pathing, allowing you to draw targets up and down cliffs. Since Sinister Gaze locks an enemy's facing direction, you could use a Force Staff offensively to move an enemy even further. Sinister Gaze, like all fears, is a disable which effectively stuns and silences enemy targets. It always lasts for the fixed channel duration, ignoring status resistance but also ignoring debuff amplification.
Chain Frost
ActiveReleases a bouncing frost projectile that damages and freezes enemies it hits. One of the most devastating teamfight ultimates.
Notes: Only the first hit of Chain Frost can be blocked by Linken's Sphere. The rest of the bounces will continue and deal damage as expected. This makes Chain Frost particularly effective against teams with Linken's Sphere, as the initial target might block the first hit, but subsequent bounces will still damage other enemies. Position yourself to maximize the number of bounces and targets hit for maximum teamfight impact.
Ice Spire (Agh's Shard)
ActiveCreates an ice structure that provides vision and can be targeted with abilities. Frost Shield heals the Ice Spire.
Notes: You can target your Agh's Shard Ice Spire with Chain Frost and Frost Shield. This creates interesting strategic possibilities, as you can use the Ice Spire as a focal point for your abilities. The Ice Spire provides vision in an area, making it useful for scouting and controlling key locations. When combined with Frost Shield, the Ice Spire can be healed, making it more durable and persistent on the battlefield.
Developer's Notes
Developer Insights
Lich is one of the most reliable supports in Dota 2, offering incredible area control and teamfight presence. His Death Charge innate creates a unique mana management challenge that rewards smart burst mana usage.
Key Insights:
- Burst mana sources are your lifeline - prioritize Mango, Arcane Boots, Soul Ring
- Chain Frost can win teamfights single-handedly when timed correctly
- Frost Shield on towers can turn sieges in your favor
Lich rewards strategic positioning and resource management. Master the art of burst mana control and you'll dominate the battlefield with freezing magic!
Game Strategy
Early Game
Timeframe: 0-15 minutes Objective: Harass enemies and provide lane control Key: Focus on harassing enemies with Frost Blast; Use Frost Shield on your carry for protection; Remember you don't regenerate mana naturally; Use burst mana sources like Mangos and Arcane Boots; Position aggressively to zone enemies Items: Arcane Boots (Priority #1 for mana); Magic Stick for burst mana; Soul Ring for additional mana source Tips: Use Frost Blast to zone enemies from your carry; Cast Frost Shield on your carry when trading hits; Steal mana from ranged creeps with Sinister Gaze; Save mana for crucial moments - you can't regenerate it; Use Tango and healing items to stay in lane longer
Mid Game
Timeframe: 15-30 minutes Objective: Provide teamfight presence and control objectives Key: Look for ganking opportunities with Sinister Gaze; Position safely while maximizing spell impact; Use Frost Blast for area damage and slow; Protect key allies with Frost Shield; Cast Chain Frost when enemies are grouped Items: Aghanim's Shard for Ice Spire utility; Glimmer Cape for protection; Force Staff for positioning Tips: Use Sinister Gaze to pull enemies out of position; Cast Frost Shield on towers during pushes; Time Chain Frost for maximum bounces; Use Ice Spire for vision and ability combos; Coordinate with team for effective Chain Frost usage
Late Game
Timeframe: 30+ minutes Objective: Control teamfights and provide utility Key: Position safely to survive initial burst; Use Chain Frost to devastate grouped enemies; Protect key allies with Frost Shield; Use Sinister Gaze for crucial disables; Leverage Ice Spire for vision control Items: Aghanim's Scepter for enhanced Sinister Gaze; Refresher Orb for double Chain Frost; Scythe of Vyse for additional control Tips: Wait for the right moment to use Chain Frost; Use Frost Shield on buildings during sieges; Combine Ice Spire with other abilities for combos; Stay alive - your utility is crucial late game; Coordinate burst mana usage for teamfights
Tips & Strategies
Mana Management
- While mana regen doesn't work on Lich thanks to Death Charge, burst mana still works effectively
- Items like Mango, Magic Stick/Wand, Soul Ring, Arcane Boots, and Healing Lotuses provide valuable burst mana
- Prioritize burst mana sources over traditional mana regeneration items
- Always have burst mana available before important fights
Frost Shield Tactics
- Frost Shield can be cast on creeps, towers, buildings, and even ward-type units
- With 'Frost Shield Provides HP Regen' talent, it can heal buildings including towers
- Cast Frost Shield on Phoenix's Supernova, Pugna's Nether Ward, or Undying's Tombstone
- Frost Shield won't slow or deal damage to units in fog, so position carefully
- Agh's Shard Ice Spire can be targeted with Frost Shield and Chain Frost
Sinister Gaze Positioning
- Sinister Gaze ignores pathing, allowing you to pull enemies up and down cliffs
- Since Sinister Gaze locks facing direction, you can use Force Staff offensively after it
- Sinister Gaze effectively stuns and silences, making it a powerful disable
- It always lasts for fixed duration, ignoring status resistance and debuff amplification
- Agh's Scepter allows casting other spells during Sinister Gaze channel
Chain Frost Mastery
- Only the first hit of Chain Frost can be blocked by Linken's Sphere
- Position to maximize the number of bounces and targets hit
- Wait for enemies to be grouped before casting
- Chain Frost can turn around lost teamfights when timed correctly
- Use Refresher Orb for devastating double Chain Frost in late game
Item Guide
Starting Items
Standard support starting items. Mantle provides early intelligence for more effective spells. Faerie Fire offers burst healing for trades. Tangos and Clarities help with sustainability in lane. Iron Branch provides stats for a stronger early game. Remember that mana regen doesn't work, so focus on burst mana sources.
Tango, Faerie Fire, Mantle of Intelligence, Iron Branch, Clarity
Core Items
Aghanim's Scepter enhances Sinister Gaze, allowing spell casting during channel. Aghanim's Shard provides Ice Spire for additional vision and utility. Glimmer Cape offers protection for yourself and allies. Force Staff provides mobility and can be used offensively after Sinister Gaze. Aether Lens increases cast range for better positioning.
Aghanim's Scepter, Aghanim's Shard, Glimmer Cape, Force Staff, Aether Lens
Luxury & Situational
Refresher Orb allows double Chain Frost for devastating teamfight impact. Scythe of Vyse provides additional disable. Octarine Core reduces cooldowns and provides spell lifesteal. Shiva's Guard offers armor and attack speed slow. Blink Dagger allows for better positioning and initiation.
Refresher Orb, Scythe of Vyse, Octarine Core, Shiva's Guard, Blink Dagger
Counter Guide
Good With
Lich excels when paired with heroes who can capitalize on his area control and disable capabilities. Crystal Maiden provides additional mana regen that doesn't conflict with Lich's Death Charge, while also offering follow-up control with Freezing Field. Warlock benefits from Lich's ability to group enemies, making his Fatal Bonds and Upheaval more effective. Enigma can follow up Lich's Sinister Gaze with Black Hole for devastating combos. Magnus creates powerful initiation opportunities with Reverse Polarity, setting up perfect Chain Frost bounces. Jakiro provides additional area damage that synergizes well with Lich's Frost Blast slow. The key is heroes who can either benefit from grouped enemies or provide additional control that complements Lich's freezing magic.
Bad Against
Lich struggles against heroes who can neutralize his core strengths or exploit his weaknesses. Oracle and Abaddon provide strong dispels that can remove Lich's slows and save allies from Sinister Gaze. Storm Spirit and Queen of Pain have high mobility that makes it difficult to land skillshots and Chain Frost bounces. Juggernaut and Lifestealer with magic immunity can ignore Lich's damage output entirely. Lina and Lion provide burst damage that can eliminate Lich before he can contribute in teamfights. Anti-Mage burns Lich's limited mana pool, preventing him from casting crucial spells. Silencer can steal Lich's intelligence and provide global silence that completely shuts down his spellcasting. The pattern is clear: heroes with strong dispels, high mobility, magic immunity, burst damage, or mana burn all pose serious threats to Lich's effectiveness.
Good Against
Lich dominates heroes who rely on positioning, lack mobility, or group up frequently. Sniper and Drow Ranger are squishy ranged heroes who can't easily escape Sinister Gaze or Chain Frost. Crystal Maiden and other supports with low mobility are easy targets for Lich's disable and damage. Illusion heroes like Phantom Lancer suffer from Chain Frost's bouncing mechanics and area damage. Channeling heroes such as Witch Doctor (Death Ward) and Enigma (Black Hole) are vulnerable to Sinister Gaze interruption. Heroes that group up in teamfights like Earthshaker, Tidehunter, and other initiators create perfect Chain Frost targets. Melee heroes who need to get close to be effective are slowed by Frost Blast and can be pulled out of position by Sinister Gaze. Lich's ability to control space, provide area damage, and disable key targets makes him a nightmare for these hero types who rely on positioning or lack escape mechanisms.