Dota 2: Laning against Shadow Fiend

Introduction

Dota 2 is a game where the laning stage is super important. Even though it's possible to recover afterwards, if you fail the laning stage, you can't expect to have a good game afterwards. 

That said, some heroes have a very easy time during laning, whereas others - not so much. One of those heroes that can potentially have a walk in the park in mid is Shadow Fiend. Although he is very weak in the beginning, if he gets a couple of levels and last hits, he can become a nightmate to deal with. That's why it's your job to find a way to prevent this from happening. However, this is definitely easier said than done.

Let's take a look at a few core things that you need to remember when you have to lane against Shadow Fiend.

Always play aggressive

You've probably heared the saying "your offense is the best defense". Well, this is especially true in this situation. You have to always play super aggressive against this hero if you want to have a chance in the laning stage. Once you leave him free farm, he will get enough stacks in his passive skill, and you just won't be able to get any last hits from then.

Try to kill him before he gets to level 5

Every hero has some sort of level milestones where he gets a lot scarier. For most heroes out there, that's level six, however, that's not the case with Shadow Fiend. This hero excells the most when he is level 5 and 7 because he has his Shadowrazes on level 3 or 4. In other words, he is capable of doing some serious damage. That's why you need to try and avoid fighting him when he gets there.

The best thing you can do is to just kill him before that.

Ask for ganks

Last, but definitely not least, you can also ask for ganks. Although it might be a bit lame to some, there is nothing wrong in asking for help, especially against heroes such as Shadow Fiend. After all, your goal is to win the lane.