Earthshaker + Slardar

Why this works

Getting caught by a Slithereen Crush often means an Earthshaker is about to follow up from off-screen. The two offer a simple but effective chain of stuns that can lock down a single target for a long time. The real benefit comes from Corrosive Haze, which makes that locked-down enemy much easier to kill with physical attacks. While Slardar is the main beneficiary, Earthshaker's own Enchant Totem hit and follow-up right-clicks also hit significantly harder on a target with reduced armor. This turns a long stun into a very likely kill.

Throughout the mid-game, this duo looks to create pressure by finding pickoffs. Slardar can hunt with his speed, mark a target with his ultimate, and set up the stun for an incoming Fissure from Earthshaker. The enemy team is forced to play more defensively and stick together to avoid feeding kills across the map. The advantage is limited because the core interaction doesn't amplify Earthshaker's ultimate teamfight damage. Enemies can often survive if they have saves or can split up the initiators, keeping the pressure from becoming completely overwhelming.