Slardar + Io

Why this works

Getting caught out by a Slardar with Io in tow can be a difficult situation. Io’s Tether provides a significant speed boost that stacks with Guardian Sprint, helping Slardar close the distance very quickly. More importantly, Overcharge’s damage reduction helps to counteract the extra vulnerability from Sprint, making Slardar much more durable as he runs in. This allows him to more reliably land his stuns and apply Corrosive Haze to a key target without being instantly burst down himself.

This pair excels at punishing heroes who are farming alone or out of position, using Relocate to secure kills across the map. The constant threat forces enemies to play safer and group up earlier than they might like, which can slow their overall farm. The success of this duo often comes down to timing; they need to find a window to gank a core hero before the enemy team is fully prepared to fight as five. If the other team plays defensively and maintains vision, it becomes much harder for Slardar and Io to find those pickoffs and build a lead.