Slark + Tusk

Why this works

Drafting an initiator for Slark seems logical, but these two heroes can sometimes step on each other's toes. Tusk’s value comes from direct, telegraphed initiations with Snowball and Ice Shards, setting a clear target. Slark, however, often prefers a chaotic fight where he can pick his own entry point using Shadow Dance, finding targets that are already distracted. An Ice Shard wall, meant to trap an enemy, can also accidentally block Slark's Pounce or cut off a chase. Their styles aren't opposed, but they aren't perfectly aligned either.

This means that while they might find success in early ganks, their combined impact can feel a bit disjointed in larger teamfights. Both Tusk and Slark want to be on the same target, but they have different ideas about how to get there. If the initial burst from a Walrus Punch setup doesn't lead to a quick kill for Slark to snowball from, the pair can struggle. They both excel at starting a fight against one hero, but they don't provide the tools needed to control a wider area or deal with multiple threats at once.