Dota DPC Drafts: What’s the Deal with Rubick?

Same patch, different meta but somehow, Rubick is still the most popular hero across all Dota DPC drafts. Topping the list in 4 out of 6 regions in terms of most picked heroes, it seems that drafting Rubick really is the key to success. Despite a comparatively small nerf in patch 7.32e, it’s time to take a look at why pro teams just can’t win if this hero isn’t on their side.

Rubick’s Abilities - The Key to Winning Dota DPC Drafts

This ranged intelligence support hero comes with 4 basic abilities at level 1. Of course, his Spell Steal ultimate plays a huge role in his success but that can’t be all. But there’s still a reason why he’s a 3 star complexity hero. In the hands of the top Dota players in the world, he was still a top hero at the Lima Major.

Telekinesis

Anyone who has watched games beyond the Dota DPC drafts will have noticed Rubick’s enemies being picked up and thrown a small distance across the map. Not only does this spell stun in an AOE where the target lands but can keep them stunned for over 2 seconds, which is plenty of time for well timed backup damage from a carry.

Fade Bolt

Damage? Check. Reducing enemy attack damage? Check. Low cooldown? Check. If your Rubick is able to take up a position on the side of a fight and simply cast spells into the middle of it, this bouncing spell can wreak havoc on enemy team fight abilities. It’s worth noting, however, that each jump reduces the damage caused by 6%.

Arcane Supremacy

A nice and simple passive for a support who wants fewer buttons to press. This ability simply acts as a free Aether Lens, increasing Rubick’s spell cast range and improving his spell amp. The perfect addition to magic heavy Dota DPC drafts!

Spell Steal

The star of the show and the reason for Rubick’s popularity! In the current meta, heroes are prioritised for their abilities. They need to cast spells to shut down the Radiance and Meteor Hammer carrying heroes. Whether it’s Disruptor’s Static Storm or Tiny’s Avalanche, every little helps for Rubick’s team. Remember though that the spell can only be stolen and held for a few minutes, or until Rubick dies.

Are Dota DPC Drafts Affecting Pubs?

This certainly wouldn’t be the first time that a popular hero in the DPC keeps cropping up in pubs. Rubick has made his mark on both tours of the DPC so far this year. Even at Herald and Guardian, it’s pretty common to see TI winning plays being affected (being skewered into the fountain, anyone?). According to the Dotabuff stats from the last week since the patch was released, Rubick is still in the top 10 with 602,045 games played. Perhaps it’s his tricky skills or pulling off those top tier Steal but he currently only has a 46.38% win rate, placing him behind every other hero in the top 10, including Muerta.

Time will tell if Rubick’s supremacy will continue if and when patch 7.33 is ever released!