Dragon Knight · Mid (pos. 2)
Dragon Knight Guide
More Dragon Knight guides
This guide is assembled by the site from match data and the game's own information — nobody wrote it by hand. Official and community guides appear alongside it when they exist.
Overview
Dragon Knight is a melee Strength hero that Valve tags as Pusher, Carry and Disabler. It is played mainly as Mid (pos. 2): 59% of the public matches we measured, by starting lane and starting items. In this guide you play it as Mid (pos. 2): your job is to win the solo lane, control the runes and create pressure on the other lanes. The kit brings crowd control (stun) with Dragon Tail and sustain with Dragon Blood. This patch, Dragon Knight wins 52.6% of the 416,251 public matches we measured (S tier on our ladder).
Strengths
- Reliable stun: Dragon Tail sets up kills and interrupts enemy channels.
- Sustain from Dragon Blood to stay in lane and in fights.
- Valve tags Dragon Knight as Durable: it stays in fights longer than most heroes.
- Takes towers quickly: Valve lists it as a Pusher.
Weaknesses
- Melee: has to walk up to its target, which makes the lane harder against ranged heroes.
- No escape in the kit: without good positioning and vision, Dragon Knight is easy to catch.
- Low base armor (0): vulnerable to physical harass early on.
Build cheat sheet
Pick the build that fits what you want to do this game.
- Most-played buildBalancedRecommendedThe items most bought with this hero, phase by phase. Pick it when you don't have a clear reason to deviate. Built from what Dragon Knight players buy in the public matches we measured.
- Damage buildOffensiveAdvancedMoves the popular items that add damage — Armlet of Mordiggian and Mask of Madness — to the front. Choose it when your lane went well and you can afford to be greedy. Built from what Dragon Knight players buy in the public matches we measured.
- Survival buildDefensiveSituationalPrioritises the popular items that keep you alive — Black King Bar and Armlet of Mordiggian. Choose it against heavy disables or burst, or when you are the enemy's focus. Built from what Dragon Knight players buy in the public matches we measured.
- Team utility buildUtilitySituationalBuilt around the popular items that help your allies — Orchid Malevolence and Mage Slayer. Choose it when your team needs saves and auras more than your damage. Built from what Dragon Knight players buy in the public matches we measured.
Builds
Most-played build
When to use it
The items most bought with this hero, phase by phase. Pick it when you don't have a clear reason to deviate. Built from what Dragon Knight players buy in the public matches we measured.
Where it's played
Picked before the game: the main lane first, then the alternatives.
233%159%- MidMain59% of matchesMid lane, one against one (pos. 2).
- OfflanePriority 233% of matchesOff lane as the space-making core (pos. 3).
Starting items
Early game
Core items
- 1Blink Dagger
- 2Aghanim's Shard
- 3Black King Bar
- 4Armlet of Mordiggian
Boots
Late game
Skill order
Max order:Breathe Fire›Wyrm's Wrath›Dragon Tail
| Ability | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
 | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | ● | ● | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
 | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | ● | ● | · | · |
 | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | ● |
Talents by level
- +50% Wyrm's Wrath Bonuses+12 Dragon Blood HP Regen/Armor25
- +150 Elder Dragon Form Attack Range+220 Breathe Fire Damage20
- +0.4s Dragon Tail Stun+300 Health15
- +15 Damage-2s Breathe Fire Cooldown10
Damage build
When to use it
Moves the popular items that add damage — Armlet of Mordiggian and Mask of Madness — to the front. Choose it when your lane went well and you can afford to be greedy. Built from what Dragon Knight players buy in the public matches we measured.
Where it's played
Picked before the game: the main lane first, then the alternatives.
233%159%- MidMain59% of matchesMid lane, one against one (pos. 2).
- OfflanePriority 233% of matchesOff lane as the space-making core (pos. 3).
Starting items
Core items
- 1Armlet of Mordiggian+15 Damage, +25 Attack Speed, +6 Armor.
- 2Mask of Madness+20 Damage, +22% Lifesteal. Active: Berserk.
- 3Crystalys+32 Damage.
- 4Orchid Malevolence+35 Attack Speed, +20 Damage, +2.5 Mana Regeneration. Active: Soul Burn.
Boots
Late game
Skill order
Max order:Breathe Fire›Wyrm's Wrath›Dragon Tail
| Ability | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
| · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | ● | ● | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
| · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | ● | ● | · | · |
| · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | ● |
Talents by level
- +50% Wyrm's Wrath Bonuses+12 Dragon Blood HP Regen/Armor25
- +150 Elder Dragon Form Attack Range+220 Breathe Fire Damage20
- +0.4s Dragon Tail Stun+300 Health15
- +15 Damage-2s Breathe Fire Cooldown10
Survival build
When to use it
Prioritises the popular items that keep you alive — Black King Bar and Armlet of Mordiggian. Choose it against heavy disables or burst, or when you are the enemy's focus. Built from what Dragon Knight players buy in the public matches we measured.
Where it's played
Picked before the game: the main lane first, then the alternatives.
233%159%- MidMain59% of matchesMid lane, one against one (pos. 2).
- OfflanePriority 233% of matchesOff lane as the space-making core (pos. 3).
Starting items
Core items
- 1Black King Bar+10 Strength, +24 Damage. Active: Avatar.
- 2Armlet of Mordiggian+15 Damage, +25 Attack Speed, +6 Armor.
- 3Force Staff+10 Intelligence, +175 Health. Active: Force.
- 4Radiance+55 Damage, +25% Evasion.
Boots
Late game
Skill order
Max order:Breathe Fire›Wyrm's Wrath›Dragon Tail
| Ability | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
| · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | ● | ● | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
| · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | ● | ● | · | · |
| · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | ● |
Talents by level
- +50% Wyrm's Wrath Bonuses+12 Dragon Blood HP Regen/Armor25
- +150 Elder Dragon Form Attack Range+220 Breathe Fire Damage20
- +0.4s Dragon Tail Stun+300 Health15
- +15 Damage-2s Breathe Fire Cooldown10
Team utility build
When to use it
Built around the popular items that help your allies — Orchid Malevolence and Mage Slayer. Choose it when your team needs saves and auras more than your damage. Built from what Dragon Knight players buy in the public matches we measured.
Where it's played
Picked before the game: the main lane first, then the alternatives.
233%159%- MidMain59% of matchesMid lane, one against one (pos. 2).
- OfflanePriority 233% of matchesOff lane as the space-making core (pos. 3).
Starting items
Core items
- 1Orchid Malevolence+35 Attack Speed, +20 Damage, +2.5 Mana Regeneration. Active: Soul Burn.
- 2Mage Slayer+18% Magic Resistance, +5.5 Health Regeneration, +2.5 Mana Regeneration.
- 3Hurricane Pike+15 Intelligence, +200 Health, +20 Agility. Active: Hurricane Thrust.
- 4Assault Cuirass+30 Attack Speed, +10 Armor.
Boots
Late game
Skill order
Max order:Breathe Fire›Wyrm's Wrath›Dragon Tail
| Ability | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
| · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | ● | ● | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
| · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | ● | ● | · | · |
| · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | ● |
Talents by level
- +50% Wyrm's Wrath Bonuses+12 Dragon Blood HP Regen/Armor25
- +150 Elder Dragon Form Attack Range+220 Breathe Fire Damage20
- +0.4s Dragon Tail Stun+300 Health15
- +15 Damage-2s Breathe Fire Cooldown10
Abilities
- Breathe Fire14 / 13 / 12 / 11s90 / 95 / 100 / 105 mpUnleashes a breath of fire in front of Dragon Knight that burns enemies and reduces the damage their attacks deal.
- Start radius
- 150
- End radius
- 250
- Damage
- 80·160·240·320
- Damage reduction
- 20%·24%·28%·32%
- Reduction duration
- 11
- Dragon Tail16 / 14 / 12 / 10s70 / 80 / 90 / 100 mpDragon Knight smites an enemy unit with his shield, stunning and damaging it and units close to it.
- Stun duration
- 1.8·2·2.2·2.4
- Damage
- 60·90·120·150
- Aoe
- 50
- Wyrm's WrathPassiveThe life blood of the Dragon improves Dragon Knight's abilities and items to have increased AoE and causes his attacks to deal additional magic damage to enemy units.
- Magic damage
- 10·20·30·40
- Aoe bonus
- 30·60·90·120
Fireball20s80 mpIgnites an area, dealing damage over time that lingers on enemies in it. Has reduced cast range when melee.- Radius
- 275
- Damage per second
- 85
- Duration
- 6
- Linger duration
- 2
Dragon BloodPassiveThe life blood of the Dragon improves Dragon Knight's health regeneration and armor.
Regen and armor are increased by 50% during Elder Dragon Form.- Bonus hp regen
- 2
- Bonus armor
- 2
- Elder Dragon Form100s50 mpDragon Knight assumes the form of the Elder Dragon, increasing the range of his abilities, gaining bonus movement speed, and a ranged attack with various properties. The Dragon evolves per level. The bonuses are cumulative.
Level 1 Green: Grants a corrosive damage over time that can also damage buildings.
Level 2 Red: Grants splash damage to the dragon's attacks.
Level 3 Blue: Grants a debuff
- Duration
- 60
- Bonus move speed
- 25·30·35·40
- Bonus attack range
- 350
- Corrosive duration
- 3
- Corrosive damage
- 25·25·25·35
- Splash damage
- 0%·75%·75%·100%
Most played skill order
The most played order in the last 100 professional matches with this hero. Highlighted levels are the points spent on talents.
Max order:Breathe Fire›Wyrm's Wrath›Dragon Tail
| Ability | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
| · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | ● | ● | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · |
| · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | ● | ● | · | · |
| · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | · | · | · | ● | · | · | · | ● |
Strategy
1Early game
Mid is a one-on-one: whoever has more last hits and levels usually wins it. Contest the power runes every two minutes and use a good one to gank a side lane. Trade when the enemy mid goes for a last hit and when you are a level ahead: in the solo lane each level is a real edge.
- Early items: Bracer and Soul Ring.
2Mid game
With Blink Dagger, you should be the one starting the action: gank, push out lanes and take towers with your team. Your spikes are your core items: Blink Dagger and then Aghanim's Shard.
- Core items: Blink Dagger, Aghanim's Shard and Black King Bar.
3Late game
Late, choose your fights: you still hit hard, but the enemy carry catches up. Stay with the team and look for picks with vision.
- Late items: Octarine Core and Aghanim's Scepter.
4Team fights
Your damage decides the opening seconds: look for the enemy support or carry out of position.
Tips
- Check the power runes at every even minute and gank with the good ones.
- Blink Dagger is your first big spike: once you have it, leave the lane and look for kills.
- Push the wave into the enemy tower before you rotate, or the lane punishes you twice.
- Before each fight, check which key abilities the enemy has available.
Matchups
Strong against
- Pangolier54.4%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight wins 54.4% of the 169 games measured against Pangolier this patch.
169 matches
- Tusk54.3%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight wins 54.3% of the 304 games measured against Tusk this patch.
304 matches
- Doom54.1%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight wins 54.1% of the 109 games measured against Doom this patch.
109 matches
- Shadow Shaman53.9%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight wins 53.9% of the 154 games measured against Shadow Shaman this patch.
154 matches
- Sand King53.9%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight wins 53.9% of the 102 games measured against Sand King this patch.
102 matches
Weak against
- Phoenix38.4%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight only wins 38.4% of the 125 games measured against Phoenix this patch.
125 matches
- Viper40.5%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight only wins 40.5% of the 121 games measured against Viper this patch.
121 matches
- Pugna40.8%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight only wins 40.8% of the 120 games measured against Pugna this patch.
120 matches
- Clinkz41.0%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight only wins 41.0% of the 100 games measured against Clinkz this patch.
100 matches
- Abaddon41.8%win rate in the matchup
Dragon Knight only wins 41.8% of the 184 games measured against Abaddon this patch.
184 matches
Works well with
Dragon Tail from Dragon Knight holds enemies in place for Omnislash from Juggernaut.
Dragon Tail from Dragon Knight holds enemies in place for Mana Void from Anti-Mage.
Dragon Tail from Dragon Knight holds enemies in place for Black Hole from Enigma.
Changelog
- Guide created for patch 7.41.
Was this helpful?
Your vote helps other players find the best guides.