Axe [Offlane] - Standard Meta Guide by Der Bestimmer

Introduction

Axe [Offlane] - Standard Meta Build

With the resent changes to Agg Shard, taking Axe out of the game, Axe is back as Offlane Lane Dominator / Initiator (where he belongs IMHO...).
I play around 1k atm and was looking for a reliable Hero in low elo pubs with good impact and good offlane characteristis with well rounded damage, tankiness, CC / Initiation and a decent recovery mechanism. Axe has a solid winrate in lower brackets and although easy to understand still offers enough versatility to master him in various situations and hone one's skill with the hero. So I picked up the Axe...

Since I am just starting out to play axe more, I wanted to make this guide as a kind of follow up to my learning process on the hero. For Build Ideas I mostly look at Dotabuff item statistics, high level player builds and the highest rated ingame builds @Dota 2.

If you want to use my guide ingame, you can subscribe to it here on Steam Workshop:

Axe [Offlane] - Standard Meta Build
(don't forget the thumbs up, if you like it :) )

Other interesting Sites for the Hero:

Axe Wiki

Axe Dota2ProTracker

Axe Dotabuff

Axe OpenDota

Strengths / Weaknesses and Matchups

Strengths:

• Good HP and HP-Regen Gain through stats, making resistances very effective on Axe
• Can outtrade melee Heroes with Culling Blade directly or by using Creep Aggro with Counter Helix
• Can harass ranged heroes with Battle Hunger, especially Supports who can't last hit effectiveley or easily
• Good recovery after a bad lane by jungling jungle creeps / stacks with Counter Helix
• Can kill otherwise unkillable Heroes like Troll Warlord in Battle Trance or Heroes under the effect of Shallow Grave with Culling Blade

Skills / Talents

Blade Mail