Torch Bearer is weak in 5v5 (and what to do about it)

from Demigod Forums

So I played my first 5v5 game today. It was quite different than the previous 3v3s that I had played... I noticed that Torch Bearer was much weaker in close combat. Killing enemies was more difficult as they usually had allies to hide behind. There were less opportunities for 1v1 fights and TB died quickly in the thick of a team battle. Everywhere I went I had to face 2 enemies. Remaining at the edge of a fight was important but difficult to do - the enemy Erebus, Reg, and TB constantly rushed me, forcing me to retreat and heal.

Additionally, TB can normally create a large level advantage by going to empty lanes and AoE killing the creep spawns, and then moving on to another lane. However, in 5v5, there are no empty lanes. Every lane will usually have either an ally (to steal your XP) or an enemy (to hurt you) - meaning no more free XP.

 

However, I was able to overcome these odds (and the loss of my Swift Anklet) to assist my team for the win. How? Click here to find out.

demigod
6,006 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from Demigod Forums Top

I see what you're saying...I actually haven't ever really used swift anklet with torch, and if I'm really keen on having the move speed stick to the wand of speed to run in general.

Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top

Your argument against TB in 5v5 is that the other guy always has back up? Do you expect TB to take on 1 v 2?

The sword cuts both ways, if he has back-up bring your own. It isn't intended for TB to successfully take on two foes all by himself.

Elemental: Reforged
Reply #3 from Demigod Forums Top

Every lane will usually have either an ally (to steal your XP)
End of quote

 

You are supposed to be working with your allies, not complaining they are stealing your XP.

I played a 4v4 on Leviathon last night and our TB had the most kills. There is a reason he is ranged just like Regulus.

If you expect you can go in and tank on a 5v5, then you are sorely mistaken.

Reply #4 from Demigod Forums Top

TB is a support hero (and a very, very effective one at that) - if you want to 1v1 play unclean beast/sedna/erebus/rook.  That is all.

Reply #5 from Demigod Forums Top

I'd say TB is even better the more people there are.

Of course you should not be going fire.....Ice Rain hitting multiple heroes is massive total damage dealt.  High level Ice Nova is lots of stun.  You just have to play like a complete coward to not get pounded on by multiple people.

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

Seconded.

I would think that even 3v3, if teamwork was heavy, that ice TB would own compared to fire. Definitely once you go 4v4 or more, I think the AOE of his ice path would prove to be better. Slowing attack/move speed, freezing in place, interrupting skills, increasing their cooldown, shattering armor... Probably the second best support hero in the game. (It's hard to beat Sedna's healing.)

The dynamics just change with more people, and I think it is reasonable to expect that you would have very different results playing different ways in those situations.

I don't tend to take Oak's shield. I favor his stats instead. I bet though in 5v5, I'd take his shield every time. 4-5 seconds of invuln to 5 people wailing on you is much much different than 4-5 secs of invuln to two people wailing on you.