In the ever-evolving landscape of Dota 2, one truth remains unshaken: vision control reigns supreme. As each new patch reshapes the battlefield, strategic adaptation becomes crucial to success—and nowhere is this more evident than in the innovative art of warding. Recently, renowned guide creator Adrian shared a compelling video on his YouTube channel, uncovering groundbreaking ward placements being utilized by pro players in DreamLeague S25. At PC Gamer, we’ve dissected these insights and expanded upon them, offering in-depth analysis along with alternative options to help you refine your gameplay.
With every update, the Dota 2 meta shifts, and professional teams are leading the charge with smarter, more efficient Observer ward strategies. These aren’t just random spots—they’re carefully selected positions designed to maximize vision coverage while minimizing detection risk. Below, you'll find 16 of the most effective ward placements currently shaping high-level play, complete with expert breakdowns and strategic alternatives.
Mid Lane Jungle Extension
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This forward-thinking placement extends deeper into the mid lane jungle compared to traditional setups, granting enhanced vision over rune spots and early-game movement paths. It’s especially useful for tracking enemy rotations and securing critical buffs. Alternative Option: Slight adjustment toward the Radiant side can improve visibility around the secret shop approach, offering additional economic insight.
Radiant Ancient Riverbank
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Placed at an unconventional angle along the river near Radiant’s base, this ward offers extended vision that's difficult for opponents to locate or destroy quickly. Its longevity makes it ideal for prolonged map control. Pro Tip: Pairing this with a Sentry ward nearby enhances defensive capabilities and denies counter-warding attempts.
Dire Top Tier 2 Bushes
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Positioned within the bushes above the Dire's top tier two tower, this ward provides clear sightlines of approaching enemies and supports both defensive positioning and aggressive plays during team fights. Expert Advice: Rotate this ward periodically to avoid predictable patterns and maintain tactical surprise.
Radiant Bottom Secret Shop Monitor
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This spot gives direct vision of heroes entering or exiting the Radiant secret shop, offering valuable intel on item timings and hero whereabouts. Advanced Strategy: Combine with Dust of Appearance or Smoke of Deceit to disrupt enemy buybacks or force unfavorable engagements.
Dire Bottom Tier 2 Fog Corner
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Tucked into the foggy corner near the Dire bottom tier two tower, this ward reveals hidden enemy movements and sets up ambush opportunities. Strategic Use: Works exceptionally well when paired with smoke ganks or rotating offensives from the safelane.
Radiant Roshan Pit Entrance
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Placed just outside the Radiant Roshan pit, this ward enables early detection of enemy Roshan attempts, allowing for timely responses or potential steals. Key Insight: Regularly rotate this ward to prevent predictability and keep the opponent guessing.
Dire Mid Lane High Ground
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Offering elevated vision over the mid lane high ground, this ward improves awareness of incoming threats and helps control lane dominance during key moments. Tactical Note: Particularly effective during roshan timers or major objective windows.
Radiant Top Tier 2 Backdoor Path
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This placement watches over backdoor approaches to Radiant’s top tier two tower, preventing sneaky dives or invis-based attacks. Defensive Strategy: Complement with a nearby Sentry ward to counter illusions or invisible heroes attempting to bypass defenses.
Dire Bottom Ancient River Bend
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Positioned at a unique bend in the river near Dire’s ancient, this ward delivers deep, unexpected vision into the enemy base. Creative Alternative: Slight variations in placement can reveal alternate pathways or courier routes.
Radiant Mid Lane Jungle Passage
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Placed inside a jungle passage adjacent to the Radiant mid lane, this ward uncovers common rotation paths and helps track roaming supports or offlane pressure. Professional Recommendation: Alternate between different jungle entry points to maintain full map awareness.
Dire Top Secret Shop Approach
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Offers vision of heroes heading to or returning from the Dire secret shop, giving intel on enemy item timings and lane transitions. Competitive Edge: Use this data to time your own rotations and pushes more effectively.
Radiant Bottom Tier 3 Side Path
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Monitors a lesser-known flank path leading to Radiant’s bottom tier three tower, helping detect split-pushers or roam-heavy lineups. Team Coordination: Share this vision with your team to coordinate defense or initiate counter-ganks.
Dire Roshan Pit Exit
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Reveals enemy heroes exiting the Roshan pit on the Dire side, enabling quick counterplays or follow-up engages after failed attempts. Late Game Essential: A must-have ward during final team fights and Roshan contests.
Radiant Top Ancient Cliffside
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A hidden vantage point overlooking part of Radiant’s base from a cliffside ledge—difficult to spot and highly effective for long-term vision. Precision Placement: Requires accurate throw-ins and careful timing to avoid early detection.
Dire Mid Lane Jungle Overlook
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Provides elevated vision over the Dire mid lane jungle area, revealing common camp locations and support rotations. Advanced Integration: Best used alongside other mid-lane observers for total jungle control.
Radiant Bottom Tier 2 Rear Flank
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Detects enemy heroes attempting to flank behind Radiant’s bottom tier two tower, offering critical reaction time before a dive or backdoor attempt. Defensive Mastery: An essential ward for maintaining structure during lategame scenarios.
Mastering these advanced ward placements will give you a significant edge in understanding and controlling the flow of the game. Vision isn't just about seeing the map—it's about predicting enemy moves, denying information, and creating opportunities where none seem to exist. By integrating these pro-tier techniques into your strategy, you’ll be better equipped to dominate both casual matches and competitive ranked games.
