Dota 2 7.38b Warding Guide: Best Spots and Pro Strategies

The Blix team wants to share our insights on a crucial topic in the game: Warding. The game has undergone significant changes with the release of Patch 7.38b and the new “Wandering Waters” map. New paths, an expanded river, Roshan’s crossing, and various innovations have made navigating the map a real challenge, especially for support players responsible for vision.

To help you excel from the very beginning, we’ve compiled a selection of ten smart and effective ward placements. This article will provide detailed information on how to implement these strategies in your matches.

Dota 2: Wards

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Why is Warding so Important on the New Map?

Patch 7.38b has introduced significant visual changes and a complete redesign of map mechanics. The river is now longer, there are new pathways through the jungle, and Roshan has returned to the center of attention by moving back into the river.

These changes require support players to adopt a new approach to warding. Many old warding spots have either lost their effectiveness or become too obvious, necessitating exploring non-standard solutions. The Blix team has invested dozens of hours testing various ward positions on the new map, and we are excited to share some of the most effective ones with you. Let’s begin with the early game, where map control is particularly crucial.

Dota 2: Ward Tips

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Early Game: Blocking Camps and Hidden Vision for Radiant Side

Every self-respecting support player knows that blocking the large camp on the line is a standard move that can make life much easier for your carry. There are several stealthy ways to do this on the new Radiant map, but we will need a Quelling Blade to destroy it.

Blocking a Big Camp with Trees

To set up a Sentry Ward without drawing immediate attention from the enemy, you can cut down three specific trees:

• The first tree is the closest to the line; however, cutting it down is risky because it may attract unwanted attention.

Dota 2: Blocking a Big Camp with Trees

• The second tree is a bit further away and less conspicuous.

Dota 2: Blocking a Big Camp with Trees

• The third tree is our preferred choice. It is the farthest from the lane, making it difficult for the enemy to suspect that a Sentry is positioned there.

Dota 2: Blocking a Big Camp with Trees

Optimal Strategy: At the start of the game, ask your carry to cut down one of the trees. If you’re playing with heroes like Juggernaut or Anti–Mage, they usually have a Quelling Blade—have them chop down the third tree. Then, you can place a Sentry Ward to block the camp while remaining hidden from typical warding spots.

Alternative Approach: If your hero has 370+ movement speed (for example, with Wind Lace or boots), you can buy a Quelling Blade yourself. Cut down a tree and quickly sell the blade at the secret shop before the game hits the 0:00 mark. This option is more complex but can be effective in certain matches, as it allows you to avoid distracting your carry.

Example Scenario: Imagine the enemy playing as Sven and placing a Sentry Ward in a visible spot to deward the camp. If you play as Pugna with the Gem of True Sight and run around, you might miss this Sentry because it’s hidden behind the third tree. As a result, the enemy will either have to use a Tango to remove the ward or ask their offlaner with a Quelling Blade to cut down the trees—both of which consume time and resources. Our preferred placement is a Sentry Ward behind the third tree, as it effectively hinders the enemy’s progress.

Two Dodgy Observer Wards Next to a Big Camp

There are two excellent spots for placing Observer Wards in the same zone. They are located nearly at the same point but have slight differences:

• The first ward is positioned deeper in the forest and follows the standard Sentry stair placement, but it does not provide a vision of the high-ground ascent.

Dota 2: Observer Wards Next to a Big Camp

• The second ward is slightly closer to the stairs and offers better vision, allowing you to see both the rise and direction of the enemy’s movement. However, this ward can be removed by a Sentry from the high ground.

Dota 2: Observer Wards Next to a Big Camp

We recommend placing these wards after the 10th minute, once the enemies have stopped actively guarding the small camp. The first ward is helpful for stealth detection, while the second is better for controlling rotations. For instance, the second ward will reveal when an enemy hero climbs the stairs and enters your jungle—providing invaluable information for your mid-laner or carry.

Observer Ward on a Highground Near the Small Camp

There is a small hill nearby where you can place the Observer Ward. Its advantage is that it is difficult for the enemy to find it unless they specifically check that corner. However, the disadvantage is that it provides less vision than the second ward from the previous location since it does not cover the upper part of the river. In the early days of the patch, though, this spot will be very effective until the enemies become familiar with it.

Dota 2: Observer Ward on a Highground Near the Small Camp

Observer Ward on a Highground Without Trees

One interesting location in this area is a small, tree-less hillock. You can place an Observer Ward here to block a nearby camp or simply a Sentry Ward to deny it. The advantage of this spot is that the surrounding trees make it difficult for enemies to approach unnoticed. However, the disadvantage is that if an enemy sets a Sentry nearby or gets too close, they can spot it. We often place Sentries in this area to deny the camp and make the enemy waste time searching for them.

Dota 2: Observer Ward on a Hightground Without Trees

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Additional Spots in Radiant Area

Observer Ward by the River on a Highground

There is a hill near the river at the bottom of the map where you can place an Observer Ward. This location provides an excellent view of the river and surrounding approaches, and it remains hidden even from nearby high ground and Sentry Wards. This spot is one of our favorites for monitoring early rotations or enemy support. Even if the enemy is aware of the ward, they will need to spend resources and time to deward it.

Dota 2: Observer Ward by the River on a Highground

Observer Ward Between Two Trees

Near the small camp, on elevated ground, there is a spot between two trees where you can place an Observer Ward. While it is possible to position it to block the camp, we do not recommend this strategy, as the enemy will likely notice and remove it quickly. Instead, it is better to place the Observer Ward slightly to the side to gain vision and use a Sentry Ward in the corner to block the camp. This Sentry will only be visible to the enemy at two narrow points, making it harder for them to detect it.

Dota 2: Observer Ward Between Two Trees

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Location Near Active Runes and Roshan

Three Observer Wards Near Active Runes

We have identified three strategic ward locations in this zone:

• The first ward is located below the high ground. It remains in line with the stairs and is visible when approached from below. This ward provides vision over rotations to your forest.
• The second ward is placed slightly higher, and you can see the activation point and both passages. However, it can be blocked by a Gem from the high ground or a Sentry deployed nearby. Use this ward if you need maximum control of the area.
• The third ward is the most concealed option, positioned further away, which limits its vision. It provides visibility primarily for activation, making it ideal for long-term monitoring.

Observer Ward Near Roshan

• The first ward is located at the entrance to the Rosh–pit and overlooks two passages. It is not seen with Gem, but it becomes visible when approached closely.

Dota 2: Observer Ward Near Roshan

Dota 2: Observer Ward Near Roshan

• The second ward, located deeper in the area, provides an overview of Roshan but is also vulnerable if bypassed. We placed the first ward for the Radiant before taking Roshan and the second ward for Dire as a protective measure.

Dota 2: Observer Ward Near Roshan

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Final Spots

Sentry Ward to Block the Camp for Dire Side

There is a spot on the upper line behind Dire where the Sentry blocks the camp in the corner and is not visible without going around closely. This is our secret tactic against Radiant’s support.

Dota 2: Sentry Ward to Block the Camp for Dire Side

Observer Ward with Tree Chopping

The last ward requires a Quelling Blade. After cutting down a tree, it is located along the river trail, providing a good vision of the passages and camps. He is neither a Gem nor visible up close, making it an ideal spot for carrying or supporting with a Quelling Blade.

Dota 2: Observer Ward with Tree Chopping

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Conclusion

The new map introduced in Patch 7.38b poses challenges for support players and provides ample opportunities for creativity. The Blix team is confident that these ten ward placements will help you gain control of the game from the very first minutes.

Feel free to experiment, adapt, and explore new locations— the initial weeks of the patch are ideal for this. If you enjoyed our guide, please let us know—we’d be happy to create another one featuring a comprehensive analysis of warding on “Wandering Waters.” We also recommend visiting the Reddit thread for more Dota 2 content.