We take a look at the current meta as old heroes are re-introduced into the fray. Particularly, Tyrande.
The meta is ever changing and in 2015, we had gone through a myriad of heroes that were considered meta. Do you remember the time when Stitches was meta? Or when Anub'arak was the 'go to' tank? We've seen triple tank compositions and compositions with an emphasis on sustain. It seems that the meta has now taken another move towards a more stun and burst orientation.
Stun and burst was always a thing, but it is more evident now. The scaling changes which increase the attack and health evenly every level has made it easier to gank. Many heroes benefitted, particularly; Sonya, Thrall, Falstad, Diablo, and Tyrande. These five heroes had been lack lustre previously, they weren't completely unviable but they weren't regularly picked. Out of those four heroes we have one particluar winner: Tyrande.
Tyrandes Kit:
Tyrande is amazingly good, to the point where she may even get nerfed. The reason behind her success is because everything in her kit is useful. Lets start with her 'Q' which is a heal. Her heal is really good, especially with the level 13 'Overflowing Light' talent. At times she can rival conventional healers like Uther or Malfurion.
Her 'W' is great utility, the Owl can be sent out in a direction, granting vision and damaging the hero (heroes) hit. This is invaluable in checking up on your opponent, seeing if boss is clear or to land that last clutch hit. It can also be used to interrupt your enemies channeling of an objective. Although seldomly done, the Owl can be talented to do massive damage to enemies.
The 'E' is a stun that is useful in setting up for ganks and kills. This ability is one of her essentials when she is roaming for kills. It is not the easiest stun to land but it is very rewarding as it usually grants kills. It's range also allows it to be used to interrupt channeling for objectives.
One of the best abilities of Tyrandes kit is her trait 'D.' This trait is one of the best traits in any hero because it grants 25% bonus damage taken on the target. This makes it easy to burst down heroes in a gank or teamfight as long as the team focuses on the target. This paired up with her stun makes Tyrande a monster.
Tyrandes ultimates provide further utility. Shadowstalk used to see little to no play at all, but now it is almost certainly the pick. It provides some heals alongside granting stealth, which again, can be used for even more ganking through roaming. Her other ultimate, Starfall, is now seeing less and less play. It is an area of effect (aoe) ability which also slows a bit. Although Starfall is not that bad, Shadowstalk is picked over it because of the gank potential and heal.
Team compositions:
When Tyrande is in a team with tanks and assassins to supplement her stun and trait, it can lead to stun chains which are sure to frustrate your enemies. Often Muradin is paired with Tyrande, but now Diablo can be used due to his immaculate engage and damage. Diablos kit has many stuns which sets up for Tyrande. Tyrande could also be played with Thrall, Sonya or Falstad for damage. Those three heroes have benefitted from scaling due to their damage output, making them very fearsome. In a team together, they truely form the Stun and Burst composition which makes the meta.
Bottom line: Any hero that stuns is good with her, although other supports like Uther aren't recommended as Tyrande can be a solo healer. If you have been playing hero league and see lots of compositions with Tyrande in them, you should now be prepared for the stun and burst.
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