Attack Animation in Dota 2: Understanding Hero Combat Timing
An attack animation in Dota 2 consists of two main parts: foreswing (attack point) and backswing. This animation period prevents units from performing other actions simultaneously, including movement.
Line graph showing damage versus distance
Key Components:
- Foreswing: Occurs before attack lands (must complete to deal damage)
- Backswing: Occurs after attack lands (can be safely canceled)
- Animation speed is affected by total attack speed
- Different heroes have unique animation times
- Losing vision doesn't cancel attack animation
Attack Animation Formula:
- Effective attack point (Ap) and backswing (Ab) calculations consider:
- Base attack point (Bp)
- Base backswing (Bb)
- Attack point manipulation (APManip)
image
Animation Manipulation Abilities:
- Nyx Assassin's Vendetta: +70% attack animation speed
- Riki's Blink Strike: +50% attack animation speed
- Tusk's Walrus PUNCH!: +40% attack animation speed
Orb Walking:
- Refers to using attacks or active attack modifiers for Stutter Stepping
- Allows movement between attacks by canceling backswing animation
- More effective with active attack modifiers than regular attacks
- Doesn't increase attack speed, but improves mobility while attacking
Important: Canceling animations doesn't increase attack speed - it only allows for better positioning between attacks.
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