How to REALLY play Warlock

For pure support playing, vlads could be a nice item if u have a [phantom lancer] or a [naga siren] w/o it in your team. You should also have bought some wards and courier, ofc. But the point here is to adapt your itembuild to your role in the game. Actually, having items such as vladis, meka and drums make of you a living totem of auras, which fits perfectly with casting upheaval while your carries do the killing.

I dont understand your opposition to use that skill, it is pure havoc and chaos well placed. Take a look on the guide I wrote some time ago, it took me some time to explain the gameplay of a upheaval based 'lock, but I think you may change your point of view.

So sad to see 30win tryhard's downvoting this just because it has vlads and it give's them nerdrages.

Your build is still a bit messy bigguy - you really need at least 2 points in Upheaval to make it worthwhile (otherwise it takes 12 (!) seconds to get reach full power) - so if you delay it a bit, but then get 2 points together that would make more sense. Personally I go 1 SW, 2 FB, 3 SW, 4 UP, 5 UP, 6 CO - but there's lots of different ways of doing it. A lot of people get it around level 9-10.

Give Upheaval a proper try in some games and you might find you really like it. Helps with ganks and is great for team fights (esp if they are a melee heavy team).

You guys happy now that I "fixed" the whole thing about Upheaval?

it really is situational, the damage and lifesteal are only for melee heroes. its a waste to get it if there is only one melee hero in your team.

Alright, alright, I'll try out Upheaval more often if you guys complain about me not having it so much.

the reason to buy vlad on (range) supports is, that its a wasted item slot on a carry. its not even about the lifesteal, its about armor and damage aura. a early vlad can really make a difference in teamfights. also it is a nice item for pushing and dont forget your golems profit from all the auras.

about upheavel: its one of the best slows in the game and definately not a waste of points

Yeah, sorry, as a regular Warlock player I can't agree with a lot of this. You make some good points, but are completely wrong about Upheaval - it's a great spell, especially against a melee heavy team. Fatal Bonds should also get a higher billing - it's easily your most effective spell (damage wise) in a team fights, Rain of Chaos is a show pony in comparison.

Can't say I've ever bought a vlads as 'lock, but in the right situation it could be useful. Would also ditch the Healing Salve for 2 Clarity - better to heal with Shadow Word.

I agree with vlads,its standard on warlock,he is one of the supports that can carry it and it is ranged.

However, Upheaval its an amasing spell,that should be used after you drop your golem.

Like:Bonds+Golem+Fast Upheaval

I can't even thumbs this up. No upheaval is just plain ******ed.. the only downside to this amazing spell is that its channeled, AKA: Easily interrupted.. and, well, blink heroes counter it too, to an extent (3 second duration after stepping out of it). Its an amazing late-game/team fight skill.

Oh, and to the guy complaining about Vlads: It's not uncommon to see supports sometimes build Vlads. Its just a little more of a situational support item.

no you dont get it..... the game only allows 10 levels of stats cause 25 is the max level......

Your carries will do far more damage than you. A well placed Upheaval allows your allies to do far more damage compare to not upheaval and you attacking. Any enemy hero with spells on cd in Upheaval is as good as useless (they are even to slow to run away).
Just try to place it well and not get canceled and you'll be very amazed how slow they are.
Also "Enemies are slowed for 3 seconds after leaving the area or the spell ends."-skill tool tip.
So is is actually max 13 seconds!
Sounds like you never really tried it. Try it, it is really fun.