Playing phoenix from a support to tank

Introduction

Hello everyone, Phoenix is one of the most powerful support heroes I have come across and today I would like to share how I usually play this bird.

In this guide, I would play him as a tank support.

Playing the way I like

My goal is to build him from a support to a tank.

Initially, I would just get what a support usually buys. Wards, sentries etc. I choose to invest in a midas because if I want him to be tanky, I would need items and levels as well.
Just pay attention to the map. If the enemy is not aggressive, I would pump more levels on my first skill and if I am playing defensively, I would go for the third skill.

Of course, you would need another support if you want to go this build, so you can concentrate on your items.

I think guardian greaves is good for teamfights. Together with his laser, his team can really survive well!

Once you have your tank items, you can just go to the front line and tank!

Items

I am not going to be so particular about the items so much as they are more or less situational.

Some core items that I think would be feasible for him would be shivas and heart in particular if you want to be durable.

Shivas, for his slow which allow him to cast his fire spirits more effectively.

Heart, for all his skills in general as it can help him regenerate his health points more effectively.

Skills

For the skills, I choose not to pump so much on fire spirits because it is really difficult to aim and I would just like to concentrate on supporting my teammates at the start.

His skills are generally health points consuming and it is best not to spam it unless a team fight breaks.

Friends

His skills are generally nuke and he does not have a proper stun to initiate other than his ultimate, therefore, it would be good to come in only after your team fights.

Heroes that can work with him

Faceless Void: When he cast his ultimate, prepare to fire your laser or even your ultimate if necessary.

Mirana: When her arrow lands, cast all your spells!

Crystal Maiden

Legion Commander: Pretty straightforward. When dueling, just cast your laser towards lc and his enemy.

Foes

As many friends he has, he has also a lot of foes.

Silencer

Invoker

Rikimaru

Storm

and many more...

Basically, if he is silenced or disabled, he cannot do much. That is why I love playing him as a tank, in hope of letting him survive the attacks!

Conclusion

What are your favourtie ways to play this birdy?

Thank you for reading this short guide! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reply!

Jacob