Dark Slayer Lane Guide: Overview and Strategy

Learn the basics of pushing through and controlling the Top Lane (Dark Slayer Lane) by reading our Top Lane guide for Arena of Valor (AoV).

Top Lane Game Flow

What is the Dark Slayer Lane?

The “Dark Slayer Lane” refers to the side lane which the Dark Slayer can be found near. This is occasionally called the top lane as well. Since Arena of Valor flips the map so that players are always starting from the left, however, the lane is not necessarily at the top of the map.

The Dark Slayer is marked by the following icon. Players can easily find the Dark Slayer’s location by locating the mark on the map, no matter which side of the map they start on.

Why is it Sometimes Called the Top Lane?

Arena of Valor is a MOBA game similar to other titles League of Legends and Dota 2. Both of these games have a similarly important creature located in the same area near the top lane. Additionally, bot matches will orient the match so that the Dark Slayer is near the top lane as well. As such, many consider the Dark Slayer lane to be the ‘default’ top lane.

Which Hero should go to the Dark Slayer Lane?

Warriors or tanks are the best heroes to go to the Dark Slayer lane because it is usually defended by heroes with high defense. Also, when the team has a jungler, it is best for two heroes to go to the Abyssal Dragon lane while one lanes near the Dark Slayer. This is due to the fact that teams will be able to challenge the Abyssal Dragon much earlier than the Dark Slayer and thereby will need to be ready to fight or contest the dragon earlier in the match.

Early Stage of the Dark Slayer Lane

In the early stages of the game, there will usually be at least one hero protecting their tower. If not a single hero, two will be defending the tower.

A Warrior or Tank Opponent Comes Alone

This is usually the most balanced and peaceful matchup you could hope for. As long as there is no one trying to kill each other, you can easily farm EXP and gold by slaying minions. You can try to kill the enemy hero if they get too close, but watch out for an ambush from their jungler. Likewise, be ready to assist your own teammates, should they come to try and gank your opponent.

There are Two Opponents

It is important for you to avoid taking damage when there are two opponents in lane. Wait for the minions to come under your tower so that you can farm them more safely. You still gain gold and experience without last hitting, but the amount you receive is greatly reduced.

However, your allies can benefit from this situation. As two enemies are busy dealing with you on your own, your allies will have an easier time with their own lanes. Additionally, you will gain experience at a faster rate than your opponents, not having to split it with an ally.

The Opponent is a Ranged Hero

Choose your armor based on your opponent’s main damage source. If your opponent is a mage, defend yourself with magic defense, and if he/she is a marksman, equip armor that reduces physical damage. Level by killing minions that wander outside of their range.

If the opponent gets close to the tower, you can safely attack them. The tower will immediately lock onto them should they retaliate. If your jungler is near, you can call for back up and eliminate the opponent together. You can additionally call an ally for help if you are running low on HP. That way you can return to the base to heal without letting your opponents push too hard.

Mid Game

The mid-game usually starts after the tier one towers start falling. Depending on who’s tower fell, your strategy will be different. If you manage to knock down your opponents’ tower, move to the other lanes to assist them in pushing. From this point on, team clashes will start to happen more frequently, so travel with allies to avoid getting caught and ganked.

Some things that frequently happen during the mid-game are

Fighting the Abyssal Dragon
Enemy Clashes
Getting Buffs in the Jungle

The important thing at this stage is to stay close to your allies so that you are always ready to support them.

End Stage of the Dark Slayer Lane

The importance of the Dark Slayer decreases as the game goes on. Winning team fights is much more important at this stage of the game, so there is no need to stick to your lane. Just be careful of the enemy minions who will be slowly creeping down empty lanes to destroy your towers. Don’t let them push too far, as they can easily knock down unattended towers.

Arena of Valor (AoV) Recommended Article List

▼ Popular Articles
Beginner's Guide	Hero Tier List
Hero Class Guide	Armory (Item List)

▼ Popular Articles
Beginner's Guide	Hero Tier List	Hero Class Guide	Armory (Item List)

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Name

Effect

Unique Passive (Special Ability)

Short Sword

Attack Damage +20

None

Dagger

Attack Speed +10%

None

Gloves

Critical Chance +12%

None

Bloodied Club

Attack Damage +10
Life Steal +8%

None

Chain hammer

Attack Damage +40

None

Cleaving Claymore

Attack Damage +80

None

Arcane hammer

Attack Damage +25
Attack Speed +15%

Speed Up: Normal attacks increase movement speed by 10%.

Tempest Blades

Attack Speed +25%
Movement Speed +5%

None

Astral Spear

Attack Damage +50

Armor Pierce +60

Shuriken

Attack Speed +25%

Vital Point: Normal attacks deal additional 20 physical damage (+1 per hero level) for melee heroes and 40 physical damage (+2 per hero level) for ranged heroes.

Uriel’s Brand

Attack Damage +100
Max HP +600

Magic Guardian: When hero’s HP falls below 40%, Uriel’s Brand grants +200 magic defense and summons a Shield that absorbs (500+hero’s level*100) magic damage for 5 seconds. 75-second cooldown.

Curse of Death

Attack Damage +100
Life Steal +10%

Soul Prison: On dealing damage, reduces target’s HP regeneration by 50% for 1.5 seconds. If this is triggered by normal attacks, the duration is extended to 3 seconds.

Death Sickle

Attack Damage +60
Cooldown Speed +5%

Divine Intervention: Prevents damage from a potential killing blow, then increases movement speed by 20% for 1 second. 90-second cooldown.

Spear of Longinus

Attack Damage +80
Cooldown Speed +15%
Max HP +400

Shatter: Decreases target armor by 50 on hit for 5 seconds. Stacks up to 5 times.

Fafnir’s Talon

Attack Damage +60
Attack Speed +30%
Life Steal +10%

Dragon’s Breath: Normal attacks deal additional damage equal to 8% of target’s current HP.

Claves Sancti

Attack Damage +90

Upon landing a critical attack, grants bonus (30 + Level*2) movement speed for 2 seconds (only for Ranged).

Critical Chance +25%
, Increase critical damage by 50%

Muramasa

Attack Damage +75
Cooldown Speed +10%

Armor Pierce +45%

The Beast

Attack Damage +100
Life Steal +25 (physical and magic)

None

Omni Arms

Attack Damage +70
Attack Speed +15%
Life Steal +10%
Cooldown Speed +10%
Max HP +500

Pentapower: After using an ability, the next normal attack within 5 seconds deals 100% more physical damage. 2-second cooldown.

Slikk’s Sting

Attack Speed +35%
Critical Chance +25%
Movement Speed +7%

Blessing of the Wind: Increase own resistance by 35 for 2 seconds after a critical hit

Fenrir’s Tooth

Attack Damage +200

Fenrir’s Tooth: Increases all damage dealt with 30% when the target’s HP is below 50%.

Blitz Blade

Attack Damage +50
Attack Speed +35%
Life Steal +10%
Movement Speed +5%

Chain Lightning: Every 4 seconds, the next normal attack triggers a chain lightning that deals 102 (+7 per level) magic damage. Each normal attack also carries Life Steal and reduces cooldown by 1 second on hit.

Devil’s Handshake

Attack Speed +30%
Critical Chance +20%
Movement Speed +5%

Flame Wrath: Normal attacks increase attack speed by 10% for 2 seconds. Stacks up to 5 times.

Rankbreaker

Attack Damage +110
Cooldown Speed +10%

Windwalk: Increases movement speed by 10% after exiting battle.

Break: Increases armor pierce by 100 (+10 per level).

Spell Tome

Ability Power +40

None

Lapis Ring

Max Mana +300

None

Pendant of Faith

Mana +10 / 5 sec

None

Ancient Scriptures

Ability Power +80

None

Magic Ring

Cooldown Speed +10%

None

Enchanted Scroll

Ability Power +120

None

Trick Blade

Ability Power +60
Cooldown Speed +10%

Elemental Power: After using an ability, the next normal attack deals additional magic damage. 3-second cooldown.

Spoopy Mask

Ability Power +100

Magic Pierce +75

Phoenix Tear

Ability Power +60

From the Ashes: When the hero gains a level, 20% of HP and mana are restored over 3 seconds.

Virtue’s Bracelet

Ability Power +60
Cooldown Speed +5%
Mana +20 / 5 sec

Soaring Spirit: Restores 20% mana after earning a kill or assist.

Vlad’s Impaler

Ability Power +90

Magic Life Steal +15%

Staff of Nuul

Ability Power +180
Cooldown Speed +10%

Magic Pierce +45%

Virtue’s Necklace

Ability Power +160
Cooldown Speed +10%
Max Mana +300
Mana +30 / 5 sec

Soaring Spirit: Restores 20% mana after earning a kill or assist.

Magic Pierce +75

Tome of the Reaper

Ability Power +240
Max HP +500

Soul Prison: On dealing damage, reduces target’s HP regeneration by 50% for 1.5 seconds. If this is triggered by normal attacks, the duration is extended to 3 seconds.

Boomstick

Ability Power +240

Explosion: Ability hits trigger a small-area explosion that deals 50 (+50% ability power) magic damage. 5-second cooldown.

Hecate’s Diadem

Ability Power +240

Warlock: Ability Power +35%

Orb of the Magi

Ability Power +140
Cooldown Speed +10%

Bide: Gains 12 ability power and 110 HP every 30 seconds. Stacks up to 10 times.

From the Ashes: When the hero gains a level, 20% of HP and mana are restored over 3 seconds.

Rhea’s Blessing

Ability Power +140
Cooldown Speed +10%

Life Shield: Gains a shield that absorbs 450(+50 per level)(+40% ability power) damage when HP falls below 40%. The shield lasts 4 seconds and has a 75-second cooldown.

Magic Life Steal +25%

Zweihander

Ability Power +180
Max Mana +400
Movement Speed +8%

Rapid Blade: Normal attack hits increase attack speed by 50% for 4 seconds. 10-second cooldown.

The Light: Normal attacks gain additional magic damage equal to 20% of the hero’s ability power.

Frosty’s Revenge

Ability Power +140
Max HP +850
Movement Speed +5%

Chill: Abilities that deal damage will also reduce enemy movement speed by 20% for 2 seconds.

Berith’s Agony

Ability Power +140
Cooldown Speed +10%
Armor +270

Torture: Deals magic damage equal to 3% of the target’s current HP per second for 3 seconds (up to 80% against monsters)

Apocalypse

Ability Power +200
Cooldown Speed +10%

Elemental Power: After using an ability, the next normal attack deals additional magic damage equal to 30% of attack damage(+80% ability power). 2-second cooldown.

Soaring Aura

Ability Power+ 140
Max HP +1050

Protection: Reduces magic defense of enemies within 800 units by 75(+5 per level).

Holy of Holies

Ability Power +400

Enlightenment: Increases maximum HP by 1400

Ring of Vitality

Max HP +300

None

Light Armor

Armor +90

None

Gladiator’s Gauntlets

Magic Defense +90

None

Talisman of Strength

HP +30 / 5 sec

None

Necklace of Vitality

Max HP +600

None

Greaves of Protection

Max HP +1000

None

Heart of Incubus

Armor +180

Burn: Deals 50(+2 per level) magic damage to nearby enemies every second (deals double damage to minions and monsters).

Belt of Clarity

Magic Defense +110
Max HP +700

Regenerate: When taking damage, restores 4% HP over 2 seconds. 15-second cooldown.

Platinum Gauntlets

Cooldown Speed +10%
Armor +110

None

Knight’s Plate

Armor +210

Spirit Bond: When taking damage, reduces the attacker’s attack speed by 30%.

Asterion’s Buckler

Max HP +1000
HP +60 / 5 sec

War Cry: Increases damage dealt and damage reduction of nearby friendly units by 5% and 10%, respectively.

Mail of Pain

Armor +300
Max HP +1200

Riposte: 15% of the physical damage taken is deflected to the enemy as magic damage (calculation is based on damage before damage reduction)

Hercules’ Madness

Attack Damage +50
Armor +180
Magic Defense +150

Berserk: Increases attack damage by 40 and gains a shield for 8 seconds when HP is below 40%. 90-second cooldown.

Odin’s Will

Attack Damage +60
Max HP +1000

Adrenaline: Increases movement speed by 2% and deals 2% additional damage after taking damage. Stacks up to 5 times.

Mantle of Ra

Attack Damage +80
Armor +330

Burn: Deals 100 (+4 per level) magic damage to nearby enemies every second.

(Bonus: Deals 100% bonus damage to minions and monsters)

Shield of the Lost

Armor +360
Max HP +1200

Spirit Bond: Reduces the attack speed of nearby enemies by 30%

The Aegis

Cooldown Speed +20%
Max Mana +400
Armor +360

Spirit Bond: When taking damage, reduces the attacker’s attack speed by 30% and movement speed by 15% for 3 seconds.

Gaia’s Standard

Magic Defense +240
Max HP +1200
Movement Speed +5%

Regenerate: When taking damage, restores 8% HP over 2 seconds. 10-second cooldown.

Medallion of Troy

Cooldown Speed +10%
Magic Defense +360
Max HP +1000

Blessed: Gains a shield that absorbs 300(+50 per level) magic damage every 18 seconds.

Crimson Banner

Armor +200
Max HP +1500

Bloody Battle: Restores 20% HP over 5 seconds after earning a kill or assist. 10-second cooldown.

Hyoga’s Edge

Armor +100
Magic Defense+100
Max HP +1200

Biting Cold: Normal attacks increase the wearer’s movement speed by 10% and reduce target’s movement speed by 25% for 2 seconds.

Ancestral Glory

Max HP +1000

Resurrect: Revives wearer 3 seconds after death with 40% HP. 3-minute cooldown.

Frost Cape

Cooldown Speed +10%
Armor +200
Max HP +800

Frost Power: After using an ability, the next normal attack reduces movement speed by 30% and deals 150 physical damage (20 additional damage for each level gained) to an area. 3-second cooldown.

Amulet of Longevity
Removed from the game

Max HP +1800
HP +50 / 5 sec

Restores 2% of max HP and 1% of max mana every second after exiting combat.

Boots of Speed

None

Movement Speed +30

Sonic Boots

Armor +110

Movement Speed +60

Reduces normal attack damage taken by 15%.

Gilded Greaves

Magic Defense +110

Movement Speed +60
Resistance +35%

Flashy Boots

Cooldown Speed +15%

Movement Speed +60

Enchanted Kicks

None

Movement Speed +60
Magic Pierce +75

War Boots

Attack Speed +25%

Movement Speed +60

Hermes’ Select

None

Swift: Increases movement speed by 60 after exiting battle.

Movement Speed +60

Kukri

Requires Punish talent to purchase. Once 2nd or 3rd tier jungling equipment is purchased, the Punish talent will become Frostbite. Frostbite deals damage to enemy heroes and reduces their movement speed.

Hunter: Deals 20% extra damage to monsters and receives 20% more experience from killing monsters.

Monster’s Bane

Grants Frostbite talent

Hunter: Deals 30% extra damage to monsters and receives 35% more experience from killing monsters.

Seek and Destroy: Gains 8 ability power and 30 mana for every monster killed. Stacks up to 15 times.

Gnoll Cleaver

Grants Frostbite talent

Hunter: Deals 30% extra damage to monsters and receives 35% more experience from killing monsters.

Wild: Increases maximum HP by 70 for every monster killed. Stacks up to 15 times.

Mr. Stabby

Grants Frostbite talent

Hunter: Deals 30% extra damage to monsters and receives 35% more experience from killing monsters.

Wild: Increases attack damage by 3 for every monster killed. Stacks up to 15 times.

Loki’s Curse

Ability Power +120
Cooldown Speed +10%
Grants Frostbite talent

Curse Power: After using an ability, the next normal attack deals additional damage equal to 35% attack damage (+45% ability power). 2-second cooldown.

Hunter: Deals 30% extra damage to monsters and receives 35% more experience from killing monsters.

Seek and Destroy: Gains 8 ability power and 30 mana for every monster killed. Stacks up to 15 times.

Leviathan

Armor +100
Max HP +750
Grants Frostbite talent

Flame Magic: Deals 90(+5 per level) magic damage to nearby enemies every second.

Hunter: Deals 30% extra damage to monsters and receives 35% more experience from killing monsters.

Wild: Increases maximum HP by 70 for every monster killed. Stacks up to 15 times.

Soulreaver

Attack Damage +60
Grants Frostbite talent
Cooldown Speed +15%
Increased Life Steal +6%

Hunter: Deals 30% extra damage to monsters and receives 35% more experience from killing monsters.

Wild: Increases attack damage by 3 for every monster killed. Stacks up to 15 times.

Soul Taker: Next ability or normal attack on a hero deals an additional (300 +20 per level) magic damage*, and damage output is increased by 7% for 3 seconds (melee combat only) (30 second cooldown)

Whispering Wind

Grants Frostbite talent

Hunter: Deals 30% extra damage to monsters and receives 35% more experience from killing monsters, killing monsters increases its attack speed by 2%, up to 15 stacks

Scorching Wind

Attack Damage +15
Attack Speed +20%
Life Steal +10%
Grants Frostbite talent

Fire Storm: Normal attacks place a mark on the target, dealing 15 additional magic damage each stack (+1 per 3 levels), up to 6 stacks.

Hunter: Deals 30% extra damage to monsters and receives 35% more experience from killing monsters, killing monsters increases its attack speed by 2%, up to 15 stacks.

Bow of Slaughter

Attack Damage +90
Life Steal +10%
Critical Chance +20%

Bloodthirst: Increases Life Steal by 90% for 3 seconds. 60-second cooldown. Only usable by ranged heroes.

Rock Shield

Armor +150
Magic Defense +150
HP +1000

Rock Shield: 3 seconds after activation, gain a shield equal to 30% of the damage taken within those 3 seconds (+12% of Max HP). The shield lasts for 3 seconds. The player’s damage output is reduced by 70% for 3 seconds after gaining the shield. Cooldown: 75 seconds

Arctic Orb

Ability Power +200

Impervious: Immune to all effects for 1.5 seconds. Unable to move, attack, or use abilities. Cooldown: 90 seconds

Wind Stone

Movement speed +5%
Mana per second +8

Wage: Gain 5 gold and experience every 3 seconds if your gold or experience is the lowest on the team.

Water Stone

HP per Second +20
Mana per Second +10

Windrider Talisman

Armor +175
HP per second +40
Mana per Second +15
Movement Speed +5%

Wage: Gain 5 gold and experience every 3 seconds if your gold or experience is the lowest on the team.
Distinction: Gain 30% more gold and experience after a kill or assist

Ring of Gale

Ability Power +60
Movement Speed +5%
Mana per Second +20

Wage: Gain 5 gold and experience every 3 seconds if your gold or experience is the lowest on the team.
Distinction: Gain 30% more gold and experience after a kill or assist

Crystal Talisman

Armor +120

Devotion: Gain a stack of Dedication Buff every 30 seconds. Stacks up to 2 times. If a unit dies within 800 units, consume a stack of Dedication Buff to grant the nearest ally 15 extra gold and 40 experience.
Tidal Force: You and nearby friendly heroes (within 600 units) receive 20 (+1 per level) HP and 10 (+1 per 2 levels) mana per second.

Stream Bracers

Cooldown Speed +10%

Essence of the Wind

Armor +250
Health +600
Movement Speed +5%
HP per Second +40
Mana per Second +15

Wage: Gain 5 gold and experience every 3 seconds if your gold or experience is the lowest on the team.
Distinction: Gain 30% more gold and experience after a kill or assist
Wind Shield (active): Provide nearby hero with the lowest HP a (800 + Hero Level x 80) point shield and 30% movement speed boost for 3 seconds. 45 second cooldown

Ring of the Fiend

Ability Power +90
Cooldown Speed +15%
Movement Speed +5%
Mana per Second +30

Wage: Gain 5 gold and experience every 3 seconds if your gold or experience is the lowest on the team.
Distinction: Gain 30% more gold and experience after a kill or assist.
Eye of the Fiend (active): Gain vision of the nearest enemy for 4 seconds. Cooldown: 30 seconds.

Tidecaller's Mark

Armor +200
Health +600

Purifying Bracers

HP +500
Cooldown Speed +15%

Devotion: Gain a stack of Devotion Buff every 30 seconds. Stacks up to 2 times. If a unit dies within 800 units, consume a stack of Devotion and grant the nearest ally 15 extra gold and 40 experience.
Tidal Force: You and nearby friendly heroes (within 600 units) receive 20 (+1 per level) HP and 10 (+1 per 2 levels) mana per second.

Purification (active): Immediately remove any control effects from a nearby allied hero, and restore 160 + (level x 30) HP and increase their movement speed by 30% for 2 second. The affected hero is immune to slows for the next 2 seconds. 60 second cooldown.

Blade of Eternity

Armor +120

Fighting Spirit: Increase damage dealt by 10%
Nirvana: Resurrects wearer 2 seconds after death with 2000 + (hero level * 100) HP. This effect has a 150 second cooldown and can only be triggered twice in the same match.