Warlock

Warlock is a Ranged Hero and a very powerful Support Hero. His Shadow Word ability makes for an excellent heal as well as a decent harassment tool, and his physical attack helps him to ward off any enemies and keep his friends safe. Though he needs a certain level of planning and management to succeed, his lack of item dependence and powerful skillset make him very easy to play, but difficult to master. Warlock is recommended for beginners.

Basic Strategy

 * Warlock is one of the best babysitters in DotA. Shadow Word allows him to heal his lane parner and Upheaval slows down enemies giving your partner a chance to escape or gank. Try to lane with carry heroes such as Spectre, Phantom Assassin to boost their early-game.
 * Consider going solo lane if your team wants to try early push strategy. Warlock's attack range, projectile speed, and damage allows him to farm nicely against other solo heroes.
 * Shadow Word can also be used as a harassing tool. Cast it on your opponent and keep hitting him whenever it's possible. Make sure you don't get hit by creeps too much while doing so.
 * Fatal Bonds is an immensely useful spell which amplifies your team's damage output. Bond 6 enemies together, and if they are all hit by a single area of effect spell or attack, the total damage will be doubled, since everyone of them will suffer 5x20% extra damage echoed from others.
 * Initiate team fights by casting Chaotic Offering.
 * Use your golem summoned by Chaotic Offering to push towers, clear creep waves, attack weaker enemies during teamfights.
 * You can heal the golem with your Shadow Word to increase his tankiness.
 * Do not attack fleeing enemies with your golem, it will slow you down. Just keep the golem running close to them and let the immolation do the work for you.

Trivia

 * In Dota 1, Warlock's golem had green colored flames.