Pudge Fake Retreat: Bait Chasers and Turn

A fake retreat makes the enemy think you are running away. You walk back into the fog, they chase, and then you turn around with a hook or Rot. It works because chasers stop thinking about danger once they feel they are winning.

What is a fake retreat as Pudge?

A fake retreat is a turn that looks like an escape. You back off as if you are low, scared, or done with the fight. The enemy follows to finish the job. Once they are far from their allies, you stop and fight.

Pudge is good at this because he is tanky and has spells that punish chasers. Meat Hook can pull a chaser who stops at the edge of the fog. Rot slows anyone close to you. Dismember holds a hero in place while your team arrives.

The trick only works if the retreat looks real. If you back off in a strange way, smart enemies will smell the trap.

How do you make a retreat look real?

Move like a player who wants to live. Walk toward your base or your tower, not into a random corner. Take a path that makes sense for someone running away.

Do not stop to look back too soon. A Pudge who turns around every few steps looks like he is waiting for something. Keep walking until the chaser is fully committed.

Some details help sell it:

• Back off after taking real damage, so it feels earned.
• Walk away from your lane partner if it lets the enemy think you are alone.
• Avoid casting spells while you walk, since that shows you still want to fight.
• Use fog and trees so the enemy loses sight of you for a moment.

Where should you turn and fight?

The best spot is one where the enemy is far from help and you are close to it. Turning near your own tower is strong because a chaser who attacks you there may draw tower attacks. Turning near hidden allies is even better.

Fog is your friend. When you walk into the trees, the enemy loses vision. They may follow you blind, guessing your path. When they step in, you can be waiting with a hook or with Rot already on. The fog hooks guide explains how hidden spots work.

Avoid turning in open ground where the enemy can see your whole team. If they spot your allies, they will just stop chasing.

When should you turn with Hook, Rot or Dismember?

Each spell fits a different moment. Pick based on how close the chaser is.

If the chaser stops at the edge of the fog, a hook can pull them in. This works well when they hesitate and stand still for a moment.

If the chaser is right behind you, turn on Rot. The slow keeps them from walking away, and the damage adds up. Then use Dismember to hold them while your allies help.

If an ally is waiting nearby, Dismember is often the best opener. It locks the target down and gives your team time to arrive. Check the channel length on the abilities page.

When does a fake retreat fail?

Fake retreats can go wrong. If more than one enemy chases, turning may just mean you die faster. Count the chasers before you commit to the turn.

They also fail when you are really too low. If one more hit kills you, turning is not a trick, it is a gamble. In that case, keep running. The low health bait guide covers when you can afford the risk.

Finally, enemies learn. If you fake a retreat every time, they will stop chasing. Mix it up, and sometimes really back off. The mind games guide has more ideas for keeping enemies guessing.

FAQ

Is a fake retreat the same as baiting?

They are close. A fake retreat is one kind of bait where you pretend to run. Other baits can involve standing still or showing yourself on purpose.

Does a fake retreat work in high ranked games?

It can, but better players chase less blindly. You need a more convincing retreat and a better turn spot. Work with allies so the turn has real power behind it.

Should I use Meat Shield during the turn?

Yes, if the enemy is about to burst you. Meat Shield blocks damage for a short time and lets you survive the moment you stop running.

Checklist

• Back off like a real retreat, toward safety.
• Do not look back or cast spells too early.
• Use fog and trees so the chaser loses sight of you.
• Turn near allies or your tower, never in open ground.
• Count the chasers before you commit.
• Mix real retreats with fake ones.