How to Hook Through a Creep Wave as Pudge

A Pudge hook through a creep wave fails because Meat Hook grabs the first unit in its path, and creeps count. To hook past a wave, find an angle where no creep stands on the line to your target. Then wait for the moment the enemy hero steps clear of their creeps.

Why do creeps block your hook?

The hook flies in a straight line and stops at the first unit it touches. It does not choose heroes over creeps. If a creep walks into the line, the hook catches the creep instead. A non-ancient creep caught this way is killed, but the hero you wanted walks free.

A blocked hook still costs mana and puts the ability on cooldown. That leaves you without your main threat for a while. The enemy knows this too, so a wasted hook is often their signal to play more aggressively.

Creeps move constantly. A line that is clear when you start the cast may be blocked by the time the hook flies. Watch where the creeps are heading, not only where they are.

Where should you stand to get a clean angle?

Head-on hooks through the middle of a lane are the hardest. The wave sits right between you and the enemy, so almost every line is blocked.

Move to the side of the lane instead. From the edge of the trees or the river, you can aim diagonally past the wave. The enemy hero often stands behind or beside their creeps, and a side angle reaches them without crossing the crowd.

Standing to the side also hides you better. A Pudge in the trees is harder to track than one standing in the open lane. The guide to hooking from fog of war explains how to use that.

When does the enemy step away from their creeps?

Enemy heroes leave the cover of their wave for clear reasons. Learn these moments and wait for them.

• Last hits: a hero walks forward to hit a dying creep, often stepping in front of the wave.
• Harass: a hero moves up to attack you or your lane partner.
• Pulls and stacks: a support walks toward a neutral camp, away from the lane.
• Runes and items: a hero leaves lane to grab a rune or meet a courier.
• Retreat: a hero walks back toward their tower once the wave is low.

The last-hit moment is the most common in lane. Watch enemy creeps that are low on health. The enemy hero will usually move toward them, and you can aim at the spot where they will stop. The hook prediction guide goes deeper on reading this movement.

How does the wave clash change your options?

When the two waves meet, creeps bunch up in the middle and stand still for a while. That creates a crowded block in the center of the lane, but it also opens space on the sides.

Heroes who want last hits must stand near the clash. Heroes who want to stay safe stand further back. Either way, they are no longer hidden behind a moving line of creeps. Use this time to look for gaps and side angles.

As creeps die, the wave thins. A thin wave has more holes for your hook. A fresh, full wave has very few. Your best chances usually come late in a clash, when only a few creeps remain.

Can you use creeps to your advantage?

Yes. The enemy also watches the wave, and many players feel safe behind their creeps. That false safety makes them lazy with their position. When a gap opens, they may not notice in time.

Your own creeps can help too. Your lane partner can push the wave or pull it, which changes where enemy creeps stand. Talk with your partner about where you want the wave to be. A wave near your side of the lane often means enemies walk further to reach it.

Avoid hooking enemy creeps on purpose to farm or deny. It wastes the ability you need for heroes. Check the current cooldown on the Pudge abilities page before deciding a throw is worth it.

What mistakes should you avoid near the wave?

The most common mistake is impatience. Throwing into a crowded wave and hoping for a gap rarely works. Waiting a few seconds for a clean line is usually better.

Another mistake is ignoring creep movement. Creeps keep walking and fighting, so their position shifts during your cast. Aim through gaps that will stay open, not gaps that are about to close.

Finally, do not stand still in the middle of the lane. You become easy to read, and enemies will simply keep creeps between you and them.

Checklist

• Before throwing, trace the line to your target and check for creeps on it.
• Move to the side of the lane for diagonal angles past the wave.
• Wait for the enemy to step forward for a last hit or to harass.
• Look for gaps late in a wave clash when few creeps remain.
• Coordinate with your lane partner on where the wave should sit.
• Save the hook for heroes instead of creeps.