Build the first Heat and wave advantage

0:00–14:00, especially each crash, recall, and the 5:00–15:00 objective cycle

From the first wave until the first objective cycle, secure CS while deciding whether the lane is a push, hold, or retreat state. If Heat is below 50%, avoid spending spells just to create a weak trade; if Danger Zone is available, use the stronger spell effect around an enemy last hit or a wave contest. Build a crash before recalling or moving. When ahead, make the opponent farm in Flamespitter range and threaten the long lane; when behind, take safe XP and CS, avoid extended fights inside a large enemy wave, and preserve Scrap Shield for disengage. Your first transition is the first successful crash or a forced recall, not a random roam.

Lane

Spend Heat in deliberate windows

If the first waves are near the center and your Heat is below 50%, prioritize last hits and a controlled push rather than forcing a long trade. When Heat reaches Danger Zone, use the strengthened basic spell window to contest the next last hit or drive the opponent away, then stop casting before 100% unless the Overheating window's attack speed and bonus basic-attack damage clearly win the exchange. If the enemy wave is larger, concede space instead of fighting inside it.

With Rumble

• If Rumble is preparing Heat before a fight, avoid starting a random skirmish that forces him to spend it early. Give him a visible front line and let him approach the choke with his spells ready.
• If Rumble places Equalizer across an entrance, move with the zone rather than splitting away from it. Enemies forced to cross the flames are easier for the team to punish, while an isolated Rumble cannot make the zone matter.
• If Rumble is pushing a side lane with Teleport available, hold the opposite side of the map without taking a losing 4v5. When the enemy sends multiple players to answer him, convert that information into a tower or objective only if your group has the numbers and vision to do so.
• If Rumble is behind, protect his access to safe waves and let him defend narrow approaches. Do not demand a blind engage from him; his strongest comeback pattern is making the enemy walk into sustained damage while the team contests with information.