Understanding the 6 Roles in Mobile Legends
Every hero in Mobile Legends has a role that determines their playstyle. Understanding roles is the first step to becoming a good player.
1. Marksman
Main Task: Deal damage from long range and be the team's primary DPS source in late game.
Characteristics:
- Long attack range
- Highly item-dependent
- Weak early game, strong late game
- Needs protection from tank/support
Example Heroes: Miya, Layla, Bruno, Beatrix, Moskov
Tips:
- Farm as much as possible in early game
- Don't go in alone
- Position behind the tank during teamfights
2. Mage
Main Task: Deal magic damage and crowd control to enemies.
Characteristics:
- Main damage comes from skills (not basic attacks)
- Most have CC skills (stun, slow)
- Usually in mid lane
- High burst damage
Example Heroes: Eudora, Kagura, Yve, Valentina, Pharsa
Tips:
- Clear waves quickly then rotate to other lanes
- Save CC skills for dangerous enemy heroes
- Keep distance — mages are usually squishy
3. Assassin
Main Task: Quickly eliminate squishy enemy heroes (marksmen & mages).
Characteristics:
- High mobility (many dash/blink abilities)
- Very high burst damage
- Usually in jungle
- Very squishy, dies easily if hit by CC
Example Heroes: Hayabusa, Ling, Fanny, Lancelot, Saber
Tips:
- Target enemy marksmen/mages, not tanks
- Wait for enemy CC skills to be used before engaging
- Farm jungle efficiently
4. Fighter
Main Task: Be a semi-tank that can deal damage and sustain.
Characteristics:
- Fairly high durability
- Decent damage output
- Usually in EXP lane
- Can be initiator or follow-up
Example Heroes: Chou, Yu Zhong, Paquito, Lapu-Lapu, Terizla
Tips:
- Win your lane first
- Help teamfights after winning lane
- Build hybrid (damage + defense) according to situation
5. Tank
Main Task: Protect the team, be the frontliner, and initiate teamfights.
Characteristics:
- Highest HP and defense
- Low damage
- Many CC skills
- Task is to roam and help all lanes
Example Heroes: Tigreal, Khufra, Atlas, Franco, Johnson
Tips:
- Initiate teamfights when enemies are unprepared
- Protect your marksman/mage
- Check bushes before your team passes through
- Build defense items according to enemy damage type
6. Support
Main Task: Provide heal, shield, and buff to the team.
Characteristics:
- Support skills (heal, shield, buff)
- Not focused on damage
- Roams with tank or alone
- Very important in teamfights
Example Heroes: Rafaela, Estes, Mathilda, Floryn, Angela
Tips:
- Stay in the back, don't engage first
- Prioritize healing core heroes (marksman/mage)
- Use ultimate skills at the right timing
Understanding roles is fundamental for good drafting. Use Itembuild Draft Assistant to get pick & ban recommendations based on the roles you need!