Carry — position 1
The carry (position 1) is the main late-game damage dealer. We break down what the core does on the safe lane, which skills matter and which heroes are easiest to start on.
What the carry does
The carry is the player the team buys time for at the start of the match. It farms gold and experience, collects expensive items and, by the mid-to-late game, becomes the main source of damage. In exchange for that early farm, the carry is obligated to "close out" the game: it's the carry's late-game power that turns an advantage into a win.
Early game and the lane
How the game begins on position 1:
- You stand on the safe lane together with a support (position 5) who protects you.
- The main task is to last-hit creeps and not die, rather than to fight.
- You use the support's protection to farm calmly and save up for your first items.
- Watch the minimap: when a gank threatens, retreat under your tower.
Key skills
What you need to develop to carry the game in this role:
- Last-hitting and farm patterns: alternating the lane, stacks, jungle and pushing waves.
- Farm timings: knowing by which minute you need a key item.
- Positioning in fights — entering when you're already strong and not throwing your life away too early.
- Discipline: don't get greedy and don't farm dangerous zones without vision.
Progress in any role comes faster with a review of your own games. In coaching with a trainer they review your specific position 1 matches and show you what to improve first.
Heroes to start on
To start, pick simpler carries — ones with straightforward farm and no complex micro. Good examples: Juggernaut, Phantom Assassin, Anti-Mage, Spectre, Lifestealer.
For which heroes are strong right now and carry games most easily, see the hero tier list for MMR boosting.
Common mistakes
What most often holds players back on position 1:
- Greedy farming with no involvement in the game: the team loses while you farm the jungle.
- Early fights before key items — a carry without artifacts is useless.
- Farming dangerous zones without a ward and map control.
- Poor choice of the moment to join a fight.
Frequently asked questions
Which lane does the carry play?
The carry plays the safe lane together with a position 5 support, who protects it and helps it farm in peace.
Is the carry hard to play for a beginner?
The carry forgives mistakes in fights but demands good farm and patience. To start, pick simple carries with straightforward farm and practice last-hitting.
What matters most on position 1?
Farm timings and the ability not to die. The carry needs to collect key items and join the game at the right moment, rather than just farming the whole match.
Let's level up your position 1 play
Top-100 EU coaches will review your carry matches and build a growth plan. Or we'll raise your rating with a boost while you're busy.