The ever-turbulent world of professional Dota 2 is once again buzzing with whispers from the Chinese region. Unconfirmed reports, initially surfacing from the “Chinese Muesli” Telegram channel, suggest that Team Tidebound – a formidable contender in the 2025 circuit – might be on the brink of a significant roster upheaval. The crux of the rumor points to the potential departures of two pivotal players: offlaner Zhang “Faith_bian” Ruida and position four support Lin “pLAnet” Hao, leaving the team with a skeleton crew of just two players and their coach.
Faith_bian`s Potential Farewell: A Champion`s Contemplation
For fans of competitive Dota 2, the name Faith_bian carries significant weight. A celebrated offlaner known for his strategic prowess and clutch plays, his potential exit is arguably the most impactful aspect of these rumors. The reports indicate that Faith_bian is considering an extended break from professional play, a hiatus that, according to his own interviews, could very well lead to a permanent retirement from the demanding esports scene. Such a move would mark the end of an era for a player who has consistently performed at the highest level, leaving a substantial void in any team he departs from.
pLAnet`s Looming Departure: A Crucial Support Role in Question
Compounding Tidebound`s potential woes is the rumored departure of pLAnet. As a position four support, pLAnet`s role is critical in orchestrating early game skirmishes, vision control, and setting up plays. His absence would necessitate a complete rework of the team`s support dynamic, a task that is rarely simple, especially mid-season or during crucial periods of roster solidification. The combined loss of both an offlaner and a support player would fundamentally alter Tidebound`s strategic approach and overall stability.
A Team in Flux: Tidebound`s Roster Rollercoaster
This isn`t Tidebound`s first rodeo with roster instability. Formed in January 2025, the team quickly rose to prominence, culminating in appearances at prestigious tournaments like The International 2025 and a championship title at Clavision DOTA2 Masters 2025: Snow-Ruyi. However, the cracks began to show in October when midlaner Cheng “NothingToSay” Jin Xiang transferred to Xtreme Gaming. Curiously, Tidebound never officially announced a replacement for NothingToSay, leaving fans to wonder about the team`s long-term plan even before these new rumors surfaced. One might suggest they were merely postponing the inevitable, or perhaps, they were simply caught unaware by the rapid turnover inherent in competitive esports.
The Search for Replacements: Assistant Coach to the Rescue?
Speculation is already rife regarding potential replacements. According to Zhou “Emo” Yi, the midlaner for Yakult Brothers, Tidebound`s assistant coach, Li “niu” Kongbo, might step in to fill the offlane position vacated by Faith_bian. While coaches often possess deep game knowledge, transitioning directly into a high-pressure competitive playing role is a different beast entirely. It often signals a scramble to fill crucial positions rather than a deliberate strategic choice, underscoring the severity of the team`s predicament.
What Lies Ahead for Team Tidebound?
If these rumors prove true, Team Tidebound faces an arduous path forward. With potentially only two core players and a coach remaining, the task of rebuilding a competitive roster capable of challenging at the top tier of Chinese and global Dota 2 will be immense. The esports landscape is unforgiving, and rapid roster changes, especially of key players, can often derail a team`s trajectory entirely. The coming weeks will undoubtedly be critical as the Dota 2 community awaits official announcements or further developments regarding the future of Team Tidebound. One thing is certain: the tide, it seems, is turning.
This article is based on unconfirmed rumors and speculation circulating within the Chinese Dota 2 community. Official statements from Team Tidebound or the players involved have not yet been released.
