I'm curious about the sentiment around here that Oak is really weak early game. Given what I've seen online from other Oaks I would be inclined to agree. However, I simply find that I have no problem whatsoever as Oak early game. I rarely go back to the crystal, have no trouble gaining kills; 2v1 is bad for any demigod. Maybe my competition is just bad.
I just read all the time about how Oak is so weak early game with accounts of what happens and am perplexed as to why the Oak simply doesn't just do action x or y and then the problem goes away. It does for me. The biggest example is sustainability early on. Get monks, micro them properly. Get banded+scalemail asap. Abuse rejuvenation potions. Depending on DGs, utilise rank one soul power's +40 damage and spirit ward's +20. Never take unecessary damage. Use rank 1 penitence judiciously. It's all about health, not mana, early on. All of this makes the difference between hiding next to your tower and muscling the opponent out of your lane.
I just don't see it. I never have a problem early game. What am I missing? As far as I can see it, Oak is easy to play badly early on, but that doesn't take away from his maximum performance.
