Fellow Dota 2 enthusiasts, it’s a known fact that being a support player is no easy feat, and having the right items can make all the difference in the world. Therefore, we’ll take a look at the top 8 must-have support items in Dota 2.
From lane, early-game items to late-game items, we’ll cover it all. Let’s gear up and ensure our team’s success on lanes!
Best Support Items in Dota 2 – Our Pick
Support players in Dota are usually faced with a dilemma: ”should I save money to buy good items or spend it all wards and consumables?” Well, there’s no right answer. The dynamics of each game dictate how much money you can get and what’s the best thing to spend it on. But worry not; we’re here to rank the top 10 support items for you! Let’s go.
1. Crimson Guard: The Support’s Dilemma
The Crimson Guard – a bit of a puzzle when it comes to support items. It’s got its perks, but there’s a catch.
First off, building it up seems solid. Early Vanguard helps toughen up, but it’s not so friendly to ranged supports, and the whole Crimson Guard package costs a hefty 3725 gold. Compare that to Drums or Mekansm, and you might hesitate.
The timing is where things get tricky. In the early game, it’s too pricey, and magical damage is the main threat. By the mid-game, physical damage becomes more common, and Crimson Guard steps up. The problem? Physical damage scales up fast, and what once felt like a shield against 200-damage hits becomes a bit feeble against heavy hitters.
Now, don’t toss Crimson Guard aside completely. It has its moments, especially against those hard-hitting carries who love to spread the pain. It’s not an everyday pick, but when the situation calls for it, Crimson Guard can be your team’s surprise defense.
2. Solar Crest: Your Support Sidekick
Now, let’s talk about Solar Crest, the trusty sidekick in every support’s toolkit. It brings a bunch of good stuff – four to all attributes, 200 health, 300 mana, four armor, and a bonus 25 movement speed. What’s cool? You can grab its parts in any order, and they won’t break the bank.
Now, the real deal is the active power – Shine. Activate it, and you or your buddy get a seven-armor boost, move 15% faster, attack 70% quicker, and enjoy a sturdy 400 damage shield for eight seconds. It’s like an OVERCHARGED mode against physical hits.
But, just like its buddy Crimson Guard, Solar Crest has a timing thing. Not that good early on when magic is ruling, and not the late-game savior against big damage numbers. However, despite its quirks, Solar Crest is a reliable teammate. With a friendly cost and a versatile Shine ability, it might not be the star, but it’s a solid player in the Dota 2 support game.
3. Drums of Endurance: Support’s Rhythmic Choice
Drums of Endurance takes the stage as the second act in the support item lineup. It’s certainly better than some counterparts, but still not that good.
First off, let’s talk stats – and Drums delivers. Grab an early Wind Lace, and you’re set. An extra seven strength and int might not make you a superhero, but it’s a solid health and mana boost for any hero. The real kicker is the Endurance ability – a sweet speed boost that can turbocharge your team for taking down objectives, chasing foes, or making a speedy getaway.
But here’s the thing – it often feels a bit… underwhelming. Sure, 13% extra movement sounds nice, but in the chaos of Dota 2, it’s not always the great escape ticket you hope for, especially against a Storm or any other hero that can stun or slow. And to add a dash of reality, you only get eight charges. Once those run out, you’re left with a stat stick – not as exciting.
Sure, you could level up to Boots of Bearing for an unlimited, better active, but that recipe is one of the priciest in the game. Drums is a solid, budget-friendly item that helps your team gain momentum. However, it falls short on long-lasting impact, runs out of charges sooner or later, and upgrading to eternal beats is a costly affair.
4. Pipe of Insight: Your Team’s Magic Guardian
Forget Crimson Guard; let’s talk about the real deal – Pipe of Insight. In Dota 2, magic damage rules the early game, and Pipe is here to shut it down.
Pipe gives all nearby allies a solid 450 magic shield influenced by magic resistance. It lasts 12 seconds, perfect for high-ground sieges or facing Roshan. Plus, you get a bonus 10% magic defense with the Insight aura.
No other item beats Pipe when it comes to protecting your team from magical mayhem. In a world where almost every Dota 2 lineup packs magic damage, Pipe of Insight is your go-to for tanking up.
5. Mekansm: Your Universal Healing Elixir
Now, let’s talk about Mekansm, the go-to healing potion for any Dota 2 player, regardless of the lineup or opposition. Healing is a game-changer, and Mekansm delivers a solid 1375 health to the entire team. No other item in Dota 2 offers such a generous health boost at such an affordable price.
The build-up is sweet too. Start with an early Headress to shrug off lane harassment, granting a total of 270 hp regeneration for both you and your lane partner.
However, there are two hitches holding Mekansm back from the top spot. First off, unlike Crimson Guard, there’s a golden window to buy it – early game. A 275 heal is a lifesaver in the early minutes, but once you hit the 20-minute mark, it loses some of its magic.
So, while Mekansm may not reign supreme in all situations, it remains your universal healing tool, ready to turn the tide of battle when used wisely.
6. Glimmer Cape: The Silver Lining for Support Players
When it comes to Dota 2 support items, Glimmer Cape snags the silver medal, and it’s well-deserved.
Behold the Harry Potter’s Cloak of Invisi-err, Glimmer Cape, a true marvel. Sure, it naturally grants 25% magic resistance, which is a nice bonus, but the real star is the Glimmer ability.
Activate Glimmer, and watch some serious stuff unfold. The target becomes invisible, cloaked in a 300-point magic shield, and blessed with an extra 40-movement speed. Turning allies invisible isn’t just cool; it’s incredibly useful. Whether you’re saving a friend in a tight spot or setting up a sneak attack on unsuspecting foes, those few seconds of invisibility work wonders. And the best part? It’s on a 14-second cooldown, making it a versatile tool in your support arsenal.
So, when it comes to turning the tide of battle with a touch of magic, Glimmer Cape is your silver lining.
7. Force Staff: The Reliable Sidekick
At the top of the support item hierarchy sits the dependable Force Staff. When it comes to stats, you’re looking at a solid 175 health (a step up from the Fluffy Hat’s 125) and a decent 10 intelligence. Perfect for supports focused on surviving and casting spells.
But what truly makes Force Staff shine is its active ability. A 600-range push, working on friends and foes alike. It’s versatile-shove enemies into a tight spot or help an ally find a safe haven. Force’s utility is only limited by your imagination. So, get creative, maybe even grab a couple for the fun of it.
One more thing about the Force Staff, it goes great with Blink Dagger. Having two ways to escape, move around, and engage is great! That’s why heroes like Earthshaker or Rubik are crying for this item. After all, fighting in Dota is all about position, and Force Staff is your go-to item to get the best position!
8. Eul’s Scepter of Divinity: Support’s Must-Have
Eul’s Scepter is a bit pricey but a game-changer for support. With +10 intelligence, +150% mana regeneration, and +40 movement speed, it’s perfect for support heroes.
Why is it a must-have? Simple. It keeps your spells flowing smoothly, ensures you’re nimble, and, most importantly, disrupts enemy focus when your main hero is in trouble. It might cost a bit, but for any serious support player, Eul’s is non-negotiable.
Later on, you can even upgrade it to Wind Walker, a true tier 5 item in Dota 2. However, it is costly, and it does require you to farm and get gold in order to do so, but the results are promising. Most importantly, it’s a good idea to start with Eul’s and then get a couple more items before you get to upgrade it to Wind Walker.
Conclusion
In Dota 2, support items are a toolkit for strategic plays. From sturdy picks like Crimson Guard to budget-friendly Drums of Endurance, each item has its role. Pipe of Insight shields against magic, Mekansm heals universally, and Glimmer Cape adds a touch of invisibility. Eul’s Scepter disrupts enemy focus, while the reliable Force Staff gives a helpful push.
These items offer versatile choices for supports to survive, help, and do what they do best – make the game easier for their carry and mid player.
