Starting in late 2019, the inclusion of neutral items in Dota 2 has become an essential aspect of the game's strategy and mechanics. These items, characterized by their distinct approach to acquisition and the additional enhancements they provide to the game, are essential for players seeking to gain an advantage over their adversaries.
This article explores the mechanics of Dota 2 neutral items, discussing their importance, acquisition, and influence on gameplay.
What Are Dota 2 Neutral Items?
Items of a distinct nature fall into a unique category, which players have the opportunity to acquire solely from neutral creeps dwelling in the jungle. Unlike conventional products, these cannot be purchased or traded in stores and are impervious to damage.
Every player possesses a distinct item slot exclusively for neutral items, yet it is still possible to store multiple items in your stash. Therefore, a player can only equip one of them at any given moment, necessitating players to carefully evaluate which option is the most optimal, considering the wide range and levels of neutral items that are accessible.
Understanding the Mechanics Behind Dota 2’s Neutral Item and Token Drops
The way of obtaining neutral items has transformed Dota 2, potentially for the better, especially with the implementation of Neutral Tokens in patch 7.33. In previous times, gamers would depend on the fortune of the selection from neutral creep drops. Still, Icefrog, the mastermind behind the game, completely revamped the system to provide a more equitable and just approach.
Alternative tokens, similar to coins, took the place of direct item drops from neutral creeps. After triumphing over these adversaries, players are rewarded with tokens that, when activated, offer a diverse array of five Dota 2 neutral items to select from.
Once you've made your selection, it becomes a lasting decision throughout the entire game. This highlights the significance of making well-informed choices that take into account your hero and even your team's requirements, particularly if you excel at supporting. The tokens and the items they provide are still organized into tiers, just like before. There are five tiers in total, and they increase as the game progresses beyond a specific duration:
- Level 1 - following 07:00+ Minutes
- Level 2 - following 17:00+ minutes
- Level 3 - following 27 minutes or more
- Level 4 – beyond 36 minutes and 40 seconds
- Level 5 – beyond 60:00+ minutes
Sharing of Neutral Items Is No Longer Possible
Since the release of patch 7.33, players are no longer able to trade these items with each other. This change is a departure from the previous mechanics, which allowed players to exchange items in order to optimize their team compositions. Additionally, it is not possible to trade neutral items in Dota 2.
This alteration requires a more strategic mindset when choosing items. Players must now carefully weigh their options, as once they decide on a specific tier of item, they are unable to change it. In addition, team members may receive duplicate neutral items.
Round Up of Neutral Items in Dota 2
- Every player is given a unique assortment of five random neutral items for each tier level.
- Players have the option to relinquish their unused Neutral Tokens, allowing their teammates to acquire them. This promotes a sense of teamwork and discourages individualistic behavior.
- Inactive objects are undetectable by other participants.
- Neutral Tokens can be utilized straight from the backpack without any delay in equipping.
- Adversaries can snatch Neutral Tokens that have been left on the ground, introducing an element of danger to the task of promptly retrieving them.
Top Picks for Balanced Items
There are a few that really shine and are in high demand. Interestingly, these are frequently objects that provide a distinct impact or capability. On the other hand, lackluster Neutral items are those that offer minimal enhancements, like a slight boost to attack or stats.
It appears that most people agree that selecting the neutral item that aligns with your hero's attribute is the best course of action. As an example, heroes with high intelligence can gain advantages from items that provide mana regeneration or boost their intelligence, like Arcane Ring and Fairy's Trinket (Tier 1).
Continuing with the given example, the Psychic Headband (Tier 3) is an excellent choice because it can enhance the range of skill casting and boost intelligence.