Blade Mail is one of the most iconic and versatile items in Dota 2. Widely favored by tanky heroes looking to punish aggressive enemies, its ability to reflect damage makes it an essential pickup in various scenarios. Whether you’re diving into fights as Axe or countering glass-cannon carries, understanding how to utilize Blade Mail effectively can significantly impact your gameplay. In this guide, we’ll delve into Blade Mail’s stats, abilities, itemization strategy, and best-use cases to help you maximize its potential.
Blade Mail in Dota 2 – Cost, Stats, and Recipe
Blade Mail can be purchased from the main shop for 2300 gold, making it a mid-tier defensive and offensive item ideal for heroes who expect to take a lot of damage.
Base Stats
- Damage: +18
- Armor: +7
Recipe
Blade Mail is built using the following components:
- Broadsword – 1000 gold
- Chainmail – 550 gold
- Recipe – 700 gold (available at the home shop)
Blade Mail – Active and Passive Abilities
Blade Mail’s power lies in its ability to reflect damage back to opponents, making it a deterrent against high-damage output heroes.
Active Ability – Damage Return
- Duration: 5.5 seconds
- Mana Cost: 25
- Cooldown: 25 seconds
- During activation, the hero reflects 85% of all incoming damage back to the attacker.
Passive Ability – Damage Return
- Continuously reflects 20% of attack damage received by the hero.
- Also returns 20 base damage to attackers.
- Works on all sources of damage but does not reflect damage from another Blade Mail.
- The type of reflected damage mirrors the damage type received (physical, magical, pure).
Best Heroes to Buy Blade Mail On
Blade Mail is most effectivewhen used by heroes that are naturally tanky or expected to take significant damage in fights. Some of the best heroes to buy Blade Mail on include:
- Axe: Synergizes with Berserker’s Call to force enemies to hit him while Blade Mail is activated.
- Legion Commander: Amplifies effectiveness during Duels by punishing enemies with massive reflected damage.
- Centaur Warrunner: Works well due to his tanky nature and Return ability.
- Timbersaw: Allows him to dive enemy backlines and punish heroes outputting high burst damage.
- Pudge: Perfect for disrupting squishy opponents after hooking them in.
Blade Mail – When to Buy and How to Use It Effectively
Best Timing for Blade Mail Purchase
Blade Mail is most useful when:
- You are playing against high-damage heroes who rely on burst.
- You are frequently targeted in fights and need a way to deter enemies.
- Your team lacks a frontline tank, and you need to soak up damage.
How to Maximize Blade Mail’s Effectiveness
- Activate Before Taking Heavy Damage: Time your activation during bursts of high incoming damage (such as enemy ultimates).
- Combine With Other Items: Blade Mail works well with Black King Bar (BKB) and Force Staff for mobility and survivability.
- Use Against Fragile Damage Dealers: Heroes like Sniper, Tinker, and Invoker take severe damage from Blade Mail.
Blade Mail Patch History and Changes Over Time
Blade Mail has seen several significant changes over various patches:
- Patch 7.32 – Duration increased from 4.5 seconds to 5.5 seconds.
- Patch Adjustments – Cooldown changed multiple times, currently at 25 seconds.
- Reflections now apply correctly to spell damage when active.
How to Use Blade Mail in Dota 2 – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Determine Whether You Need Blade Mail
If you’re frequently targeted in fights or facing strong nukers, adding Blade Mail to your build is a good decision.
Step 2: Time Your Activation Properly
Use Blade Mail during moments of high incoming damage. Avoid activating it too early or too late, as the window of effectiveness lasts only 5.5 seconds.
Step 3: Positioning Matters
Engage enemies strategically. When playing heroes like Axe or Legion Commander, ensure you’re in the middle of the fight.
Step 4: Use Blade Mail With Disables
Force enemies to attack by combining it with disable abilities like Berserker’s Call or Duel.
Step 5: Consider Additional Survivability Items
Items such as Black King Bar or Pipe of Insight help ensure you are not stunned or silenced before using Blade Mail.
Frequently Asked Questions About Blade Mail in Dota 2
What is Blade Mail used for in Dota 2?
Blade Mail is a defensive item that returns damage to enemies who attack the hero wielding it.
How much damage does Blade Mail return?
When active, Blade Mail reflects 85% of all incoming damage. The passive component returns 20 base damage plus 20% of the damage received.
Does Blade Mail work on spells?
Yes, during its activation period, Blade Mail reflects spell damage back to the caster.
Can Blade Mail reflect damage from towers?
No, Blade Mail does not reflect damage dealt by towers or wards.
Does Blade Mail stack with another Blade Mail?
No, Blade Mail does not reflect damage from another Blade Mail.
Which heroes are best with Blade Mail?
Heroes that are tanky and frequently take damage like Axe, Legion Commander, and Centaur Warrunner benefit the most.
What are the best items to use with Blade Mail?
Black King Bar (BKB), Force Staff, and Blink Dagger are excellent complementary items.
When should I buy Blade Mail?
It’s ideal to purchase Blade Mail if you’re constantly being targeted in fights or facing high-damage enemies.
How often should I activate Blade Mail?
Use it strategically when you’re about to take heavy incoming damage to maximize its effects.
Does Blade Mail work against lifesteal or spell lifesteal?
Yes, Blade Mail returns damage before lifesteal or spell lifesteal is applied.
Conclusion
Blade Mail is a powerful item that punishes enemy aggression and deters attackers. Whether countering high-damage heroes or reinforcing your tankiness, timing its activation properly can change the tide of battles in your favor. Consider incorporating Blade Mail into your build when playing frontline heroes, and use it strategically to maximize its impact.
Source : Torte de Lini Dota 2
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