Cloak, The Cloak is a powerful defensive item in Dota 2, offering magic resistance that enhances a hero’s survivability against spell-based attacks. Costing 800 gold, this item is particularly useful for heroes who need an extra layer of defense against enemies with high magical damage output. With its ability to stack multiplicatively with other sources of spell resistance, the Cloak becomes a valuable investment for core heroes looking to sustain through team fights. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the Cloak, including its stats, functionality, strategic uses, counterplay options, and frequently asked questions.
What is the Cloak in Dota 2?
The Cloak is a basic yet highly effective defensive item in Dota 2 that provides magic resistance. It is particularly useful in mitigating magical damage from enemy spells, making it an essential purchase in certain matchups. This item can be further upgraded into stronger defensive options such as Hood of Defiance and Pipe of Insight.
Cost and Availability
- Gold Cost: 800 gold
- Purchase Location: Base Shop
The Cloak is available for purchase at the Base Shop, making it easily accessible to all heroes regardless of their position or role.
Base Stats – Magic Resistance
- Provides 20% magic resistance.
Magic resistance reduces the amount of magical damage taken by a hero, allowing them to survive longer in fights against heroes who rely on nukes and spells.
Functionality – How the Cloak Works
The Cloak functions by reducing incoming magical damage by a flat 20%. Magic resistance in Dota 2 stacks multiplicatively, which means that if a heroacquires additional sources of magic resistance, the total reduction is calculated in sequence rather than added directly. This makes the Cloak a valuable standalone item and a strong complement to other defensive gear.
Best Heroes to Buy the Cloak
Pudge
Pudge is a tanky hero that often finds himself taking large amounts of magic damage. The Cloak allows him to reduce the impact of burst magic spells, improving his survivability.
Phantom Lancer
Phantom Lancer benefits from the Cloak due to his melee nature and susceptibility to magical bursts. Reducing the magic damage taken increases his longevity in fights.
Other Heroes
- Heroes who buy Hood of Defiance and Pipe of Insight (e.g., Centaur Warrunner, Underlord).
- Supports who need magic resistance against nukers (e.g., Dazzle, Oracle).
Strategic Uses of the Cloak
1. Surviving Burst Magic Damage
The Cloak helps heroes mitigate damage from high-magical output opponents, reducing the risk of dying instantly from spells.
2. Efficient Item Progression
Since the Cloak can be built into Hood of Defiance or Pipe of Insight, purchasing it early can be a cost-effective way to increase durability.
3. Countering Enemy Magic Damage
When playing against spell-casting heroes like Zeus, Lina, or Leshrac, having a Cloak reduces their effectiveness, improving the hero’s chances of survival.
How to Use the Cloak Effectively in Dota 2
Step 1: Identify Enemy Magic Damage
Before purchasing the Cloak, evaluate whether the enemy team relies heavily on magical damage sources.
Step 2: Purchase the Cloak After Laning Stage
It is most effective to buy the Cloak after the laning phase when heroes are most vulnerable to mid-game magical bursts.
Step 3: Upgrade to Advanced Defensive Items
If needed, transition the Cloak into Hood of Defiance for enhanced survivability or Pipe of Insight for team-based magic resistance.
Item Interactions – Stacking with Other Magic Resistance Sources
The Cloak’s 20% magic resistance stacks multiplicatively with other sources of magic resistance in the game, meaning that it has diminishing returns but remains a highly viable defensive option. Here are some notable items it pairs well with:
- Hood of Defiance – Builds directly from the Cloak and provides a barrier against magic damage.
- Eternal Shroud – Converts incoming magic damage into mana, synergizing well with the Cloak.
- Pipe of Insight – Grants a shield to nearby allies, making it an excellent upgrade path.
FAQ – Cloak in Dota 2
What is the effect of the Cloak in Dota 2?
The Cloak provides 20% magic resistance, helping heroes reduce incoming spell damage.
How much does the Cloak cost?
The Cloak costs 800 gold and is available in the Base Shop.
Does the Cloak stack with other sources of magic resistance?
Yes, magic resistance stacks multiplicatively with other sources of spell resistance.
Which heroes benefit most from the Cloak?
Heroes like Pudge, Phantom Lancer, and tanky offlaners benefit the most from increased magic resistance.
Can I sell the Cloak back?
Yes, the Cloak can be sold back to the shop for half its original cost.
What is the best item to build from the Cloak?
Hood of Defiance and Pipe of Insight are the most common item upgrades from the Cloak.
Is the Cloak effective against all types of damage?
No, the Cloak only affects magical damage and does not reduce physical or Pure damage.
Should supports buy the Cloak?
Supports facing heavy magical nukers may benefit from purchasing the Cloak for better survivability.
Can the Cloak be destroyed?
No, the Cloak cannot be destroyed, but it can be disassembled or sold.
What are the best counters to the Cloak?
Enemies using items like Nullifier or heroes that deal pure/physical damage can effectively bypass the Cloak’s magic resistance.
Conclusion
The Cloak is an essential defensive tool for any hero looking to mitigate magic damage in Dota 2. With its affordable cost and the ability to transition into higher-tier resistance items, it provides a solid foundation for mid-game durability. Heroes who frequently endure magical burst damage will benefit greatly from this item, making it a staple choice in many games. Whether used as part of a larger build or as a standalone item, the Cloak remains a reliable pickup against spell-casting foes.
Source : Acex2ron
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