Flying Courier, The Flying Courier in Dota 2 was once an essential item that played a crucial role in the game’s strategic depth. Over the years, multiple updates transformed how couriers functioned, leading to the removal of the Flying Courier as a separate purchasable item. Today, every player has an Animal Courier that automatically upgrades into a Flying Courier at the three-minute mark. This article explores the history, mechanics, and eventual removal of the Flying Courier in Dota 2.
History of the Flying Courier in Dota 2
The Flying Courier has been a fundamental part of Dota 2 since its early days, allowing players to quickly transport items across the map. Over time, it underwent significant adjustments to improve gameplay quality and balance.
Original Cost and Upgrades
- Initially, players had to purchase an Animal Courier for 170 gold and later upgrade it to a Flying Courier with an additional 200 gold, making the total cost 370 gold.
- Patch 6.87 slightly adjusted costs, increasing the Flying Courier price to 220 gold while reducing the Animal Courier price to 150 gold, keeping the total cost at 370 gold.
- In early versions, upgrading to a Flying Courier required a separate recipe that had to be placed in the courier’s inventory.
Evolution of the Flying Courier
Automated Courier Upgrades
Initially, players had to manually purchase the Flying Courier upgrade. However, later patches simplified this mechanic:
- Patch 6.69 introduced automatic upgrades when the Flying Courier recipe was purchased.
- Patch 7.24 removed the manual upgrade process entirely, ensuring that an Animal Courier would automaticallyupgrade into a Flying Courier once the game reached the three-minute mark.
Abilities and Mechanics
Over the years, the Flying Courier had several unique abilities, but many were modified or removed for balancing purposes:
- It once possessed “Courier Shield,” which granted temporary invulnerability, but this was removed in Patch 6.73.
- Patch 7.24 brought back a similar shield ability with a duration of 2 seconds and a cooldown of 200 seconds.
Removal of the Flying Courier from Dota 2
With gameplay becoming more streamlined, Valve eventually removed the Flying Courier as a purchasable item. Instead, it now automatically upgrades at the three-minute mark, simplifying the game and ensuring every player has courier access without additional cost.
Reasons for Removal
- To eliminate unnecessary micro-management.
- To ensure that all players had equal access to the courier without an economy imbalance.
- To improve the game’s pacing and reduce courier snipe tactics.
Current State of Couriers in Dota 2
Today, every player in a Dota 2 match has an individual Animal Courier that upgrades into a Flying Courier on its own. These couriers move faster than before and come with protective abilities to increase their survivability.
Key Features of the Modern Courier System
- Every hero has their own courier from the start of the game.
- Animal Couriers automatically upgrade into Flying Couriers at the three-minute mark.
- Improved movement speed makes couriers harder to intercept.
How to Use the Courier Effectively in Dota 2
Utilizing the Flying Courier for Maximum Efficiency
Despite the absence of a manual Flying Courier upgrade, using your courier effectively can grant your team an early-game advantage. Follow these tips to maximize courier usage:
- Queue Deliveries Efficiently – If multiple teammates request items, avoid repeated courier trips.
- Use the Courier Shield Ability – When under threat from enemy heroes, activate its shield ability to make it invulnerable briefly.
- Park the Courier in Safe Zones – Instead of sending it directly back to base, leave it in a hidden safe spot close to your lane.
- Upgrade Base Boots First – Having Boots of Speed in your inventory before courier deliveries can ensure faster transportation.
FAQ – Flying Courier in Dota 2
Why was the Flying Courier removed from Dota 2?
The Flying Courier was removed as a separate item to simplify gameplay and eliminate the need for manual upgrades.
When did the Flying Courier stop being a purchasable item?
Patch 7.24 integrated it automatically into the game at the three-minute mark.
Can couriers still be killed?
Yes, enemy heroes can still kill couriers, but couriers gain more movement speed and have a shield ability to increase survival chances.
Does the Flying Courier still provide vision?
No, it only functions as a delivery unit and can no longer be used to scout enemy territory.
How much does a courier cost now?
Couriers are free at the start of each game; every hero has their own.
What happens if my courier dies in Dota 2?
If your courier dies, it will respawn after a short cooldown, but you won’t be able to receive deliveries during that time.
Can you control your teammates’ couriers?
No, couriers are now hero-specific, and each player has exclusive access to their courier.
What abilities does the courier have?
Modern couriers have increased movement speed, the ability to use items, and a 2-second invulnerability shield.
Is the Flying Courier still viable in competitive play?
Yes, it plays an essential role, ensuring that players get their items efficiently without relying on teammates.
What should I do if my courier is frequently getting sniped?
Always move the courier along safe paths, use its speed boost, and activate the shield ability when necessary.
Conclusion
The evolution of the courier system in Dota 2, specifically the removal of the Flying Courier as a purchased item, has streamlined the game and improved quality of life for players. Now, with automatic upgrades and improved features, managing a courier no longer requires additional gold investment or micro-management. This change ensures that every player can efficiently receive their items, making the gameplay experience smoother for all.
Source : Scudei
Stay updated with reliable Dota 2 news sources. Visit dota2gamers.gg and for more insights about Dota 2.
