The Gyrocopter, also known as Aurel Vlaicu, is among the most versatile and dangerous heroes in Dota 2. Known for his high damage output and incredible versatility, Gyrocopter dominates the battlefield with a unique combination of ranged attacks, area-of-effect abilities, and crowd control. This guide will break down everything you need to know about Gyrocopter, including his biography, attributes, roles, abilities, talents, recommended items, gameplay strategies, and much more. Whether you’re a new player testing the Dota 2 waters or a seasoned veteran looking to master this aerial hero, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive Gyrocopter guide.

Gyrocopter’s Background – The Aerial Pioneer

Gyrocopter is inspired by Aurel Vlaicu, a Romanian aviator and one of the pioneers of early flight. As a fictional homage, Aurel Vlaicu in Dota 2 serves as the pilot of the world’s first non-magical flying machine. This theme is deeply embedded in his design and abilities, which emphasize aerial combat and high-speed offense. Gyrocopter’s unique blend of technology and combat prowess makes him an engaging and fun hero to play. His lore portrays him as daring, bold, and always ready to engage in battle, traits that bleed into his gameplay mechanics as well.

Attributes and Statistics – The Foundation of Gyrocopter

Understanding Gyrocopter’s base stats and attribute bonuses is key to successfully utilizing him in the game. Below, we’ve outlined his core attributes and how they impact gameplay:

Attribute Bonuses

  • Health: +22 HP per attribute point
  • HP Regeneration: +0.1 per attribute point
  • Armor: +0.17 per attribute point
  • Attack Speed: +1 per attribute point
  • Main Attack Damage: +1 per attribute point
  • Mana: +12 MP per attribute point
  • Mana Regeneration: +0.05 per attribute point
  • Magic Resistance: +0.1% per attribute point

Base Stats

  • Health: 604
  • Mana: 327
  • Armor: 6.33 (Effective Health: 833.4)
  • Magic Resistance: 27.1% (Effective Health: 828.53)
  • Attack Range: 365 (functions as a ranged unit despite being on the lower side of the spectrum)
  • Attack Speed: 125 (1.7s Base Attack Time)
  • Projectile Speed: 3000
  • Turn Rate: 0.6
  • Vision Range: 1800/800 (day/night)

Roles and Playstyle – Versatility in Combat

Gyrocopter’s versatility allows him to perform well in numerousroles, including Carry, Nuker, and Disabler. Here’s how he fits into each of these roles:

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Carry

Gyrocopter excels as a late-game carry with the ability to scale heavily through his talents and item builds. His Flak Cannon gives him excellent team-fight potential, hitting multiple enemies at once and accelerating his farm rate.

Nuker

With high burst damage from Rocket Barrage and Call Down, Gyrocopter can obliterate squishy heroes or dominate team fights in early-to-mid-game engagements. His magical damage makes him particularly effective against heroes with low HP pools.

Disabler

Gyrocopter’s Homing Missile provides consistent crowd control, making him a useful disabler to chase down opponents or initiate fights. The stun guarantees that enemies are locked in place for follow-up attacks.

Abilities – Mastering Gyrocopter’s Skills

Gyrocopter’s abilities define his gameplay. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

Rocket Barrage

  • Type: Magical
  • Description: Gyrocopter launches rockets at nearby enemies within a 400-unit radius. The ability fires 10 rockets per second for 3 seconds.
  • Damage Per Rocket: 8/14/20/26
  • Mana Cost: 85 (all levels)
  • Cooldown: 7/6.5/6/5.5 seconds
  • Tips: Avoid engaging blind fights, as Rocket Barrage does not affect targets out of vision.

Homing Missile

  • Type: Magical
  • Description: Deploys a missile that homes in on a targeted enemy unit, dealing damage and stunning them.
  • Cast Range: 1050 units
  • Damage: Scales with ability level
  • Aghanim’s Shard Upgrade: Causes Homing Missile to fire a radius Rocket Barrage for consistent AoE damage.

Flak Cannon

  • Type: Physical
  • Description: Provides a buff that allows Gyrocopter’s attacks to hit all enemy units in a radius.
  • Ability Duration: 12 seconds
  • Aghanim’s Scepter Upgrade: Adds a Side Gunner, which passively fires at enemies, enhancing Flak Cannon’s DPS.

Call Down

  • Type: Magical
  • Description: Summons aerial missile strikes at a target location, dealing damage and slowing enemies.
  • Cast Range: 1000 units
  • Damage: 250/425/600 (scales per level)
  • Slow Effect: 50% for 4 seconds

Recommended Items for Gyrocopter

Selecting the right items for Gyrocopter is crucial for maximizing his potential. Below is a list of core items and situational items:

Core Items

  • Power Treads: Boosts attack speed and provides a toggle for extra stats.
  • Black King Bar (BKB): Ensures survivability during team fights by granting spell immunity.
  • Manta Style: Adds agility, damage, and creates illusions for additional confusion and DPS.
  • Monkey King Bar (MKB): Counters evasion-based heroes while improving attack damage.

Situational Items

  • Satanic: Provides lifesteal and a strong dispel for survivability in extended fights.
  • Butterfly: Grants additional evasion and damage to enhance late-game presence.
  • Daedalus: Increases critical damage, making each attack pack a punch.

Gameplay Tips – How to Dominate as Gyrocopter

  • Positioning is crucial. Ensure you’re in a safe location while maximizing Flak Cannon’s radius.
  • Use Homing Missile to set up ganks and control the flow of fights.
  • Level Rocket Barrage early on for superior early-game damage in close combat.
  • Farm efficiently using Flak Cannon to clear large creep waves and jungle camps simultaneously.

FAQ Section – Everything You Need to Know About Gyrocopter

Is Gyrocopter a good hero for beginners?

Yes, Gyrocopter’s abilities are straightforward, and his versatility allows him to fit into various playstyles, making him an excellent choice for beginners.

What role does Gyrocopter usually play?

He is primarily played as a Carry or Nuker, depending on the team composition and game strategy.

How do I counter Gyrocopter?

Heroes with gap closers or high burst damage, such as Phantom Assassin and Pugna, can counter him effectively.

What items are essential for Gyrocopter?

Core items include Power Treads, Black King Bar, and Monkey King Bar, with situational options like Satanic and Butterfly.

What is Gyrocopter’s strongest ability?

Flak Cannon is his strongest ability due to its AoE attacks, which can demolish entire enemy teams when paired with items like Daedalus.

How can I optimize Gyrocopter’s farm?

Use Flak Cannon for wave clear and jungle farming to quickly accumulate gold and outscale opponents.

What are Gyrocopter’s main weaknesses?

His reliance on positioning and relatively low mobility can make him vulnerable to gap-closing heroes and crowd control.

Does Gyrocopter need Aghanim’s Scepter or Shard?

Yes, both upgrades are highly useful, with the Scepter adding a Side Gunner for extra DPS and the Shard enhancing Homing Missile’s utility.

What are the ideal teammates for Gyrocopter?

Support heroes like Crystal Maiden and Ogre Magi who provide slow, stuns, or buffs pair excellently with Gyrocopter.

How does Gyrocopter perform in the late game?

With the right farm, Gyrocopter becomes a beast in the late game, capable of dishing massive AoE damage to wipe out teams.

How-to Guide – Playing Gyrocopter Effectively

Step 1: Early Game

Focus on last-hitting and denying creeps while maximizing Rocket Barrage for lane skirmishes. Buy early game items like Bracer or Magic Wand for sustain.

Step 2: Mid Game

Start looking for ganking opportunities using Homing Missile and Call Down. Focus on farming key items like BKB and Manta Style.

Step 3: Late Game

Stick with your team and shine in large-scale fights. Activate Flak Cannon and Side Gunner through Aghanim’s Scepter to unleash devastating damage.