The Moon Shard is one of the most unique and powerful items in Dota 2, offering significant advantages to heroes that rely on attack speed and vision. This late-game luxury item can dramatically enhance a carry hero’s damage potential and nighttime awareness, making it a popular choice for players looking to maximize their combat effectiveness. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Moon Shard, including its cost, abilities, recommended heroes, usage strategy, and recent patch changes. Whether you’re unsure about how to effectively incorporate this item into your gameplay or you’re looking to optimize your builds, this guide will provide in-depth insights into its benefits and uses.
Moon Shard in Dota 2 – Properties and Cost
The Moon Shard is classified as an accessory item in Dota 2, though it is fully assembled from components available at the Secret Shop. It is a late-game boost that provides an exceptional attack speed enhancement alongside increased night vision.
- Cost: 4,000 gold
- Available at: Secret Shop
- Category: Accessories
Due to its significant cost, the Moon Shard is typically built later in the game when heroes have already acquired their core items and are looking to maximize their attack speed output.
Abilities – Consume and Passive Effects
Consume Ability
One of the most powerful aspects of the Moon Shard is its ability to be consumed, granting a permanent bonus to a hero:
- Attack Speed Bonus: +60
- Bonus Night Vision: +200
Once consumed, its effects last the rest of the game, freeing up inventory space while still providing impactful benefits.
Passive: Shade Sight
The Moon Shard also grants the passive ShadeSight ability, which increases the wearer’s night vision.
- Bonus Night Vision: +400
This effect does not stack with the +200 night vision boost from consuming the item, but while carried in the inventory, it provides superior visibility, making it valuable in nighttime skirmishes.
Best Heroes for Moon Shard
The Moon Shard is best utilized by heroes that rely heavily on attack speed and sustained damage output. Below are some of the top heroes who benefit from this item:
- Tiny: The attack speed boost counteracts Tiny’s naturally slow attack speed, vastly improving his damage per second (DPS).
- Slark: Increased attack speed allows Slark to steal more agility per fight, increasing his survivability and effectiveness.
- Alchemist: With Alchemist’s ability to generate excess gold, he can easily afford to buy and consume a Moon Shard.
- Lifestealer: Greater attack speed enhances Lifestealer’s damage output and lifesteal efficiency.
- Juggernaut: Increased attack speed synergizes with items like Mjollnir and Battle Fury.
How to Use – Strategy and Itemization
When to Buy the Moon Shard
The Moon Shard is a luxury item acquired in the later stages of the game. It should only be purchased once the core build is completed. Players should prioritize it if they need additional attack speed after handling durability and mobility needs.
When to Consume the Moon Shard
Once an inventory slot becomes crucial, consuming the Moon Shard is the best decision. Core heroes should prioritize consumption, while supports or secondary cores can consider gifting a Moon Shard to their primary damage dealer.
Trivia and Recent Changes
- The Moon Shard was originally introduced as part of Reborn.
- Its active ability was unnamed until July 14, 2017, when it was officially titled “Consume.”
- Recent patches (7.12, 7.16, 7.17) increased its attack speed and vision bonuses.
How to Get and Use a Moon Shard in Dota 2
Step 1: Purchase the Components
Acquire the required gold (4,000) and buy the Moon Shard from the Secret Shop.
Step 2: Decide Whether to Hold or Consume
If inventory space is a concern, consume the Moon Shard immediately. Otherwise, keep it for the passive bonus.
Step 3: Consider Gifting to an Ally
You can use the Moon Shard on an allied hero to transfer its benefits.
Step 4: Monitor Night Vision
Use the extended night vision to your advantage, especially for initiating fights or escaping enemies under low visibility conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions – Moon Shard in Dota 2
What does Moon Shard do in Dota 2?
Moon Shard grants enhanced attack speed and night vision, making it a useful item for late-game carries.
Can you consume multiple Moon Shards?
No, each hero can only consume one Moon Shard per game.
Does Moon Shard stack with other attack speed items?
Yes, the attack speed bonus stacks with other items and abilities that increase attack speed.
Is Moon Shard a good item for support heroes?
Typically, no. It is best suited for core heroes who benefit from increased attack speed and night vision.
What is the best time to buy Moon Shard?
Moon Shard is usually purchased in the late game after acquiring core items like damage, mobility, or survivability items.
Can Moon Shard be gifted to an allied hero?
Yes, players can use the Consume ability on an allied hero to grant them the attack speed bonus.
Does Night Vision from Moon Shard stack?
The passive night vision bonus (400) does not stack with the consumed bonus (200).
Which heroes benefit the most from Moon Shard?
Carry heroes like Tiny, Alchemist, Slark, and Lifestealer benefit the most from Moon Shard.
Why does Moon Shard have lore significance?
Moon Shard is said to be a tear from the lunar goddess Selemene, adding a mystical narrative to its purpose.
Does Moon Shard provide any other buffs?
No, its only bonuses are attack speed and night vision.
Final Thoughts
The Moon Shard is an invaluable late-game item that enhances a hero’s DPS potential significantly. By consuming the Moon Shard, players can permanently add attack speed without occupying inventory space. With its additional night vision perks, this item provides strategic advantages that often turn the tide of battles. By analyzing the game state and using Moon Shard effectively, players can optimize their hero’s effectiveness and secure victory in Dota 2 matches.
Source : DotaCinema
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