Orb of Venom, The Orb of Venom is a popular basic item in Dota 2 that provides a passive slow effect and damage over time to enemies hit by the wielder’s attacks. This makes it a crucial item for early-game harassment, chasing down opponents, and controlling engagements. Available for purchase at an affordable price of 250 gold, the Orb of Venom is a staple for melee heroes looking to gain an edge in skirmishes. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into its mechanics, benefits, and how to maximize its potential within various hero builds.
What is the Orb of Venom in Dota 2?
The Orb of Venom is a basic item that passively applies a poison effect to enemies hit by the wielder’s standard attacks. This poison effect slows the target’s movement speed and deals magic damage over time. Due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, it is often favored by aggressive early-game heroes who seek to control the lane or secure kills during small skirmishes.
Orb of Venom – Item Details
- Cost: 250 gold
- Category: Basic Items
- Availability: Purchased from the Home Shop
- Effect Type: Passive
- Ability Name: Poison Attack
Poison Attack – The Passive Effect
The Orb of Venom grants heroes a passive ability called Poison Attack, which enhances their standard attacks with poison, slowing targets and applying magic damage overtime.
Effect Details
- Magical Damage: Deals 2 damage per second for 2 seconds
- Slow Effects:
- Melee heroes slow target movement by 13%.
- Ranged heroes slow target movement by 4%.
- Dispellable: Yes
- Does not pierce debuff immunity
- Affects illusions
- Total Damage Output: 4 magic damage over 2 seconds
Strategic Uses of The Orb of Venom
This item is highly useful in various early-game scenarios:
- Lane Harassment: Heroes can apply constant pressure by attacking enemies, forcing them to retreat or consume regeneration items.
- Ganking: Slowing down enemies during early rotations makes securing kills significantly easier.
- Chasing: Helps heroes close gaps and prevent targets from escaping.
- Melee Heroes: More effective when equipped by melee heroes due to the higher movement slow percentage.
Best Heroes to Use Orb of Venom
Effective Orb of Venom Carriers
- Slardar: Benefits from the slow when chasing enemies with Guardian Sprint.
- Spirit Breaker: Allows for better control during Charge of Darkness pursuits.
- Bristleback: Amplifies his tanky and aggressive laning playstyle.
- Night Stalker: Ideal for disrupting enemies during Night Time aggression.
- Tusk: Works well with his snowball initiation.
- Earth Spirit: Enhances early skirmish potential with slows.
Combining the Orb of Venom with Other Items
Despite being a standalone basic item, the Orb of Venom can interact well with certain item builds.
Orb of Corrosion Upgrade
- Orb of Venom combines with a Blight Stone (300 gold) and a Fluffy Hat (250 gold) to form Orb of Corrosion.
- Orb of Corrosion provides improved stats along with additional slow effects and armor reduction.
Synergizing with Lifesteal Items
- Morbid Mask: Works well by sustaining health while applying the poison slow.
- Mask of Madness: Helps chase down weakened enemies despite its active debuff.
How to Use Orb of Venom Effectively
Early Game Usage
- Buy it immediately if you plan to harass the enemy in lane.
- Ensure that you hit enemies frequently to maintain slow effects.
- Pair it with aggressive supports who can further disable opponents.
Mid to Late Game Transition
- Consider upgrading into an Orb of Corrosion.
- Sell it if it becomes less effective compared to stronger slow effects.
FAQs – Orb of Venom in Dota 2
What does the Orb of Venom do?
Orb of Venom applies a poison effect that slows enemy movement speed and deals magic damage over time.
How much does the Orb of Venom cost?
It costs 250 gold and is available in the Home Shop.
Who should buy an Orb of Venom?
Melee heroes who rely on chasing and attacking enemies frequently benefit the most from this item.
Does the Orb of Venom stack with other slows?
Yes, but slow effects from different sources usually diminish in effectiveness due to diminishing returns mechanics.
Can ranged heroes benefit from Orb of Venom?
Yes, but the slow effect is significantly weaker (4%) compared to melee heroes.
Is the poison effect dispellable?
Yes, it can be removed with dispel mechanics.
Does Orb of Venom work on illusions?
Yes, the poison effect does apply to illusions.
What is the best item upgrade for Orb of Venom?
The Orb of Corrosion is a logical upgrade, improving its slow potency and adding armor reduction.
When should you sell Orb of Venom?
Generally in the mid to late game when better slow-inducing items or core upgrades become available.
Does Orb of Venom work against magic immunity?
No, its slow and damage effects do not pierce debuff immunity (such as Black King Bar).
Conclusion
The Orb of Venom might be a small and inexpensive item, but its impact on early fights and lane control is substantial. For melee heroes looking to assert dominance in the early laning phase or hunting down foes, this item provides reliable slow and additional chip damage. Choosing when to buy, upgrade, or sell the Orb is key to maximizing its efficiency in any given match.
Source :ZQuixotix
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