Platemail Dota 2 Item ⇒ Best Upgrades & When to Buy

In Dota 2, survivability is crucial, especially when facing opponents with high physical damage output. One of the most effective ways to mitigate incoming attacks is through armor, and Platemail is a core item that provides a substantial armor boost. This defensive item significantly enhances a hero’s resilience, particularly against right-click heavy heroes. In this article, we will dive deep into Platemail’s attributes, cost efficiency, build paths, and strategic impact, helping you determine when and how to incorporate it into your game plan.

Source : Acex2Ron

What is Platemail in Dota 2?

Platemail is a basic defensive item in Dota 2 that grants a significant armor bonus to heroes. It is widely used in building various high-tier items that further improve survivability. Given that physical damage plays a huge role in Dota 2, Platemail often becomes a must-buy for heroes needing extra durability.

Platemail – Cost and Sell Value

Cost: 1400 gold
Sell Value: 700 gold

Since its sell value is exactly half of its purchase price, it allows some flexibility if players need to sell it in favor of another item.

Bonus Stats – What Does Platemail Provide?

+10 Armor: Platemail grants 10 armor, one of the highest armor bonuses for a standalone item in the game.

Armor is a crucial stat in Dota 2 as it directly reduces incoming physical damage, making Platemail extremely valuable against heroes reliant on normal attacks.

Impact of Armor on Physical Resistance

Armor in Dota2 follows a logarithmic scaling, meaning that each additional point of armor reduces incoming physical damage. The effectiveness of armor varies depending on how much total armor a hero has:

At low armor values (0-7), each additional point provides a ~6% increase in physical resistance.
At higher armor values, the percentage increase is lower, but it still significantly boosts effective health against physical attacks.

Thus, Platemail is an excellent investment, especially for heroes trying to counter physical damage-heavy drafts.

Strategic Considerations – When to Buy Platemail?

Platemail is beneficial in multiple situations:

Against Physical Damage: If the enemy team consists of right-click-heavy heroes (e.g., Phantom Assassin, Clinkz, or Templar Assassin), Platemail provides immense value.
For Frontline Heroes: Tanky heroes that act as damage absorbers, such as Tidehunter or Axe, greatly benefit from the additional armor.
In Prolonged Engagements: Heroes who rely on sustain, like Omniknight or Abaddon, can extend their presence in fights by reducing the damage they take.

How to Use Platemail Effectively

Standalone Usage

While Platemail is primarily a component item, it can be effective even when bought early to mitigate physical damage before transitioning into other items.

Building into Advanced Items

Platemail is a key component in assembling several powerful defensive items, including:

Assault Cuirass: Boosts team-wide armor and reduces enemy armor.
Shiva’s Guard: Provides armor, intelligence, and an AoE freezing effect.
Lotus Orb: Gives armor and a dispelling active ability.
Crimson Guard: Adds health and damage block in addition to armor.

How to Buy and Utilize Platemail in Dota 2

Step 1 – Determine the Need

If facing heavy physical damage opponents, prioritize purchasing Platemail.

Step 2 – Acquire Gold

Farm efficiently to gather 1400 gold as early as possible to optimize your defensive potential.

Step 3 – Purchase Platemail

Buy Platemail from the Secret Shop, as it is not available in the base shop.

Step 4 – Upgrade into a Core Item

Decide on an upgrade path based on the game scenario—whether you need the utility of Shiva’s Guard or team-based buffs from Assault Cuirass.

Frequently Asked Questions – Platemail in Dota 2

What does Platemail do in Dota 2?

Platemail provides +10 armor, significantly increasing physical resistance for the hero who equips it.

Where can I buy Platemail?

Platemail is available only in the Secret Shop.

What heroes benefit most from Platemail?

Tanky heroes like Bristleback, Centaur Warrunner, and Tidehunter often benefit the most from Platemail.

Does Platemail have an active ability?

No, Platemail is a passive item that only provides an armor bonus.

When should I buy Platemail?

Buy Platemail if you are taking too much physical damage and need extra survivability before upgrading it into a stronger item.

Can Platemail be disassembled?

No, Platemail cannot be disassembled once purchased.

What items can I build using Platemail?

Platemail is used to build Assault Cuirass, Shiva’s Guard, Lotus Orb, and Crimson Guard.

How much does Platemail reduce physical damage?

Armor reduces physical damage logarithmically; with +10 armor from Platemail, physical resistance improves significantly depending on the base armor value.

Is Platemail good against magic damage?

No, Platemail only mitigates physical damage. For reducing magic damage, items like Pipe of Insight or Hood of Defiance are better choices.

Is Platemail useful on supports?

Typically, supports don’t buy Platemail unless they are transitioning into a tanky utility role with Lotus Orb.

Conclusion

Platemail is a highly effective defensive item in Dota 2, granting +10 armor and significantly increasing a hero’s survivability against physical damage. Whether used as a component for high-tier defensive items or purchased as a direct counter to right-click-heavy enemies, Platemail remains an essential tool for tanky heroes. Understanding its mechanics and ideal usage scenarios can give you an edge in crucial matches. Consider incorporating Platemail when the situation calls for it, and you’ll find yourself surviving longer in battles.