Stout Shield, The Stout Shield was one of Dota 2’s most iconic early-game items, providing crucial damage block for melee and ranged heroes alike. This small but effective piece of equipment was a staple in many builds, helping heroes mitigate harass and trade more effectively in the laning phase. However, in patch 7.23, the Stout Shield was removed from the game, leaving many players reminiscing about its impact. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the history, attributes, balance changes, and eventual removal of the Stout Shield from Dota 2.
History of the Stout Shield in Dota 2
The Stout Shield was first introduced in Dota 2 as a core defensive item, primarily used by melee heroes to mitigate incoming auto-attacks. Over the years, this item underwent several balance adjustments, influencing hero builds and game strategies.
Initial Purpose and Attributes
- Damage Block: The Stout Shield provided a 50% chance to block 20 damage from melee attacks and 9 damage from ranged attacks.
- Gold Cost: Initially priced at 300 gold, the cost was gradually reduced through patches.
- Stacking Mechanic: At one point, multiple Stout Shields could be stacked for greater damage block, though this was later changed.
Balance Changes – Rise and Fall of the Stout Shield
Throughout its lifespan, the Stout Shield was subject to multiple adjustments aimed at refining its effectiveness.
Patch 6.75 – Cost Reduction
One of the earliest adjustments to the Stout Shield came in patch 6.75, where the item’s cost was reduced from 300 to 250 gold, making it more accessible to early-game players.
Patch 6.84 – AdjustedDamage Block and Cost
- Damage block chance decreased from 53% to 50%.
- Blocked damage was lowered from 20 (10 for ranged) to 16 (8 for ranged).
- Its cost was further reduced from 250 to 200 gold, ensuring that players could purchase it more easily.
Patch 7.07 – Minor Buff and Side Shop Removal
At this point, the Stout Shield received a minor buff: its block values increased from 16/8 to 18/9. However, the item was removed from the Side Shop, making it necessary for players to purchase it from the base shop.
Patch 7.22e – No More Stacking
Before its final removal, the Stout Shield received one last major nerf. In patch 7.22e, multiple instances of Stout Shield no longer stacked, meaning heroes could only benefit from a single instance of its damage block effect.
Final Removal – Patch 7.23
The Stout Shield was entirely removed in patch 7.23 as part of a significant overhaul to the game’s early-game balance. This update also saw the removal of other iconic early-game items, signaling a shift in gameplay philosophy.
Comparison to Other Removed Items
The Stout Shield wasn’t the only defensive item to meet its end. It had a counterpart—the Poor Man’s Shield—which provided additional agility and defensive benefits. However, that item was also eventually removed, reinforcing Valve’s intention to move Dota 2 away from early-game damage block items.
How to Adapt to the Removal of Stout Shield
Pick Alternative Early-Game Defensive Items
With the removal of the Stout Shield, players had to rethink their defensive item choices. Some popular alternatives include:
- Vanguard: A higher-cost alternative that provides both health regeneration and damage block.
- Orb of Corrosion: Offers durability alongside offensive benefits such as slow and armor reduction.
- Armor-Based Items: Armor pickups like Ring of Protection and Chainmail help heroes mitigate damage.
Improve Positioning and Farming Efficiency
Without Stout Shield’s damage block, melee heroes need to be more mindful of positioning when farming creeps and engaging in trades. Efficient last-hitting and avoiding unnecessary harassment have become even more critical.
Utilize Health Regeneration
Since players can no longer rely on Stout Shield for tankiness, picking up early healing items like Tangoes, Healing Salves, and Magic Stick can significantly improve laning sustainability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stout Shield in Dota 2
Why was the Stout Shield removed from Dota 2?
The item was removed in patch 7.23 as part of a broader game rebalance aimed at restructuring early-game defensive builds.
What patch removed the Stout Shield?
The Stout Shield was officially removed in patch 7.23.
Did the Stout Shield stack in Dota 2?
Yes, initially, multiple Stout Shields could stack. However, patch 7.22e removed this mechanic.
What was the original cost of Stout Shield?
It originally cost 300 gold but was later reduced to 250 gold (patch 6.75) and then to 200 gold (patch 6.84).
Was Stout Shield better for melee or ranged heroes?
The item was significantly more effective for melee heroes since it blocked more damage (20 damage vs. 9 for ranged attacks).
What alternatives replaced Stout Shield?
Vanguard, Orb of Corrosion, and various armor-based items have become preferred choices after its removal.
Was Stout Shield removed along with Poor Man’s Shield?
No, Stout Shield was removed in patch 7.23, whereas Poor Man’s Shield had already been removed earlier.
Did Stout Shield work against all types of damage?
No, it only worked against physical attack damage, making it ineffective against magical and Pure damage.
Did any heroes rely heavily on Stout Shield?
Melee heroes like Juggernaut, Anti-Mage, and Axe frequently used Stout Shield for early-game durability.
Is there a chance Stout Shield will return?
As of now, there are no indications from Valve that the Stout Shield will return to the game.
Conclusion
The Stout Shield was a fundamental item in Dota 2’s early game, providing valuable damage block for melee heroes. Its removal in patch 7.23 marked a shift in how players approached defensive early-game strategies. While items like Vanguard and Orb of Corrosion have taken up similar roles, many still look back fondly at the Stout Shield’s Era of dominance. Whether it returns to the game remains uncertain, but its legacy as a crucial early item remains undeniable.
Source : Korvo!
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