The unthinkable has happened—Tinker is back in the meta, and yes, it’s as terrifying as you remember. With recent buffs to his Aghanim’s Scepter and a midlane meta that favors burst and map control, Tinker has returned from the shadows—not as a support, but as a full-fledged core midlaner.
Let’s dive into why Tinker is surging in Patch 7.38c and how you can counter (or abuse) this laser-spamming menace.
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What Changed: Aghanim’s Scepter Rework in 7.38
Tinker’s rise to prominence in 7.38c is fueled by a massive buff to his Aghanim’s Scepter, specifically enhancing his Laser ability.
Key Changes to Laser (with Aghs):
- +700 bonus cast range if you target a nearby unit or creep first.
- Laser bounces to a secondary enemy.
- Laser now applies stackable health reduction to both current and max HP.
Combined with Aether Lens, the new Aghanim’s allows Tinker to nuke from insane distances, out-ranging many conventional spells—even Puck’s Illusory Orb.
This creates a hero that can obliterate targets before they ever reach him, which synergizes perfectly with his Rearm+ Blink mobility.
Why Tinker Works in This Meta
Tinker’s toolset aligns well with the current meta, which favors durable melee cores like Tiny, Ursa, and Lifestealer—all of whom are countered by Tinker’s ranged harassment and blind.
- Blind shuts down right-click cores.
- Laser reduces effective HP and scales into late-game.
- Rearm keeps him active in skirmishes.
Tinker also performs well against heroes like Huskar and Legion Commander, who rely on direct, targeted engagements. Defensive Matrix and his Translocator facet allow Tinker to dodge follow-ups and auto-blink away from danger.
Finally, with jungle camps spread across the map, Tinker’s mobility and farm speed shine. His Rearm-Blink lets him move from wave to wave far faster than most mids.
Optimal Build and Skill Progression
Skill Build
- Level 1: Laser (to deny and secure last hits)
- Max: March of the Machines (to farm waves/jungle)
- Then: Max Laser for fight impact
Core Items
- Kaya: Spell amp + mana regen synergy
- Blink Dagger: Positioning tool for engagement and escape
- Aghanim’s Scepter: The engine of his late-game threat
- Aether Lens: Further increases cast range (especially for Laser)
- Ethereal Blade or Dagon: Adds additional burst potential
- Veil of Discord or Octarine Core: Situational scaling items
Positioning is critical. Focus on repositioning between Rearms and don’t overcommit to diving—your laser range does the work for you.
How to Counter Tinker
Tinker’s power is not without weaknesses—but countering him takes coordination.
Best Heroes Against Tinker:
- Spirit Breaker / Night Stalker: Excellent tree-line chasers
- Magnus: Can Skewer to remove tree coverage
- Zeus / Spectre / Invoker (Aghs): Global reach punishes hidden farming
- Pugna: Nether Ward destroys his mana pool
- Storm Spirit / Ember Spirit: Can zip/jump over his defenses
Game Plan Tips:
- Pressure him early. Tinker is weak pre-Blink, and early deaths delay his timing.
- Take towers early. Without safe areas to farm, he falls behind quickly.
- Control the map. Ward tree lines, buy Gem, and keep his jungle dark.
Tinker’s revival in 7.38c is proof that all it takes is one smart buff to bring a polarizing hero back into relevance. With his massive range, insane damage scaling, and frustrating control, he’s once again one of the most obnoxious—but powerful—mid heroes in Dota 2.
If you’re ready to channel your inner mad scientist, pick up Tinker this patch. Just be warned: your teammates—and enemies—might not thank you.
FAQs
Q: What makes Tinker strong in 7.38c?
A: His Aghanim’s Laser buffs make him a ranged nuker that deals stacking HP reduction, scales into late game, and controls fights from a safe distance.
Q: Is Tinker hard to play?
A: He has a steep learning curve, but if you master positioning, timing, and rearming, he becomes an extremely rewarding hero.
Q: What’s the best facet for Tinker?
A: Translocator, which auto-blinks him away after taking damage with Matrix.
Q: How do you itemize defensively?
A: Pick up Ethereal Blade, Aeon Disk, or Ghost Scepter if the enemy has high burst.
Q: Can Tinker work in lower MMR games?
A: Yes, but success depends on not feeding early and being map-aware. Farming efficiency is key.
