Patch 7.38c has shifted the game in subtle ways, and while many eyes are on the flashy cores, some of the most meaningful changes have empowered key utility items. This patch, position 4 (roaming) supports are thriving through Spirit Vessel abuse, and a couple of heroes stand out as the best in class.
If you’re a support player who wants to tilt the game in your favor through early aggression, map control, and healing suppression, these are the top 2 position 4 picks to run this patch.
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#1 – Phoenix: The Vessel Machine
Phoenix continues to thrive in 7.38c as one of the best scaling utility supports in the game, and she’s now better than ever with Spirit Vessel buffs.
Why Phoenix Works
- Spirit Vessel now reduces healing by 70% (up from 60%).
- If you die and have no charges, you still gain 1 charge, reducing item variance.
- Phoenix’s Sun Ray synergizes perfectly with Vessel, addingsustained % HP burn.
The Hotspot and Dying Light facets are both great:
- Hotspot: Empowers Sun Ray.
- Dying Light: Adds AoE burn when Phoenix is low HP.
Item Build
- Start: Wind Lace, Tangos, Mangoes, Ward
- Early: Tranquils or Arcane Boots, Urn
- Core: Spirit Vessel, Shard (Sun Ray during Supernova)
- Extras: Glimmer Cape, Lotus Orb, Aeon Disk, Wraith Pact
Phoenix’s unique strength is her AOE zone control and wave clear. Once level 7, she farms lanes effortlessly, enabling scaling despite being a support.
#2 – Clockwerk: Vision and Control God
Clockwerk remains one of the most reliable initiators and all-around disruptive forces in Dota—and now, with a better Spirit Vessel, he’s back in a big way.
Why Clock Is Still a Beast
- Battery Assault makes Vessel procs deadly.
- Strong early-game laning into map-wide pressure.
- One of the best heroes at isolating key targets with Hookshot + Cogs.
Even though Battery Assault no longer hits creeps, that’s not a big issue in average pubs—Clock’s control and pick-off power matter more.
Item Build
- Start: Orb of Venom, Tangos, Mangoes
- Early: Boots, Wind Lace, Stick
- Core: Urn > Spirit Vessel, Force Staff
- Extras: Lotus Orb, Blade Mail, Glimmer Cape, Aghanim’s Shard
The biggest benefit of Clock in 7.38c is that you always have something useful to do. You don’t need to wait for big cooldowns or farm items—you go and make chaos.
Why Spirit Vessel Is the Real MVP
Both heroes are empowered by how strong Spirit Vessel is this patch:
- 70% healing reduction shuts down heroes like Abaddon, Warlock, Tinker, and even Wand-heavy laners.
- Reduces regeneration so significantly that even tanky heroes like Bristleback or Centaur feel squishy.
Other viable pos 4 Vessel carriers: Bounty Hunter, Nyx Assassin, Snapfire, and Spirit Breaker.
If you’re queuing up for ranked and want to carry from the 4 position, Phoenix and Clockwerk are the supports to trust. With high win rates, oppressive tools, and incredible synergy with Spirit Vessel, they’ll help you control the map and tip teamfights in your favor.
Pick them. Buy Vessel. Win games.
FAQs
Q: Why is Spirit Vessel so good now?
A: It now reduces healing by 70% and grants a charge on death with 0 charges—making it less risky and more reliable.
Q: Is Phoenix difficult to learn?
A: She has a learning curve, especially with Sun Ray and Egg positioning. But once mastered, she’s one of the best scaling supports in the game.
Q: Can Clockwerk still farm with Battery Assault nerfs?
A: He’s slower at farming, but his playstyle doesn’t rely on that. You play for aggression and kills.
Q: What counters these heroes?
A: Phoenix can be countered by Egg hitters or silences. Clock can be kited with Force Staffs or magic immunity.
Q: What makes these heroes top-tier in pubs?
A: They’re simple, disruptive, and have massive teamfight impact, especially with Spirit Vessel’s buffs.
