Dota 2 pros are rushing Helm of the Dominator with no starting items

William Davis Published 30/07/2021

Helm of the Dominator is one of the least-bought items in Dota 2, but Tundra Esports off-laner Neta “33” Shapira loves rushing it.

According to Dotabuff, HotD has been purchased in only .06% of public matches over the past month. It has a bottom-tier 46.86% win rate, but a new off lane build centers around Helm’s solid stats and infinitely useful active. 

33’s new off lane build notably rushes Helm of the Dominator as the very first item. Boots, Magic Stick, and Bracers are all postponed. The optimal inventory at six minutes is just a Quelling Blade and Helm of the Dominator. 18 stat points, six health regeneration, and six armor are enough to sustain the laning phase. 

The most striking part of this spicy off lane build is the starting item kit, or lack thereof. Tundra’s Neta “33” Shapira starts with no items at all. Anchor Smash and 740 starting health are enough for Tidehunter to save 925 gold for Helm of Iron Will. Other durable off lane heroes like Mars, Slardar, and Underlord could also go for this build.

The ability to control a neutral creep is the real draw of the item. A similar sentiment drove double-TI champions OG to draft Chen multiple times in the tournament. Helm of the Dominator also makes creeps just as tanky as level four Holy Persuasion. There are several powerful auras available in the jungle, including 30% bonus damage from an Alpha Wolf or six health regeneration from a Satyr Banisher.

The dominated creep’s usefulness is limited only by the controller’s creativity. Tundra offlaner 33 accelerated Oliver “skiter” Lepko’s farm on Anti-Mage by dragging creep waves into skiter’s farming pattern. He even parked a ranged creep near OG’s base to snipe couriers. Creative players can find tons of clever uses for Helm of the Dominator.

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