win.gg
Win.gg Dota 2 How good are the new 7.33 neutral items?

How good are the new 7.33 neutral items?

Author Icon
William Davis Published 25/05/2023
Google Preferred Source

Neutral items got a much-needed makeover in Dota 2 7.33, but players aren’t taking a liking to Valve’s shiny new toys.

After years of tinkering from Valve, neutral items finally feel like a solidified part of Dota 2. Their current form is a far cry from the anarchy of their release, with garbage disposal Lone Druids and overpowered Huskars grabbing as many as they could. With the addition of the token system as a new mechanic in patch 7.33, they’re fairer than ever before.

However, the newest additions to the bunch are still seeing startlingly little play. Are they really as bad as their pick rates would suggest?

Dota 2 patch 7.33 added, among many other things, seven new neutral items for players to consider. They are as follows in ascending order of tier, along with their popularity compared to all items according to Dotabuff:

7.33 neutral items still have insanely low pick rates

All seven of the new 7.33 neutral items are incredibly unpopular, with staggeringly low pick and win rates.

The most popular of the bunch is Dandelion Amulet, which provides 300 mana, 25 move speed, and an active that provides a 300 magical damage shield. It’s versatile and perfect for supports, which makes it stand out against the crowd.

Many of the newest neutrals simply have too specific use cases or are eclipsed by alternatives in the same tier. Take Spark of Courage for example. It either grants bonus damage or armor, but never at the same time. Meanwhile, Broom Handle grants both all the time, along with a nice attack range boost. For intelligence heroes, such as most supports, Arcane Ring does an even better job.

Lich Dota 2

Valve seems to have taken a particular interest in items that change roles depending on the player’s situation. Vindicator’s Axe grants bonuses when the equipped hero is silenced or stunned, which are positions no one wants to be in. Gossamer Cape’s primary feature is only activated upon being attacked, something no hero wants to deal with. Without an enemy hero nearby, Duelist Gloves don’t really do much at all.

Some of their unpopularity can also be attributed to players sticking with what they know. This is especially true for Dota Plus users, who consistently get older items recommended over new ones. Spell Prism has stood the test of time as one of the most popular neutral items, with more than 9 million games in 7.33. Compare that to the most popular pick of the new batch, which is Dandelion Amulet at just over 5 million.

Valve has access to even better numbers, and the developer is likely monitoring the situation closely. Expect to see reworks or number buffs for the new items in 7.33d or beyond, and maybe some retractions in the next numbered patch.

William Davis
About William Davis

View full profile
Read Also
Team Yandex stop the magic, defeating LGD in BLAST Slam VII finals Dota 2
Team Yandex stop the magic, defeating LGD in BLAST Slam VII finals Michael Hassall Team Yandex have defeated LGD Gaming in the grand finals of BLAST Slam VII in a dramatic 3-1 series that saw both teams pushed to the limit, but ultimately Yandex come out on top. Concluding the last major tournament before teams head to the Esports World Cup and The International 2026 next month and in August, Yandex were able to counter the momentum of LGD that had brought them into ...
BLAST Slam VII Finals Predictions and Picks – Can LGD make it all the way? Dota 2
BLAST Slam VII Finals Predictions and Picks – Can LGD make it all the way? Michael Hassall LGD Gaming in the top three of a tournament!? What is this 2021? BLAST Slam VII has been one of the most surprising tournaments of the year, and has capped off the pre-EWC and TI season with some of the most thrilling gameplay we’ve seen in months. And the finals are set to be even more exciting. With just three teams left there’s a lot on the line, from the ...
Easiest Dota 2 Heroes for Beginners – Best Picks to Learn the Game Dota 2
Easiest Dota 2 Heroes for Beginners – Best Picks to Learn the Game Simon Day We can all agree that Dota 2 is a complex game, but starting with the right heroes can make the learning process much smoother. Choosing one of the best Dota 2 heroes for beginners is key to building your skills and enjoying your matches. That’s why it’s time to explore the heroes that are easy to understand, effective in the game and great for learning the fundamentals. Without going into ...
BLAST Slam VII Playoffs Preview – Visa issues transform the playoff picture Dota 2
BLAST Slam VII Playoffs Preview – Visa issues transform the playoff picture Michael Hassall BLAST Slam VII is the last major tournament before teams lock-in and compete at the EWC and The International, and as a result, we’re seeing a tournament with some unique outcomes. With teams seemingly treating this as a last-minute tune-up before the championship clashes of the next two months, a South American team has topped the table and some of the best teams in the world are either without players ...
TI-Champions Tundra Esports exit Dota 2 as roster transfers to 1win Dota 2
TI-Champions Tundra Esports exit Dota 2 as roster transfers to 1win Michael Hassall Tundra Esports has revealed it’s leaving Dota 2 after six years and a victory at The International 2022. The UK-based organization has announced its roster will transfer directly to 1win for future events. The announcement, posted on Tundra's socials on June 1, confirms rumors and earlier social posts from 1win which hinted at a new lineup. With the move, however, questions about 1win’s existing EEU roster and attendance at The ...
A full weekend of TI15 tickets will cost you just $280 – If you don’t mind the view Dota 2
A full weekend of TI15 tickets will cost you just $280 – If you don’t mind the view Michael Hassall Alongside the team invites for The International 2026, Valve today (May 26) unveiled the pricing and details of how to purchase tickets for TI15, and the price is the lowest in years. For years we’ve seen the price of The International Prize, with a peak of around $700 as a lowest price for a full weekend for both 2023 in Seattle, and 2024 in Copenhagen. But after a fall in ...
Valve has announced the TI15 invites: Here’s why some team names are very different Dota 2
Valve has announced the TI15 invites: Here’s why some team names are very different Michael Hassall It’s around three months until The International 2026, TI15, and Valve has just unveiled the direct invites and qualifier invites to the event, but eagle-eyed fans will notice some strange names in the team lists. Valve unveiled the invites in the small hours of the morning on May 26 (late evening on May 25 for their HQ in Bellevue, Washington), detailing the seven direct invites, regional qualifier invites, and some ...