Dota 2 Ringmaster Build: Best Items, Abilities, Facets & Counters

Want to know how to play Ringmaster in Dota 2? You're in the right spot. With a striking resemblance to Heroes of Newerth's Puppet Master, this new devious Intelligence hero is undoubtedly going to shake up the game. Having said that, it's best that you come prepared!

This guide covers everything you need to know about Ringmaster in Dota 2, from the best ability and item build to facet choices and hero counters.

Note: This page is accurate as of Aug. 23, 2024. Ringmaster is a new hero in Dota 2 and is subject to balance changes, in which case certain parts of this guide might become inaccurate over time. Likewise, Valve releases new patches that alter the meta, which can further compromise the integrity of this guide. Discretion is advised.

What Is The Best Ringmaster Ability Build In Dota 2?

Right now, Ringmaster is primarily being played as a Pos 4/5 Support in Dota 2. His ability build appears to be E > Q > W, leveling R whenever possible (51.4% win rate). Noteworthy, Impalement Art is a powerful skill to poke enemies, dealing 75 impact damage plus up to 5% max health DPS over 4s and a 100% MS slow for 0.8s at a 1s CD for only 80 Mana.

At the same time, Escape Act is a great support ability that can protect Ringmaster or allied heroes. When activated, it offers up to 80% bonus magic resistance, 100% slow resistance, and +20% MS speed for up to 3.2s. Most importantly, units are untargetable, making them immune to almost all damage.

Depending on your matchup, you might be compelled to prioritize W over Q, especially if your team is getting steamrolled in the early game phase. Having said that, you might instead opt to prioritize Tame the Beasts if you're playing Ringmaster as a core. It not only deals huge damage (up to 480 damage) but also fears affected enemy units for up to 1.2s on a relatively low 10s CD at max level.

You should upgrade these skills at the following levels:

• Tame the Beasts (Q): 2, 8, 9, and 11
• Escape Act (W): 4, 13, 14, and 16
• Impalement Arts (E): 1, 3, 5, and 7
• Wheel of Wonder (R): 6, 12, and 18.

To get a better idea of Ringmaster's abilities in Dota 2, check ou this hero spotlight:

Talent Build

• Level 25: Escape Act Grants Strong Dispel and Flying / +100 Wheel Radius and Range (+1.4%)
• Level 20: +75/+300 Tame the Beasts Min/Max Damage (+2.2%) / +1s Impalement Arts Bleed and Slow Duration
• Level 15: Debuff Immunity While Channeling Tame the Beasts (+0.7%) / Impalement Arts Penetrates One Target
• Level 10: +200 Escape Act Cast Range / +75 Tame the Beasts Radius (+0.2%)

While your choice of Talent for Ringmaster in Dota 2 is situationally dependent, it seems that most players are opting for the "+75/+300 Tame the Beasts Min/Max Damage" and "+100 Wheel Radius and Range" Talent options at Levels 20 and 25, respectively. There is a negligible difference between the other choices.

What Is The Best Ringmaster Item Build In Dota 2?

While you should itemize according to the unique lineups and conditions of your match, I'll offer a few popular items for Ringmaster in Dota 2. These are based on trend data, so I'll leave it up to you to decide which items are most appropriate for your games.

Early Game Items

• Tangos
• Blood Grenade
• Magic Stick > Magic Wand
• Null Talisman (or Bracer)
• Observer and Sentry Wards

Core Items

• Mana Boots
• Mekanism
• Blink Dagger
• Ghost Scepter
• Rod of Atos
• Glimmer Cape
• Force Staff
• Aether Lens
• Eul's Scepter of Divinity
• Aghanim's Shard

Mid-Late Game Items

• Lotus Orb
• Pipe of Insight
• Gleipnir
• Solar Crest
• Guardian Greaves
• Octarine Core
• Vladimir's Offering
• Scythe of Vyse

Which Facet Should You Choose For Ringmaster In Dota 2?

Ringmaster does not currently have a Facet in Dota 2. He will most likely get one in a future upgrade, along with an Aghanim's Scepter upgrade too.

Which Heroes Counter Ringmaster In Dota 2?

It's still early days for Ringmaster in Dota 2. However, he is currently countered by the following heroes:

• Wraith King (12.4% disadvantage)
• Storm Spirit (12.2% disadvantage)
• Chaos Knight (10.1% disadvantage)
• Juggernaut (9.1% disadvantage)
• Lycan (6.1% disadvantage)

Which Heroes Does Ringmaster Counter In Dota 2?

Ringmaster is quite a strong pick against a diverse lineup but seems to shine especially well against these heroes in Dota 2:

• Slark
• Naga Siren
• Troll Warlord
• Ember Spirit
• Ursa

And that concludes my guide on how to play Ringmaster in Dota 2. As you might know, changes in the meta might make certain aspects of this page redundant. However, I will try to keep it as up-to-date as possible.

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