In the ever-evolving landscape of Dota 2, where the meta shifts faster than Roshan`s respawn timer, pro players constantly seek the next big advantage. This time, the spotlight falls on an unexpected hero in an unconventional role, championed by none other than the legendary Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen and endorsed by Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev. Prepare yourselves, for the ancient lore of Invoker is being rewritten: he`s now lauded as the “broken” king of position 4 supports in Patch 7.39d.
RAMZES666`s Bold Proclamation
Roman “RAMZES666” Kushnarev, a name synonymous with high-level Dota 2 carry play and engaging Twitch streams, recently dropped a bombshell on the community. During a live broadcast, he didn`t mince words about the current state of support Invoker, specifically the Quas-focused build. “Invoker `four` is just broken with Aghanim`s, no kidding,” RAMZES666 asserted, adding, “Flex Invoker, I think, in pro games – it`s just broken right now.”
This isn`t merely hyperbole from a professional player; it`s a direct observation from someone at the pinnacle of competitive play. To call a hero “broken” in Dota 2 implies a level of imbalance that significantly impacts game outcomes, suggesting it provides too much value for its investment or counter-play.
The Topson Touch: Pioneering the Pos 4 Invoker
The inspiration for this daring meta shift, according to RAMZES666, comes from the master of unconventional plays himself, Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen. Known for his audacious item choices and unique hero interpretations, Topson has consistently showcased a Quas-heavy Invoker build as a position 4 support in Patch 7.39d. His streams have been a masterclass in how to extract maximum value from this build, even with a limited support economy.
Topson`s preferred item progression for his support Invoker typically includes:
- Spirit Vessel: Essential for early game skirmishes, health regeneration, and counteracting enemy healing.
- Aghanim`s Scepter: The core of the “broken” aspect, unlocking Invoker`s global ultimate, Cataclysm.
- Aghanim`s Shard: Providing the utility of Jet Stream, offering an area-of-effect movement speed buff and dispel.
- Boots of Travel: Enabling unparalleled map presence, crucial for a roaming support.
The key to this build`s potency lies in the Scholar of Koryx (Quas) aspect. By focusing on Quas, Invoker gains significant health regeneration and enhances the duration and efficacy of his Quas-based spells like Cold Snap and Ice Wall. This allows for sustained presence in lane and highly disruptive crowd control in teamfights, all without requiring the immense farm traditionally associated with a core Invoker.
Dissecting the `Broken` Strategy: Why it Works
The idea of Invoker, a hero traditionally seen as a resource-hungry mid-laner, thriving in the position 4 support role might seem counter-intuitive. Yet, the current patch and Topson`s ingenious approach reveal a compelling synergy:
Early Game Dominance with Quas
A Quas-focused Invoker can spam Cold Snap, a highly annoying and disruptive stun, with minimal mana cost thanks to good mana management and starting items. This provides immense lane pressure and kill potential, especially when paired with an aggressive carry. The increased health regeneration from Quas also makes him surprisingly tanky for a support, allowing him to trade hits and absorb damage.
The Global Threat of Aghanim`s Scepter
The true game-changer, as RAMZES666 highlights, is Aghanim`s Scepter. Unlocking Cataclysm, a global spell that calls down multiple Sun Strikes, transforms Invoker into a constant threat across the map. A position 4 Invoker can contribute immense burst damage and zone control to any teamfight, anywhere on the map, without even being present. This global impact, usually reserved for heroes like Zeus or Ancient Apparition, is now accessible on a hero with a vastly different utility kit, making him incredibly versatile and difficult to play against.
Utility and Control on a Budget
With Aghanim`s Shard providing Jet Stream, Invoker gains an additional layer of utility – a movement speed buff and a dispel for allies. This, combined with the innate flexibility of his vast spell repertoire, allows him to adapt to almost any situation. Whether it`s setting up kills with Ice Wall, saving allies with Tornado, or providing vision with Forge Spirits (even if less potent without Exort), a support Invoker brings a comprehensive toolbox to the fight.
Meta Implications and the Future
RAMZES666`s endorsement, spurred by Topson`s innovation, signals a significant shift in the Dota 2 meta. This “broken” Invoker build challenges traditional role definitions and item progressions. Teams will undoubtedly be experimenting with this strategy in professional play, and pub games are already seeing an influx of aspiring “Topsonvokers.”
The success of this build underscores a timeless truth in Dota 2: the game`s depth allows for endless creativity. Even established heroes can find new life in unexpected roles when a player dares to defy convention. Whether this “broken” Invoker remains dominant or a counter-meta emerges, one thing is certain: the ancient wars will continue to be fought with ingenuity and daring.
Finley Holt