What is Roshan in Dota 2 — timer, drops, tactics — Umbrella·Dota guide
BASICS · ROSHAN · 5 MIN

What is Roshan in Dota 2

Roshan is the most important neutral monster in Dota 2. Killing it gives the Aegis (1 reincarnation), and after minute 15 also Cheese (a 2500 HP heal). Since 7.39 new drops were added — Refresher Shard and Aghanim's Blessing. We break down the mechanics.

Basic mechanics

Roshan stands in the Pit on the river, Radiant side. It has:

  • HP: 5500 (grows +100 per minute).
  • Armor: 30 (grows +1 per minute).
  • Damage: 70-80 (grows +5 per minute).
  • Bash: 25% chance, 0.5 sec.
  • Slam: an AoE stun for 1.5 sec, 8 sec cooldown.

Respawn: 8-11 minutes after death (random).

What drops

  • Aegis of the Immortal (always) — gives 1 reincarnation. Lasts 6 minutes or until used.
  • Cheese (after 15 min, second Rosh) — an instant heal of 2500 HP + 1500 mana. Doesn't expire on a timer.
  • Refresher Shard (after 25 min, third Rosh) — refreshes all abilities and items.
  • Aghanim's Blessing (only in 7.39+, after 30 min, fourth Rosh) — a stat boost: +50 HP regen, +60 damage, +200 HP.

When to take it

  1. First Rosh: minute 10-12, via a jungler carry (Sven, Wraith King, Lifestealer).
  2. Second Rosh: minute 22-25, after the first Aegis expires.
  3. Third Rosh: minute 35+, as the finale before the main fight.

The "take Roshan" signal: 3+ enemy ultimates on cooldown + Smoke of Deceit in your pocket + a carry at full HP.

The Smoke strategy

Smoke of Deceit makes the team invisible to enemy wards and minimap for 35 seconds (or until an attack). The ideal Rosh strategy:

  1. Buy Smoke (50 gold, on the support).
  2. Gather the team of 4-5 near the Pit.
  3. Activate Smoke.
  4. Approach Roshan — enter the Pit under Smoke.
  5. Start attacking — Smoke breaks, but Roshan is already busy with the carry.

Kill time: 15-25 seconds with the right build. On Sniper with MoM + Maelstrom — 8 seconds.

Bonus with Umbrella

The Info Screen module shows enemy positions through the fog — critical for a Roshan attempt. If an enemy comes to defend — you have time to back off. Without maphack, every second Rosh attempt ends in a team wipe.

FAQ

Can you kill Roshan solo?

On some heroes — yes. Sniper / Lifestealer / Bristleback kill it solo after minute 25 with the right build.

What if you die with the Aegis?

The Aegis activates automatically — the hero revives at the place of death after 5 seconds with 100% HP/mana. One Aegis = one life.

How often can you take Roshan?

Every 8-11 minutes (after respawn). In a 40-minute game — 4-5 Roshans.