Crimson Guard in Dota 2 — what it gives, who to build it on, cost | guide
DOTA 2 ITEM · EPIC QUALITY

Crimson Guard in Dota 2 — what it gives and who to build it on

A cuirass originally built to protect against the dreaded Year Beast. In-store cost: 3,725 gold. Below we break down the effects, the optimal build and the list of heroes for which this tool is especially strong.

Crimson Guard icon

Crimson Guard

Quality: epic Cooldown: 40s Mana: 75
3,725gold

What Crimson Guard gives

A cuirass originally built to protect against the dreaded Year Beast.

Effects

  • Guard (active): For 7 seconds, grant nearby allied heroes and buildings a 100% chance to block damage equal to 70 plus 2% of the caster's max health value from each incoming attack. Radius: 1200
  • Damage Block (passive): Grants a 60% chance to block 75 damage from incoming attacks on melee heroes, and 50 damage on ranged.

Stat bonuses

250, 12, 6, 75, 50, 60

Which heroes to build it on

Top-5 heroes for which this tool is part of the core build:

  1. Centaur Warrunner
  2. Tidehunter
  3. Treant Protector
  4. Axe
  5. Underlord

On each page above — a "Build" section, which says at what minute to grab the slot and in what order.

How to answer

If the opponent built this slot, these approaches reduce the effect:

  • Disjoint mechanic (Manta, Eul) — drops a targeted cast before it lands.
  • Magic resist (Pipe, Hood, Eternal Shroud) — reduces magic damage.
  • Beat it on timing — build it before the opponent, take the first-move advantage.
  • Lobby check — watch net worth, predict when the build completes.

Usage tips

  • Timing matters more than the item. Close the slot before minute 25 — after that the potential is lost.
  • Hotkey: a fast bind through the inventory. Automated via Item Auto-Use.
  • Recharge: account for it in the push phase — cooldown 40 seconds.
  • Build path: components first, then the recipe. Changing the order is not worth it — you lose the bonus of each fragment.

FAQ

How much does Crimson Guard cost?

The full recipe — 3,725 gold. With Hand of Midas or Bottle by minute 5 the slot completes around minute 18–22 on core heroes.

When to buy?

Depends on the role. On a carry (Pos 1) — after the first core build. On a support (Pos 4/5) — right after Boots and Wand. Details — on the hero page.

Does it stack with similar gear?

Identical active slots (e.g. two Mantas) don't give a double effect. Different savers (Manta + BKB + Linken's) — are independent and work in turn.

Where is the current meta build?

On the hero page in /scripts/ — the "Build" section. We update it after each studio patch.