What Shadow Blade gives
The blade of a fallen king, it allows you to move unseen and strike from the shadows.
Effects
- Shadow Walk (active): Makes you invisible for 17 seconds, or until you attack or cast a spell. While Shadow Walk is active, you move 20% faster and can move through units. If attacking to end the invisibility, you gain 175 bonus physical damage on that attack.
Stat bonuses
25, 35, 17.0, 20, 0.3, 175
Which heroes to build it on
Top-5 heroes for which this tool is part of the core build:
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 25 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 Shadow Blade cost?
The full recipe — 3,250 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.