Mask of Madness in Dota 2 — what it gives, who to build it on, cost | guide
DOTA 2 ITEM · ARTIFACT QUALITY

Mask of Madness in Dota 2 — what it gives and who to build it on

Once this mask is worn, its bearer becomes an uncontrollable aggressive force. In-store cost: 1,900 gold. Below we break down the effects, the optimal build and the list of heroes for which this tool is especially strong.

Mask of Madness icon

Mask of Madness

Quality: artifact Cooldown: 16s Mana: 25
1,900gold

What Mask of Madness gives

Once this mask is worn, its bearer becomes an uncontrollable aggressive force.

Effects

  • Berserk (active): Gives 100 attack speed, 8% / 12% movement speed (ranged/melee), and 30% slow resistance, but reduces your armor by 7 and silences you. Lasts 6 seconds.
  • Lifesteal (passive): Heals the attacker for a percentage of physical damage dealt.

Stat bonuses

20, 24, 100, 12, 8, 7

Which heroes to build it on

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

  1. Juggernaut
  2. Phantom Assassin
  3. Sven
  4. Bloodseeker
  5. Wraith King

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 16 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 Mask of Madness cost?

The full recipe — 1,900 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.