Chen, the Holy Knight, is a premier micro-management support hero in DotA 1, unmatched in his ability to command neutral creeps and provide global sustain for his team. By leveraging his unique skill set to convert enemy jungle minions, Chen can dominate the early game with aggressive pushes and gank setups, while his powerful healing abilities ensure his allies remain in the fight regardless of their location on the map. With a robust Strength pool and significant Intelligence growth, Chen acts as the strategic backbone of any lineup, turning the tide of engagements with well-timed divine interventions.
2. Base Stats & Attributes
Hero Attributes
| Attribute |
Base Value |
Growth (per level) |
| Strength |
25 |
+2.0 |
| Agility |
15 |
+2.1 |
| Intelligence |
19 |
+3.2 |
Statistics & Mechanics
| Statistic |
Value |
Mechanic |
Value |
| Damage |
44-54 |
Base HP Regen |
0.25/s |
| HP |
700 |
HP Regen |
+2.55/s |
| MP |
278 |
MP Regen |
+0.96/s |
| Armor |
1.1 |
Turn Rate |
0.6 |
| Move Speed |
310 |
Base Attack Time (BAT) |
1.7 |
| Attack Range |
650 (missile: 1100) |
Attack Animations |
0.5 / 0.5 |
3. Hero Skills Breakdown
1. Penitence
Forces a target unit to accept punishment for their sins. This ability slows the target's movement speed and marks them, causing every ally who attacks the target to benefit from an increase in their own attack speed.
- Mechanic: Targeted debuff
- Effect: Movement speed slow and attacker attack speed buff
| Level |
Movement Speed Slow |
Attack Speed Bonus |
Duration |
Cooldown |
Manacost |
| 1 |
18% |
+30 |
5 seconds |
14 seconds |
70 |
| 2 |
24% |
+60 |
6 seconds |
13 seconds |
80 |
| 3 |
30% |
+90 |
7 seconds |
12 seconds |
90 |
| 4 |
36% |
+120 |
8 seconds |
11 seconds |
100 |
2. Divine Favor
Passively grants an aura of health regeneration to nearby allies, while also amplifying the total effectiveness of all health restoration received by those affected. When cast on a target, it initiates a long-distance teleportation ritual to bring the ally to Chen. If cast on Chen, it summons all of his controlled units to his location.
- Aura Type: Passive
- Active Mechanic: Teleportation (Dispelled if the caster takes damage during the ritual)
- Channeling Requirement: Takes time to complete
| Level |
Health Regen Aura |
Heal Amplification |
Cooldown |
Manacost |
| 1 |
+2 HP/s |
6% |
140 seconds |
130 |
| 2 |
+3 HP/s |
10% |
120 seconds |
130 |
| 3 |
+4 HP/s |
14% |
100 seconds |
130 |
| 4 |
+5 HP/s |
18% |
80 seconds |
130 |
3. Holy Persuasion
Takes control of a target neutral or enemy unit. If the unit's base health falls below a specific threshold, it is automatically boosted to that minimum. The converted unit also receives bonus movement speed and attack damage while under Chen's command.
- Mechanic: Conversion
- Unique Behavior: Refreshes base health if low
- Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade: Allows targeting of Ancient creeps; capacity is tied to Hand of God level
| Level |
Max Units |
Target Level |
Min HP Threshold |
Bonus MS |
Bonus Damage |
Cooldown |
Manacost |
| 1 |
1 |
Level 1-3 |
700 HP |
+10 |
+8 |
15 seconds |
90 |
| 2 |
2 |
Level 1-4 |
800 HP |
+15 |
+16 |
15 seconds |
110 |
| 3 |
3 |
Level 1-5 |
900 HP |
+20 |
+24 |
15 seconds |
130 |
| 4 |
4 |
Any level |
1000 HP |
+25 |
+32 |
15 seconds |
150 |
4. Hand of God
Calls upon the divine to heal all allied heroes and controlled units across the entire map simultaneously.
| Level |
Health Restored |
Cooldown |
Manacost |
| 1 |
300 HP |
160 seconds |
250 |
| 2 |
450 HP |
140 seconds |
350 |
| 3 |
600 HP |
120 seconds |
450 |
4. Item Build Guide
| Phase |
Recommended Items |
Strategic Purpose |
| Early Game |
Ring of Basilius, Tranquil Boots, Observer Wards |
Ring of Basilius helps maintain mana for creep conversion. Tranquil Boots provide essential HP sustain, and Wards ensure map control for your jungle creeps. |
| Core Items |
Mekansm, Aghanim's Scepter, Force Staff |
Mekansm provides a critical team-heal burst. Aghanim's Scepter allows you to control powerful Ancient creeps, and Force Staff provides mobility to save yourself or allies. |
| Late Game |
Pipe of Insight, Scythe of Vyse, Vladmir's Offering |
Pipe of Insight increases team magic resistance. Scythe of Vyse offers much-needed hard crowd control, and Vladmir's Offering provides powerful lifesteal and damage for your creep army. |
5. Quick Gameplay Tips
- Efficient Creep Selection: In the early game, prioritize converting creeps that have utility skills, such as the Centaur’s stomp or the Troll’s net. Use these creeps to stun enemies in lane, creating easy kill opportunities for your laning partner.
- Global Save/Sustain: Monitor your minimap constantly. Hand of God is a global spell, meaning you can save an ally across the map from a gank or turn a fight in another lane without ever leaving your own. Always ensure you have enough mana to cast it during critical engagement windows.
- Creep Buffing: Remember that Holy Persuasion applies bonus movement speed and attack damage to your controlled units. When pushing towers, focus your controlled units, use Penitence on the tower or a defending enemy, and utilize your creeps to deal rapid, sustained damage while you stay safely at range.