Harbinger, the Obsidian Destroyer: Ultimate Skills and Item Build Guide — DotA 1

Harbinger, the Obsidian Destroyer, is a formidable Intelligence core who thrives on mana manipulation and massive pure damage output. With high Intelligence scaling and the ability to drain enemy resources, he dominates the mid-game, turning his own vast mana pool into a lethal weapon to annihilate foes with his ultimate and empowered auto-attacks.


Base Stats & Attributes

Hero Attributes

Attribute Base Value Growth (per level)
Strength 19 2.9
Agility 22 1.6
Intelligence 30 4.2

Statistics & Mechanics

Statistic Value Mechanic Value
Damage 49-61 Base HP Regen 0.25/s
HP 580 HP Regen +2.15/s
MP 410 MP Regen +1.51/s
Armor 6.1 Turn Rate 0.6
Move Speed 320 Base Attack Time (BAT) 1.9
Attack Range 450 Attack Animations 0.46 / 0.54

Hero Skills Breakdown

1. Arcane Orb

Empowers the Destroyer's attacks, causing them to consume a portion of his current mana pool to deal bonus damage to the target.

  • Damage Type: Pure
Level Mana Pool Consumption % Damage (Pure) Cooldown Manacost
1 20% 16% 6 seconds 20%
2 20% 16% 4 seconds 20%
3 20% 16% 2 seconds 20%
4 20% 16% 0 seconds 20%

2. Astral Imprisonment

Banishes a target unit into an interdimensional prison, rendering them invulnerable and disabled. Upon the prison's expiration, the target and nearby enemies take damage. Additionally, the hero temporarily steals a portion of the target's maximum mana.

  • Mechanic: Disables/Hides unit (Invulnerable)
  • Scepter Upgrade: Grants a second charge, increases damage, and applies damage to all enemies within the area of effect.
Level Imprisonment Duration Damage (Magical) Max Mana Steal % Steal Duration Cooldown Manacost
1 1.75 seconds 120 16% 30 seconds 24 seconds 150
2 2.5 seconds 200 18% 40 seconds 20 seconds 150
3 3.25 seconds 280 20% 50 seconds 16 seconds 150
4 4.0 seconds 360 22% 60 seconds 12 seconds 150

3. Equilibrium

A passive ability that grants the hero a chance to restore a portion of his maximum mana pool whenever he casts an active ability.

  • Proc Condition: Activated ability casting (does not trigger on items)
Level Proc Chance Mana Restoration % Cooldown Manacost
1 30% 20% Passive 0
2 30% 30% Passive 0
3 30% 40% Passive 0
4 30% 50% Passive 0

4. Sanity's Eclipse

Unleashes a powerful mental blast in a wide area, dealing magical damage to all enemy heroes based on the difference between the hero's maximum mana and the target's maximum mana.

  • Damage Type: Magical
Level Base Damage Area of Effect (AoE) Damage Multiplier Cooldown Manacost
1 200 400 0.4x 160 seconds 200
2 300 500 0.4x 145 seconds 325
3 400 600 0.4x 130 seconds 450

Item Build Guide

Phase Recommended Items Strategic Purpose
Early Game Null Talisman, Bottle, Boots of Speed Essential stat and lane sustain for mana-intensive trading.
Core Items Force Staff, Rod of Atos, Aghanim's Scepter Improve positioning, utility/lockdown, and ultimate scaling.
Late Game Scythe of Vyse, Shiva's Guard, Black King Bar High-end crowd control, defensive tankiness, and spell immunity.

Quick Gameplay Tips

  • Astral Strategy: Use Astral Imprisonment to save teammates from high-impact enemy spells or to set up combos. By trapping an enemy right before they can act, you create a perfect window for your team to position themselves for follow-up crowd control.
  • Mana Scaling: Maximize your total Intelligence and maximum mana pool to increase the raw damage of Arcane Orb and Sanity's Eclipse. The higher your mana difference compared to your opponents, the more devastating your ultimate will be in team fights.
  • Equilibrium Timing: Since Equilibrium triggers upon spell cast, try to cycle your abilities thoughtfully during fights to maximize your chances of proccing the mana restoration, ensuring you never run dry while maintaining pressure with your orb.