Rubick, the Grand Magus: Ultimate Skills and Item Build Guide — DotA 1

Rubick, the Grand Magus, is an unparalleled master of the arcane in DotA 1, renowned for his signature ability to turn an opponent's own powers against them. As a highly versatile Intelligence-based support, Rubick excels at repositioning enemies with telekinetic mastery and dampening their offensive potential with powerful bolts of arcane energy. His defining strength is his adaptability; by stealing and wielding the last spell cast by his enemies, Rubick remains a dynamic threat that scales in utility alongside the very heroes he opposes.


2. Base Stats & Attributes

Hero Attributes

Attribute Base Value Growth (per level)
Strength 21 +2.0
Agility 23 +2.5
Intelligence 25 +3.1

Statistics & Mechanics

Statistic Value Mechanic Value
Damage 49-59 Base HP Regen 0.25/s
HP 620 HP Regen +2.35/s
MP 350 MP Regen +1.26/s
Armor 3.3 Turn Rate 0.7
Move Speed 290 Base Attack Time (BAT) 1.7
Attack Range 550 (missile: 1125) Attack Animations 0.4 / 0.77

3. Hero Skills Breakdown

1. Telekinesis

Rubick focuses his telekinetic energy to lift an enemy unit into the air, holding them helpless before forcibly hurling them back to the ground in a chosen direction. The force of the impact results in a shockwave that stuns surrounding enemy units.

  • Mechanic: Unit displacement and area-of-effect stun on landing
Level Lift Duration Stun Duration Cast Range Cooldown Manacost
1 0.8 seconds 1.2 seconds 550 units 28 seconds 125
2 1.2 seconds 1.4 seconds 575 units 26 seconds 125
3 1.6 seconds 1.6 seconds 600 units 24 seconds 125
4 2.0 seconds 1.8 seconds 625 units 22 seconds 125

2. Fade Bolt

Rubick unleashes a powerful stream of arcane energy that arcs between enemy units. The energy deals damage upon impact and significantly reduces the physical attack power of the victims.

  • Damage Type: Magical
  • Unique Behavior: Damage reduces with each subsequent bounce; attack damage reduction effect is halved for creep units
Level Damage Attack Damage Reduction Cooldown Manacost
1 100 10% 16 seconds 120
2 175 18% 14 seconds 130
3 250 26% 12 seconds 140
4 325 34% 10 seconds 150

3. Arcane Supremacy

Rubick’s deep understanding of the arcane arts provides him with superior spell amplification and an increased effective range for all his abilities.

  • Mechanic: Passive bonus
  • Effects: Spell damage amplification and cast range increase
Level Spell Amplification Cast Range Bonus Cooldown Manacost
1 14% 100 units Passive 0
2 18% 150 units Passive 0
3 22% 200 units Passive 0
4 26% 250 units Passive 0

4. Spell Steal

Rubick studies the lingering magical trace of an enemy hero, allowing him to learn and replicate the last spell that hero cast. He retains the ability for a limited time or until he falls in battle.

  • Mechanic: Spell replication
  • Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade: Reduces cooldown, increases cast range, and grants the Scepter-enhanced version of the stolen spell
Level Steal Duration Cooldown Manacost
1 3 minutes 20 seconds 25
2 4 minutes 18 seconds 25
3 5 minutes 16 seconds 25

4. Item Build Guide

Phase Recommended Items Strategic Purpose
Early Game Tranquil Boots, Magic Wand, Wind Lace Tranquil Boots keep you healthy for constant rotations; Magic Wand provides burst sustain; Wind Lace helps you maneuver into position for Telekinesis.
Core Items Blink Dagger, Aether Lens, Force Staff Blink Dagger is mandatory for landing perfect Telekinesis setups; Aether Lens maximizes your threat range; Force Staff provides a crucial save for you or your allies.
Late Game Scythe of Vyse, Aghanim's Scepter, Ghost Scepter Scythe of Vyse gives you reliable hard disable; Aghanim's Scepter exponentially increases your potency with stolen spells; Ghost Scepter protects against physical threats.

5. Quick Gameplay Tips

  • The Telekinesis Throw: When lifting an enemy with Telekinesis, always click the ground in the direction of your team or toward an environmental hazard (like a cliff edge) to dictate exactly where the enemy lands. A well-placed throw can land the enemy right on top of your allies, guaranteeing an easy kill.
  • Steal the Initiative: Don't just steal the highest-damage spell; prioritize stealing spells that provide initiation, disables, or mobility. In a teamfight, stealing an enemy's ultimate (like Ravage or Reverse Polarity) often provides more value than a simple nuking spell, as it forces the enemy team to deal with their own ultimate twice.
  • Prioritize Positioning: Your Arcane Supremacy makes you incredibly dangerous from a distance. Stay on the fringes of the fight, using Fade Bolt to keep enemy carries weakened, and only blink into the fray when you have a clear opening to land Telekinesis or to secure a high-value stolen ultimate.