1. Introduction
Squee, Spleen, and Spoon—collectively known as the Goblin Techies—are the ultimate masters of psychological warfare in DotA 1. As an Intelligence-based hero that breaks the conventional rules of combat, Techies focus on area denial, mine-based ambushes, and global map pressure. While their base damage and health pool are unassuming, their ability to dictate movement, punish aggressive positioning, and turn the enemy's own jungle against them makes them a unique, high-value asset for teams that prioritize long-term control over traditional engagement.
2. Base Stats & Attributes
Hero Attributes
| Attribute |
Base Value |
Growth (per level) |
| Strength |
19 |
+2.5 |
| Agility |
14 |
+1.3 |
| Intelligence |
25 |
+3.3 |
Statistics & Mechanics
| Statistic |
Value |
Mechanic |
Value |
| Damage |
34-36 |
Base HP Regen |
0.25/s |
| HP |
580 |
HP Regen |
+2.15/s |
| MP |
350 |
MP Regen |
+1.27/s |
| Armor |
7 |
Turn Rate |
0.5 |
| Move Speed |
310 |
Base Attack Time (BAT) |
1.7 |
| Attack Range |
700 (missile: 900) |
Attack Animations |
0.5 / 0.5 |
3. Hero Skills Breakdown
1. Land Mines
Techies plant an invisible explosive device that remains hidden from enemy detection. The mine detonates when an enemy unit lingers in its vicinity for too long. The blast deals damage to all surrounding units and significantly reduced damage to structures.
- Damage Type: Magical
- Unique Behavior: Invisible; however, they become visible if an enemy enters the detection radius
- Building Interaction: 25% damage to structures
| Level |
Magical Damage |
Cooldown (Charge) |
Manacost |
| 1 |
200 |
23 seconds |
110 |
| 2 |
400 |
23 seconds |
130 |
| 3 |
600 |
23 seconds |
150 |
| 4 |
800 |
23 seconds |
170 |
2. Stasis Trap
Techies place an invisible trap that roots any enemy units that trigger it. Once placed, the trap requires a short period to arm itself before it begins monitoring the area. When the trap triggers, it not only roots all nearby enemies but also provides vision of them.
- Mechanic: Root and True Sight revelation
- Activation: Triggers destroy all other traps within the surrounding radius
- Targeting: Can root invisible units
| Level |
Root Duration |
Cooldown |
Manacost |
| 1 |
2.0 seconds |
20 seconds |
80 |
| 2 |
3.0 seconds |
16 seconds |
110 |
| 3 |
4.0 seconds |
13 seconds |
140 |
| 4 |
5.0 seconds |
10 seconds |
160 |
3. Blast Off!
Techies launch themselves toward a target location, detonating explosives upon impact. The landing deals massive area-of-effect damage and silences all affected enemies. This maneuver incurs significant health cost to the Techies themselves.
- Damage Type: Magical
- Self-Damage: 50% of maximum health (can be lethal)
- Casting: Leap takes a fixed duration regardless of distance
| Level |
Magical Damage |
Silence Duration |
Cooldown |
Manacost |
| 1 |
300 |
4 seconds |
35 seconds |
100 |
| 2 |
400 |
5 seconds |
35 seconds |
125 |
| 3 |
500 |
6 seconds |
35 seconds |
150 |
| 4 |
600 |
7 seconds |
35 seconds |
175 |
4. Remote Mines
Techies plant an invisible mine that remains dormant until manually activated. These mines are highly effective for long-range ambushes.
- Damage Type: Magical
- Mechanic: Manual detonation (not triggered by proximity)
- Unique Behavior: Cannot damage buildings
- Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade: Improves damage, increases cast range for all mine/trap abilities, and grants the "Minefield Sign" (invisibilty aura for mines that is immune to True Sight)
| Level |
Damage (Manual Detonation) |
Cooldown |
Manacost |
| 1 |
300 |
8 seconds |
120 |
| 2 |
450 |
8 seconds |
180 |
| 3 |
600 |
8 seconds |
240 |
4. Item Build Guide
| Phase |
Recommended Items |
Strategic Purpose |
| Early Game |
Soul Ring, Tranquil Boots, Clarity |
Soul Ring is mandatory for mana-intensive mine placement; Tranquil Boots provide necessary HP sustain; Clarity keeps mana high during roaming. |
| Core Items |
Aghanim's Scepter, Force Staff, Aether Lens |
Aghanim's Scepter is the definitive Techies item; Force Staff allows you to push enemies into your traps; Aether Lens increases your ability to plant mines from safety. |
| Late Game |
Scythe of Vyse, Bloodstone, Eul's Scepter |
Scythe of Vyse provides lockdown to keep enemies over your mines; Bloodstone offers infinite mana and reduced respawn time; Eul's Scepter provides an extra disable and defense. |
5. Quick Gameplay Tips
- Psychological Lockdown: Use Land Mines to cover high-traffic areas, but prioritize paths that lead to the jungle or secret shops. By forcing enemies to buy True Sight (Gems or Sentries) just to move around the map, you force them to spend gold they would otherwise use on core items, effectively slowing down their power curve.
- The Blast Off Bait: Blast Off! is your strongest initiation and self-preservation tool. If you are being chased, leap toward a cluster of your Remote Mines. If you land the damage and silence, you can then trigger your mines to secure a kill on heroes that were attempting to gank you. Always be mindful of your own current health, as the self-damage is lethal.
- Stasis Trap Positioning: Always place your Stasis Traps slightly ahead of your Land Mine clusters. The root prevents enemies from walking away once they trigger the mines, ensuring that they stay within the explosion radius of your explosives for the full duration of their panic.