Dota 2 hero guide: How to effectively play Tinker

Dota 2 hero guide: How to effectively play Tinker

The frequent updates and changing patterns of Dota 2’s meta and balancing are two of the game’s interesting and unique features. No matter how many years have passed since its launch and several various multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games were recently released in the market, there is always something new and exciting for every type of player. So, if you are looking for an intelligence hero excellent in both defence and lane push, read further to learn more about Tinker, and how to effectively play him. 

About Boush, the Tinker

Intelligence heroes continuously prove to the Dota 2 gaming community that they are a class on their own. While they are not exactly comparable to the likes of Agility heroes’ clutch moves and Strength heroes’ commanding aura, they have by far the highest number of disabling capabilities. With that, prepare to meet Boush, the Tinker. 

Tinker is a ranged intelligence hero notably known for being one of the oldest heroes in Dota 2. His ability to leverage great mobility and blistering nukes to gank enemies and push lanes make him challenging to play and master. Not to worry because this guide covers essential key points to play him effectively. 

Tinker: From midlane to support

One of the typical changes in Dota 2’s meta is the ability of heroes to swap roles. Just like with the classic saying, ‘expect the unexpected’ in this MOBA game. Heroes who were carries for years suddenly shift to supports, whereas healers who you have gotten used to can be seen as carries. As for Tinker, he is one of those who transitioned from midlane to support in Dota 2 patch 7.30.

Prior to diving into the intricacies of Tinker’s gameplay qualities, let’s focus more on the recent multiple changes he received to his kit. The biggest two examples to take note — which also make him a crucial option as a support — are as follows:

  1. Removal of the March of the Machines as a basic spell

Tinker’s finest farming ability was March of the Machines, as it let him easily clear creeps all across the map. Sadly, but at the same time effectively, its removal has led to the addition of the Defensive Matrix, which is an ability he got after purchasing Aghanim’s Shard. Meaning, the robots spawned by it deal 30 damage to enemies that it hit on a 190 manacost. 

  1. Addition of Keen Conveyance

Tinker’s Keen Conveyance allows him to teleport to ally buildings, units, and heroes on levels one, two, and three, respectively. With that, you no longer need him to buy Boots of Travel, as he can join fights and help his companions at level six anywhere across the world.

Tinker is now better suited to the support role in patch 7.30, thanks to the two adjustments. However, how well do you think he can be further developed as an effective support character? Read more as we tell you more about his skill builds and item builds.

Skill builds

Tinker is a diverse Dota 2 hero, and his four following skill builds exemplify that. 

  1. Laser → This is a strong pure damage nuke that has a blind time of 4.5 seconds, can hit several foes, and deals 320 pure damage. Maxing this out early in the game can instantly give the most benefit to the hero. Then in the laning stage, further using it can deny opposing final hits and denials.
  1. Heat-Seeking Missile → As the name suggests, this is an extremely long range skill, further increasing Tinker’s damage in the game. It allows him to teleport into a team battle and launch a 350 damage bomb that strikes two heroes every three seconds. This is so strong that it is likely recommended as a good finishing spell to fleeing enemies who are low on HP (health points).
  1. Defense Matrix → This shield is typically skipped in the game’s first phase because, let’s face it, it is not that impressive that it can only withstand 320 damage. However, it is still crucial in Tinker’s overall skill build because its 50% status resistance can be used to defend cores against disables. 
  1. Rearm → This is Tinker’s signature ability. It allows him to cast spells and activate item abilities as much as he wants as long as he has enough mana. When combined with Boots of Travel (although not necessary), Tinker may become one of the most active heroes in the game, moving himself worldwide to push lanes, gank foes, and seize map objectives.

Item builds

In patch 7.30, Dota 2 players may choose from a variety of item setups. Tinker players will often choose a mix of the things listed below.

  1. Tranquil Boots → These boots increase movement speed and HP regeneration, both of which are important for Tinker’s assistance.
  1. Soul Ring → This item complements Tranquil Boots wonderfully. Altogether, Tinker can become a more effective support because he can use his spells more frequently, and he doesn’t have to return to base to heal.
  1. Magic Wand → This item has one of the highest values in Dota 2 patch 7.30. It is excellent in team battles for both emergency heal and mana. When combined with a Soul Ring during a team battle, it is likely that you can create a backfire. So, obtain a Magic Wand as backup.
  1. Glimmer Cape → Tinker is one of the top users of this skill since Rearm allows him to replenish item cooldowns. With this, he can keep himself gleaming at all times during team fights while remaining safe.
  1. Blink Dagger → While this item is difficult to obtain, it is still the finest mobility equipment in the game. Tinker players should try to obtain Blink while facing adversaries with a high catch probability. It’s not a necessary item in every game, but it’s always handy to have.
  1. Aether Lens → Tinker can stay safe throughout confrontations because of this skill’s increased cast range.
  1. Aghanim’s Scepter → This is the most effective item for increasing Tinker’s damage. It can transform Laser into Shrink Ray, thereby delivering an additional 10% damage dependent on the enemy’s current health. Furthermore, it also bounces off to the farthest enemy hero in range, giving Shrink Ray an additional 300 throw range.
  1. Scythe of Vyse → Tinker remains one of the finest Scythe of Vyse users in Dota 2, regardless he serves as a support or main. With this item, he can permanently cripple another hero and bring them down with the assistance of teammates or lasers.

Hero verdict: Matchups for Tinker

A solid Tinker game is one in which your opponent does not have the Global or Long-range catch to prevent you from farming or casting spells in a team battle. That is why to complete your hero guide of Tinker, here we list down the most popular heroes to avoid and work well with:

Heroes Tinker must avoid

  • Anti-Mage
  • Clockwerk
  • Dazzle
  • Doom
  • Legion Commander
  • Lifestealer
  • Luna
  • Night Stalker
  • Nyx Assassin
  • Pudge
  • Slark

Heroes Tinker can work well with

  • Faceless Void
  • Kunkka
  • Nature’s Prophet
  • Spirit Breaker
  • Bloodseeker
  • Keeper of the Light
  • Bounty Hunter
  • Slardar

Tinker is widely known as a solid hero. His spells are amazing and his skill set makes him quite powerful and reliable in team fights. While it is true that players find him difficult to play in pubs, esports athletes consider him a useful mid-laner. We hope that this brief guide will help you become a better player with Tinker.