Magnus was one of the breakout stars during The International 10 (TI10). Team Spirit’s offlaner Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov highlighted the strengths of the hero, and contributed much to the hero’s 64% win rate at TI10.

In the post TI10 Dota 2 patch 7.30e, Magnus has been hit with significant nerfs. These reduce the effectiveness of Horn Toss and Skewer’s range, which makes the hero more balanced.

Nerfs to Magnus’ Horn Toss in Dota 2 patch 7.30e

Magnus Azurite Warden Horn Toss
Credit: Valve
  • Shard now applies a 100% MS and 100 AS slow to targets instead of a stun (duration from 0.75 to 1.25)
  • Shard damage is now done at the start rather than the end
  • Range reduced from 900/1000/1100/1200 to 900/975/1050/1125
  • Level 20 Talent reduced from +425 Skewer Range to +375

How will this impact Magnus’ gameplay?

Magnus players were able to use the Horn Toss and Skewer combo to dictate fight locations during TI10. The pros would catch enemies with Horn Toss and then bring them to their allies, or even the fountain in some situations.

The loss of stun on Horn Toss means players can now utilize Black King Bar or any other source of magic immunity (Rage, Blade Fury) to avoid being Skewered after the Toss.

This forces Magnus players to expand Reverse Polarity after Horn Toss, or avoid targeting enemies with magic immunity, which is a big blow to the hero’s play-making potential.

Skewer’s total range with the level 20 talent has been reduced from 1,625 to 1,500. While this is a smaller nerf than Horn Toss, it will further weaken Magnus’ ability to displace enemies and make plays for his team.

Magnus’ ability to control the battlefield made him a star at TI10. The hero is currently one of the most picked in pubs as well. With the recent changes to Horn Toss, he won’t be as overpowered as he once was.

Hungry for more Dota 2 action? Check out the Heroes of the Game documentary presented by foodpanda.

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