How Tinker Became Overpowered: Hero Changes After Patch 7.30

The Dota 2 community recently witnessed a significant update that altered several heroes. Some became stronger, while others weaker. Take Tinker, for instance; he’s now on the upswing. In recent months, this hero hasn’t been very popular, and his win rate wasn’t impressive. However, the situation has changed. But how should you play the new Tinker?

Key Changes

1. Laser damage has been significantly increased. It now deals 100% damage in a 250-unit radius around the target. The best part is that it blinds only enemies, leaving allies unaffected.
2. Defense Matrix is now a permanent skill. It can absorb from 100 to 320 damage and increase resistance to effects from 20 to 50%. The skill also has a short 12-second cooldown.
3. Rearm has been replaced by a new ability called Keen Conveyance. Starting from level 6, Tinker gains the ability to teleport. He can teleport to structures he’s built and, after leveling up, to ally’s structures as well.
4. March of the Machines now has increased mana cost at 190, with damage averaging at 30. However, you can only obtain this ability by acquiring Aghanim’s Shard.

Win Rate Has Dropped, but It’s Not an Indicator of Weakness

Despite the changes to Tinker’s abilities, the win rate dropped significantly with the 7.30 update. It reached an all-time low, but there are logical explanations for this drop.

1. Many players picked Tinker because he was the only one who underwent such radical changes.
2. Many still played him in the old style, expecting the same efficiency they were used to. However, Tinker’s playstyle now needs to adapt, which not everyone appreciates.
3. Due to the situational nature of the Shard, it discouraged some fans of this hero.

Next, we’ll explain how to play him effectively without compromising your performance.

Tinker Can Be Used in the Mid Lane Differently

Tinker no longer has March of the Machines, making farming less efficient. However, you can still use him in the mid lane because of his more active gameplay. If guided and leveled correctly, Tinker can be an extremely impactful midlaner. He can dominate and handle side lanes starting from level 6.

Laning: Before the update, Tinker struggled with XP gain. This was because he used to leave March of the Machines and move away. But now, the situation has drastically changed. At level 12, he can move around the map quickly without any problems. Tinker also benefits from stacking ancients and farming with his new abilities.

Fights: Tinker still isn’t meant for direct fights, but he can hold his own. Thanks to the Defense Matrix, he blocks incoming damage and reduces the duration of stuns. Any unfavorable effects, especially weaker ones, are easily negated. With his newfound mobility and the ability to teleport to structures, Tinker can handle other mobile heroes, making heroes like Spectre less threatening.

Build: If you’re playing Tinker as a midlaner, there’s no need for significant changes. You’ll want a Blink Dagger and, preferably, regular Boots of Speed. With these, he’ll farm more efficiently. Purchasing extra Travel Boots or the Shard is not mandatory. Tinker now has an extra slot in his backpack, where you can place items like Aether Lens, Bloodstone, or other active items that synergize well.

In summary, Tinker is a capable midlaner who deals decent damage and has become more mobile. However, his farming speed has decreased significantly.

Tinker as a Support is Versatile and Fits Any Lane

Previously, Tinker wasn’t often used as a support, but after the 7.30 update, it’s his most profitable position. Whether on position four or five, he excels in his tasks.

In the lane, it’s better to utilize Tinker’s rockets. They deal significant damage to both the core and the support. If your hero is well-leveled, the Defense Matrix can also be beneficial in this position.

You can opt for a bootless build for Tinker as a position four. This allows him to build a Soul Ring. With careful planning, you can even position him in other support roles. He can serve as a savior, a ganker, and even contribute significant damage. Releasing Tinker against enemy supports is a great idea.