Intelligence [Patch 7.38c]

intelligence is one of the three primary attributes in Dota 2, along with strength and agility. It grants all heroes mana, mana regeneration and magic resistance. Intelligence heroes and universal heroes also gain attack damage.

Effect of intelligence on heroes

Each point of intelligence grants the following benefits:

Intelligence gain of heroes

Each hero has a base intelligence value and gains more through levelling up. The hero with the highest base intelligence is Outworld Devourer with 30 and the hero with the highest intelligence gain per level is Pugna with 5.2. The average base intelligence across all heroes is 19.9 and the average intelligence gain is 2.4

List of intelligence heroes

Intelligence heroes typically rely on spells and are dealing magical damage. Maximum mana and mana regeneration are essential for them to be effective.

There are 34 intelligence heroes in Dota 2.

Role of intelligence heroes

Intelligence heroes typically play support roles and are valuable gankers. They heavily rely on their large amounts of mana and mana regeneration. In general, intelligence heroes are most impactful in the early to mid game, but less so in the late game.

Intelligence bonus from items

53 items grant intelligence attribute bonuses to the wearing hero in Dota 2:

Item	Valuesorted descending	Item Cost	Cost/Value
Parasma	40	5975	149
Wind Waker	35	6800	194
Scythe of Vyse	30	5200	173
Arcane Blink	25	6800	272
Mystic Staff	25	2800	112
Meteor Hammer	24	2850	119
Eye of Skadi	22	5300	241
Linken's Sphere	16	4800	300
Kaya	16	2100	131
Kaya and Sange	16	4200	263
Yasha and Kaya	16	4200	263
Ultimate Orb	15	2800	187
Hurricane Pike	15	4450	297
Dagon	15	7450	497
Gleipnir	15	4550	303
Rod of Atos	15	2250	150
Dagon	13	6300	485
Witch Blade	12	2775	231
Dagon	11	5150	468
Staff of Wizardry	10	1000	100
Oblivion Staff	10	1625	163
Orchid Malevolence	10	3275	328
Bloodthorn	10	6625	663
Eul's Scepter of Divinity	10	2600	260
Force Staff	10	2200	220
Aghanim's Scepter	10	4200	420
Manta Style	10	4650	465
Diffusal Blade	10	2500	250
Disperser	10	6100	610
Harpoon	10	4700	470
Holy Locket	9	2250	250
Dagon	9	4000	444
Khanda	8	5900	738
Ethereal Blade	8	5375	672
Boots of Bearing	8	4225	528
Phylactery	7	2600	371
Dagon	7	2850	407
Drum of Endurance	7	1625	232
Robe of the Magi	6	450	75
Diadem	6	1000	167
Ghost Scepter	5	1500	300
Null Talisman	5	505	101
Shiva's Guard	5	5175	1035
Heaven's Halberd	5	2600	520
Crown	4	450	113
Solar Crest	4	2575	644
Veil of Discord	4	1725	431
Mantle of Intelligence	3	140	47
Magic Wand	3	450	150
Circlet	2	155	78
Bracer	2	505	253
Wraith Band	2	505	253
Iron Branch	1	50	50

Evolution of intelligence in Dota 2

The intelligence attribute has been the cornerstone of spells in combat, granting heroes increased mana, mana regeneration and magic resistance. Over time, the attribute's influence has evolved, with the relative importance of each stat shifting as the game's meta and strategies have changed. While intelligence remains a critical factor for spells, its spell damage amplification has been removed.