Faceless Void, a mainstay in Dota 2, finds himself in an interesting position currently. Though he enjoyed immense popularity in previous patches, his win and pick rates aren’t notably high in elite matches. Yet, he still performs admirably within the Archon to Divine tiers, proving to be one of the few hard carries capable of seizing victory solo, provided he is afforded ample space to farm.
The design of Faceless Void is a key reason behind his strength in Dota 2. His signature ability allows him to immobilize opponents in a wide area, enabling him to unleash devastating right-click attacks, especially in late-game scenarios. However, a player’s impact with Faceless Void ultimately hinges on their choice of items and skill progression.
Faceless Void Hero Overview
Faceless Void is characterized as a melee Agility hero typically filling the Position 1 Hard Carry role. Although his initial statistics aren’t stellar, his above-average growth in Strength and Agility allows for effective scaling into the late game. During the laning phase, he may not pose as much of a kill threat compared to other heroes like Juggernaut or Phantom Assassin. However, if the game stretches long enough for him to accumulate farm, he can become a formidable force on the map.
Standard Abilities & Ultimate
|
Ability Name |
Detailed Explanation |
|---|---|
|
Time Walk (Q) |
Faceless Void executes a leap in a designated direction, negating any damage received in the preceding 2 seconds. |
|
Time Dilation (W) |
This ability amplifies the active cooldown of enemy abilities within an area of effect and inflicts damage over time based on how many of those abilities are on cooldown. |
|
Time Lock (Passive) |
Gives Faceless Void a chance to stun enemy units with each hit. |
|
Chronosphere (R) |
Faceless Void creates a sphere that encases all units—both allies and enemies—in stasis, rendering them unable to move, use abilities, or items during its duration. |
Additionally, players can acquire Aghanim’s Scepter and Aghanim’s Shard for Faceless Void to enhance his abilities significantly:
- Aghanim’s Scepter: This item allows Time Lock to affect all units near the destination of Time Walk.
- Aghanim’s Shard: Provides an ability called Reverse Time Walk, letting Faceless Void revert to the position before Time Walk was cast, which is available for 1.5 seconds post-casting.
It’s also worth noting that Aghanim’s Shard increases the cast range of Time Walk.
Following the recent Dota 2 Crownfall patch, Faceless Void now has two unique facets available at the match’s start, along with an Innate ability:
- Innate Ability (Distortion Field): Slows enemy attack projectiles within a specified radius around Faceless Void.
- Facet 1 (Chronosphere): Grants the ability to utilize Chronosphere.
- Facet 2 (Time Zone): Substitutes the Chronosphere with Time Zone, creating a large rectangular zone on the map that slows enemy projectiles while enhancing ally attack, movement, and projectile speed. Enemies within this zone are tethered instead of stunned.
Faceless Void Build Guide in Dota 2
In contrast to heroes such as Windranger, who can be adapted to various positions and playstyles, Faceless Void’s build is relatively straightforward, focusing primarily on the Hard Carry role and farming in the Safe Lane to acquire essential items for effective late-game play.
However, Faceless Void can show stronger performance in specific matchups. He excels against mobile, spell-casting heroes like Puck but may struggle against those with significant Damage Over Time (DOT) abilities during the laning phase.
The following guide provides clear directions on both itemization and talent selection when playing Faceless Void in ranked Dota 2 matches.
Facets, Talents, & Ability Order
Selecting the right Facet is crucial when playing Faceless Void. If you are playing as the position 1 carry, always opt for Chronosphere. Conversely, if you’re taking on the Position 3 role with allies like Drow Ranger or Templar Assassin, consider the Time Zone facet for added support.
It’s advisable to acquire one point in Time Walk early in the game for added survivability. Once you reach level two, you may proceed with Time Lock or Time Dilation based on the opposing heroes present.
Max Time Walk first while allocating one point each to the other abilities. Be sure to acquire your ultimate as soon as you hit level six, prioritize upgrading Time Lock, and subsequently focus on Time Dilation. Suggested talents include:
- +0.5s Time Walk Backtrack Duration
- +30 Time Lock Damage
- +80 Attack Speed during Chronosphere
- +20% Backtrack Chance
Item Progression
Faceless Void’s item progression remains fairly consistent across matches, focusing on core items with room for situational adjustments depending on opponents.
The recommended itemization includes:
- Laning Stage:
Start with a Tango and a Magic Stick for sustain, supplementing with a Circlet and two Iron Branches for stats. Consider obtaining a Quelling Blade for easier last-hitting.
- Early Game:
Your first wave of items is pivotal; prioritize Wraith Band and Magic Wand for stats and healing. Following that, build Power Treads, then Mask of Madness, which aids in rapid jungle farming when lane pressure is high.
- Core Items:
Faceless Void diverges from typical melee carries, opting for Maelstrom instead of Battle Fury for farm acceleration and attack speed. After Mask of Madness, Maelstrom should be your priority to enhance team fight participation.
Your next choice between Black King Bar and Mjolnir will largely depend on your match conditions. Choose Mjolnir if your teammates are thriving without you, or Black King Bar if facing heavy pressure to secure your survival in fights.
- Situational Items:
With core items secured, you gain flexibility in item selection. If damage during Chronosphere is lacking, consider Daedalus, Monkey King Bar, or Silver Edge to disable enemy passives. Eye of Skadi is effective against tanky foes, while Aghanim’s Shard further empowers initiation. Refresher Orb is a viable option, allowing double Chronosphere and BKB in scrums.
Faceless Void stands as one of the most potent carry heroes in the late game within Dota 2. While he may not currently be at the height of his power, mastering this hero can lead to dominating performances in ranked matches, especially among mid-tier brackets.
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