Introduction to the Wandering Waters Update
In the latest Wandering Waters update, Dota 2 has introduced a significant revamp to its Neutral Item system. This new system replaces the previous Neutral Tokens with Madstones, a more dynamic and versatile crafting currency. With the release of Patch 7.38, which brought a host of map and hero changes, it’s easy to overlook these Neutral Item updates. However, understanding how Madstones work is crucial for staying competitive in the game, as they allow players to craft and customize their Neutral Items in ways that were previously impossible.
What Are Madstones?
Madstones are a new form of in-game resource used to craft and personalize Neutral Items. Unlike the Neutral Tokens, which dropped after seven minutes, Madstones begin to appear after just five minutes of gameplay. Every time a jungle creep camp is fully cleared, the player who finishes the camp receives two Madstones, while a random allied hero receives one. This change in the drop mechanics means that players can start accumulating Madstones earlier, providing more strategic flexibility and item customization options. The Madstone requirement for crafting Neutral Items increases with each tier, and players are informed of the exact number needed at any given point in the game.
How to Acquire Madstones
To earn Madstones, players need to focus on clearing jungle creep camps. TheMadstones drop from neutral creeps, and the process is straightforward: once you fully clear a camp, you receive two Madstones, and one is distributed to a random allied hero. This mechanic encourages team coordination and strategic jungle farming. The timing for Madstone drops is also important to note. Players can start earning Madstones after the game has been running for five minutes, which is earlier than the previous system’s seven-minute mark. This early access to crafting resources allows players to get a head start on their Neutral Item build.
Crafting Custom Neutral Items
Crafting custom Neutral Items with Madstones is a multi-step process that requires strategy and foresight. Firstly, you need to collect the required number of Madstones. Once you have accumulated the necessary amount—five for a tier one Neutral Item—click on the new Neutral Item crafting button located above your Neutral Item slot. This button will display the two types of components needed: Artifacts and Enchantments.
Artifacts are the backbone of your Neutral Item, adding active abilities or passive effects. Enchantments, on the other hand, enhance your Neutral Item by providing various stat increases, such as attack speed, damage, health, or mana regeneration. By combining different Artifacts and Enchantments, you can create a Neutral Item that is tailored to your hero’s strengths and the current game situation. For example, you can choose the Orb of Destruction Artifact for its armor reduction effect and pair it with the Alert Enchantment to maximize attack speed, ensuring the debuff remains active. Alternatively, you can opt for the Tough Enchantment to boost your damage output with the armor reduction. The possibilities are endless, allowing players to experiment with various combinations to optimize their hero’s performance.
Managing Neutral Item Tiers
Neutral Item tiers are another critical aspect to consider when crafting with Madstones. The system enforces a strict tier order, meaning you can only craft items in sequence. You start with a tier one Neutral Item, which becomes available at the five-minute mark and requires five Madstones. As the game progresses, you can craft higher-tier Neutral Items, but only after the appropriate time has elapsed. The tier two Neutral Item, for instance, is available at 15 minutes and requires 15 Madstones. This pattern continues up to tier five Neutral Items, which can be crafted at the 60-minute mark with 45 Madstones.
It’s important to note that the Madstone cap increases with each tier. Once the game timer crosses 70 minutes, there is no Madstone cap, giving players the flexibility to craft additional high-tier Neutral Items. In Turbo games, the Madstone drop rate is accelerated, starting after 2.5 minutes and continuing at a faster pace. This adjustment ensures that games remain dynamic and players have more opportunities to customize their Neutral Items based on the evolving gameplay.
Additional Tips and Strategies
To make the most of the Madstone system, it’s essential to farm strategically. Clearing jungle camps efficiently will help you accumulate Madstones quickly, allowing you to craft Neutral Items at the optimal times. Remember, you can only craft Neutral Items in the correct tier order, so plan your jungle routes accordingly. After crafting a tier one item, wait until the 15-minute mark to start farming for the tier two item, and so on. This timing ensures that you are always ready to craft the next tier of Neutral Item when it becomes available.
If you find that one of your teammates is lagging behind in their Neutral Item progression, consider clearing a few extra camps to help them catch up. Once the 70-minute mark is reached, there are no Madstone caps, so you can freely distribute Madstones to ensure your team is well-equipped. The Madstone system also offers the option to recraft Neutral Items. If you have a tier one item and want to retain its Artifact for a higher tier, you can recraft it with the same Artifact and new Enchantments, ensuring that the item scales appropriately over time. For a comprehensive list of available Artifacts and Enchantments, refer to the Wandering Waters update page on the official Dota 2 website.
By mastering the Madstone system, players can gain a significant edge in their games, crafting items that perfectly complement their heroes and strategies. This new system adds a layer of depth and personalization to Dota 2, making every match more unique and engaging.
