Several formerly unpopular heroes have emerged as clear frontrunners in Dota 2’s upcoming competitive season thanks to patch 7.33d. The underdogs like Tinker, Alchemist, and Medusa are now becoming the new staples with the reworks. Amidst of these hype, other heroes—like Zeus—tend to get lost in the drafts.
Even though Zeus is not the most popular champion as he used to be, particularly in high-tier games, Zeus is still one of a viable picks for carry players out there. Some professionals even showed that there’s still a plenty of potential in him. So, what is necessary to optimise it? (Spoiler alert: he’ll turn into a buffed right clicker hero like no other.)
EARLY: Tango, 3 branch + Faerie Fire
As starter, you will get rune at 2 minutes and a bottle is mandatory on this hero, you should have around 300g after rune which should allow you to get bottle after a couple creepwaves.
Manaboot and Phlactery
Rush manaboot, then go for Phylactery. The slow effect from this item is useful for kiting and finishing off targets, and the stats are good for the item of this price.
Kaya Sange into Octarine Core
We have seen a lot of Kaya Sange Zeus build in previous patch. And it still works great to this day. Save a lot of your hard earned golds to rush this item so you’ll get that sweet +16% Spell Damage Amplification and +30% Spell Lifesteal Amplification. As Zeus grows stronger with this item, get yourself Octarine Core to spam abilities more often and bring his health around 3000 HP. Keep in mind that you still have low armor and no tank items, so do not rush into a teamfight and try to keep your position as safe as possible.
That should give you enough damage, so don’t hesitate to press your opponents. The addition of Heavenly Jump is really what opened up this aggressive Zeus playstyle. Jump is a legitimately great escape and chase tool on a low cooldown that allows you to play Zeus in this aggressive playstyle.
Hurricane Pike & Aghanim Shard
At certain point in the game, you will have your magic damage build completed, and any further magic damage items you buy will be underwhelming. Thus Hurricane Pike and Aghanim Shard should be your next items. Force Staff is a must for Zeus, and combined with the Pike + Shard attack range, your Zeus will do quite solid right-click damage with decent range. Zeus’ buffed 20 talent, which deals 6% arc lightning current HP damage, also helps significantly, since it works with your shard.
Keep track of who is a major threat if you get jumped, and once they are preoccupied in the fight you can mess your opponents with regular attack. As always, figure out when you’re safe to right-click in fights, as your opponents will always try to eliminate you as quickly as they can.
Enchanted Quiver + Moonshard/Bloodstone
Enchanted Quiver has been one of the most improved items in patch 7.33. This item now gives a passive +75 range buff, plus an additional 350 range every 6 seconds for one attack with +200 ranged true strike.
In addition of Quiver, try to get your hand on Dragonlance and Moonshard. This should outrange your abilities and does 400+ damage with a 50% arc lightning plus the pseudo static field off your 20 talent. This item literally gives you a second lightning bolt.
Moon Shard is pretty obvious, if you find yourself able to right-click uninterrupted for a few seconds here or there in team fights it’s very strong. In addition, Bloodstone would work really well with Zeus as it gives you additional 500 HP and nearly infinite mana against heroes, makes you as reliable damage dealer. It works with your shard as well, so consider to go with Bloodstone + Moon Shard combo.
