5 best Innate Abilities in Dota 2 7.37e (December 2024)

Dota 2 patch 7.36 introduces a new hero mechanism called Innate Abilities. Each hero now possesses a unique Innate Ability that persists throughout the match. Some gain an additional spell or unique passive upgrades, while others see enhancements to their existing abilities, scaling up to five levels. Amidst the variety of Innate Abilities, few have emerged as the best in the current meta.

This article highlights the five best Innate Abilities in Dota 2, poised to help you climb the MMR ladder once mastered.

Note: The topic is subjective and depends on the writer's opinions.

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Ursa, Ember Spirit, and other Dota 2 heroes have the best Innate Abilities in the latest meta

1) Ursa

Ursa's new Innate Ability debuted in 7.37 (Image via Valve||Sportskeeda)

MAUL

• Ursa gains bonus damage equal to a percentage of his Current HP.

In the tank-filled meta of Dota 2 7.37e, Ursa has emerged as one of the best safelaners. His new Innate Ability, Maul, grants him bonus damage based on his current HP, making him effective against both squishy and tanky heroes. Building Octarine Core and Aghanim's Scepter reduces Enrage's cooldown, helping the bear stay alive longer.

Significant features:

• The longer you hit enemy targets, the more damage they take.
• Both his Facets buffs his physical prowess.
• After a certain point, you can forgo damage items in favor of survivability ones.

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Also check: Dota 2 7.36: All Major Hero Changes

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2) Ember Spirit

The Cinder Sensei is part of the Collector's Cache II 2019 (Image via Valve)

IMMOLATION

• Ember Spirit is continuously burning, dealing damage per second to all nearby enemies at all times

Ember Spirit is a reliable midlaner in Dota 2 7.37e because of his formidable Innate Ability, Immolation. This spell now deals passive damage in a 175 radius. Furthermore, it acts like a mini Radiance that propels the hero's overall impact during the laning stage and in teamfights. If you manage to win the lane, then consider ganking other lanes to route enemy heroes with Fire Remnants and Sleight of Fist.

Significant features:

• The Innate Ability does 34 dps at level 4.
• You can opt for the magic build to inflict more magical damage with Flame Guard.
• 15% of the attack damage is enough to burn down squishy enemy cores and supports.

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3) Shadow Shaman

Shaman's Fowl Play prevents an instant elimination (Image via Valve)

FOWL PLAY

• When taking lethal damage, Shadow Shaman receives a strong dispel and survives as a 1 HP chicken. Incoming damage is reduced to zero for 1s.

Shadow Shaman got a major survivability boost in Dota 2, thanks to his Innate Ability. Upon taking lethal damage, Rhasta is not only cleansed by a strong dispel but he also morphs into a chicken, gaining complete immunity from all damage for a second. This brief window allows the normally fragile hero a chance to escape from dangerous situations in 7.37e.

Significant features:

• A bunch of chickens also spawn around Rhasta after Fowl Play, providing more cover after choosing the Cluster Cluck Facet.
• The cooldown is reset after Shadow Shaman dies.
• Use the Glimmer Cape right before you drop to single-digit HP to flee as an invisible chicken.

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Also check: Crownfall Act II The Deserts of Druud Guide

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4) Juggernaut

Juggernaut inflicts more damage with Duelist (Image via Valve)

DUELIST

• Juggernaut deals 12% more damage to targets that are facing him. Damage bonus is always applied during Omnislash.

Without a single change in 7.37e, Juggernaut is one of the go-to carry in this meta. Duelist enables him to deal 12% more damage to enemy units facing him, enhancing his role as a powerful damage dealer from the early to late-game stages. That said, the bonus damage stacks with other damage items.

Significant features:

• Duelist applies when Omnislash is active.
• Juggernaut's right-clicks are of more impact.
• Works well with the Bladeform Facet.

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5) Storm Spirit

Storm Spirit is one of the go-to midlaners in 7.37e (Image via Valve)

GALVANIZED

• Storm Spirit gains a charge of 0.2 mana regeneration per kill. Loses 3 charges per death. Leveling Ball Lightning gives Storm Spirit 3 bonus charges. Additionally every time he gains a charge he also gains 0.1 Mana Regen permanently.

Storm Spirit boasts one of the best permanent buff-based Innate Abilities in Dota 2 7.37e. This hero receives a 0.2 mana regen charge whenever he kills an enemy hero or one dies within his 1200 range. Storm is granted a permanent 0.1 mana regen for every charge he gains. This Innate passive negates the mana issues and provides the much-needed regen for an active hero like Storm Spirit.

Significant features:

• After securing early-game kills, your Storm Spirit wouldn't have any dire mana regen issues.
• You can purchase Kaya and Eul's Scepter of Divinity to have a stable mana regen throughout the match.
• You will earn 3 charges after leveling up Ball Lightning.

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Honourable mentions

• Anti-Mage
• Bristleback
• Kez
• Dragon Knight
• Dawnbreaker
• Facel
• Sven
• Phantom Lancer
• IO
• Nyx Assassin
• Chen
• Silencer
• Sniper
• Beastmaster
• Dark Seer
• Void Spirit
• Ringmaster

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The Dota 2 7.37e update primarily focused on balancing certain heroes, resulting in minimal changes to the meta. Do follow Sportskeeda's Dota 2 section to get wind of the latest guides, news, and more.