Clockwerk
Rattletrap belongs to the same diminutive race as Tinker, Sniper, and Alchemist. Like many of his kind, he has offset his physical shortcomings through the application of mechanical genius, building himself a suit of powered armor that makes the knights of other lands look like peasants in leather vests.
At a Glance
Core Principles
“Precision is my specialty, chaos is my masterpiece.”
Vision is Power
Your Rocket Flare is the team's omnipresent eye. Control information, deny enemy movements, and victory becomes a calculated certainty.
Master the Isolation
Every Hookshot should separate your target from their salvation. Choose wisely, strike decisively, and watch enemies crumble in solitude.
Chaos Through Precision
Your mechanical perfection creates battlefield chaos. Use Cogs to rewrite fight geometry and turn enemy coordination into confusion.
The Art of Calculated Aggression
You're not just initiating - you're conducting a symphony of destruction. Every ability has a purpose, every engagement a calculated outcome.
Survival Through Mechanics
Your machinery is both sword and shield. Use every tool at your disposal - terrain, allies, and your mechanical mastery - to survive and thrive.
Hero Overview
Clockwerk is an aggressive initiator and vision controller who excels at isolating key targets and disrupting enemy positioning. His global presence through Rocket Flare makes him invaluable for map control, while his ability to hook onto any unit from extreme range creates constant gank threats. Once he closes the distance, Power Cogs can trap enemies while Battery Assault provides sustained damage and lockdown.
Clockwerk's gameplay revolves around information gathering and precise initiation. Early game focuses on using Rocket Flare for vision control, harassment, and supporting other lanes. Mid-game transforms him into a roaming threat, using Hookshot to catch isolated enemies or initiate team fights. His Power Cogs can completely reshape team fight dynamics by splitting enemy formations or protecting key allies.
Pros
- Exceptional initiation range with Hookshot
- Global vision and harassment capability
- Strong area denial and battlefield control
- Hookshot stuns through BKB/debuff immunity
- Versatile Power Cogs usage for offense and defense
Cons
- Heavily dependent on Hookshot accuracy
- Limited escape mechanisms once committed
- Mana-dependent hero with sustain issues early
- Vulnerable to silences and break effects
- Requires good positioning and game sense
Ability Analysis
Battery Assault
ActiveClockwerk releases a barrage that fires a random number of shrapnel at nearby enemy units, dealing minor damage and mini-stuns.
Notes: Position yourself away from creeps to ensure all shrapnel hits heroes. The 0.1-second mini-stuns continuously interrupt channeling abilities and TPs. Excellent for 1v1 scenarios and preventing enemy escapes.
Power Cogs
ActiveForms a circle of energized cogs around Clockwerk, trapping units inside and shocking enemies who approach from outside.
Notes: The shock provides a reliable stun that pierces magic immunity. Use to isolate enemies, protect allies, or block narrow passages. Hit your own cogs to let melee allies reach trapped enemies. Great for high ground defense.
Rocket Flare
Point TargetFires a global range rocket that provides vision along its path and explodes at the target location, dealing damage and granting vision.
Notes: Your primary tool for map control. Use the flight path vision to scout large areas or detonate at specific locations for longer vision. Can stack neutral camps from anywhere on the map. Perfect for canceling Salves and Clarities across lanes.
Hookshot
Point TargetFires a grappling device rapidly at the target location. If the hook hits a unit, Clockwerk launches himself into battle, stunning and damaging the target.
Notes: Can target allies, neutrals, Roshan, and Tormentors for escapes. Stuns debuff-immune enemies, making it one of the most reliable initiation tools. Units hit during your flight are also briefly stunned. Cancel animation to bait enemy positioning.
Jetpack
Point Target (Shard)Clockwerk flies to the target location. He can cast spells and use items while flying, and gains unobstructed movement.
Notes: Aghanim's Shard ability that provides incredible mobility. You can TP while flying, cast items without turning, and even channel Outposts or Gates. Can be dispelled, so be careful around enemies with dispel abilities.
Developer's Notes
Developer Insights
Clockwerk is the master of battlefield control and vision warfare. His Hookshot transforms him from a lane bully into one of the most feared initiators in the game.
Key Insights:
- Rocket Flare provides unmatched global presence and information control
- Power Cogs can isolate enemies, protect allies, or provide instant area denial
- Battery Assault turns close-range encounters into a nightmare for enemies
Clockwerk rewards players who think three steps ahead. Vision, positioning, and timing are everything!
Game Strategy
Early Game
Timeframe: 0-15 minutes Objective: Control vision and harass enemies while securing farm Key: Use Rocket Flare to scout runes and harass mid lane; Position for Battery Assault without hitting creeps; Block creeps with Power Cogs to manipulate lane equilibrium; Stack neutral camps with Rocket Flare for later farming Items: Phase Boots for positioning; Soul Ring for mana sustain; Magic Wand for burst recovery Tips: Always carry TPs to follow up on Rocket Flare vision; Use Cogs defensively when getting ganked; Time Rocket Flares to cancel enemy Salve usage; Practice Cog positioning to avoid trapping yourself
Mid Game
Timeframe: 15-30 minutes Objective: Initiate fights and control key map areas Key: Look for solo pickoffs with Hookshot combos; Use Rocket Flare to maintain vision control around objectives; Coordinate with team before Hookshot initiations; Use Cogs to split enemy teams during fights Items: Blade Mail (Core defensive/offensive item); Force Staff (Essential positioning tool); Aghanim's Shard (Game-changing mobility) Tips: Always have Force Staff ready before Hookshot; Use trees and elevation for better Hookshot angles; Communicate your initiation timing clearly; Save Cogs for protecting your carries when needed
Late Game
Timeframe: 30+ minutes Objective: Provide perfect initiation and battlefield control Key: Target enemy supports or cores out of position; Use Rocket Flare to track enemy movements constantly; Create space with Cogs during high ground scenarios; Focus on team utility over personal damage Items: Heart of Tarrasque (Maximum survivability); Aghanim's Scepter (Global dual flares); Assault Cuirass (Team utility and armor) Tips: Patience is key - wait for the perfect Hookshot opportunity; Use Jetpack for unexpected initiation angles; Prioritize vision control around Roshan and key objectives; Consider buying support items like Pipe or Crimson for team
Tips & Strategies
Battery Assault Mastery
- Position along the outer perimeter of enemy heroes to avoid hitting creeps.
- Avoid immediately right-clicking after activation to prevent drawing creep aggro.
- Remember it can't hit invisible units, but Power Cogs shock can still reach them.
Power Cogs Advanced Techniques
- Cogs shock is a stun that can cancel TPs even when Battery Assault is on cooldown.
- Use Cogs near Aegis graves for instant disable on enemy respawn.
- With Expanded Armature facet, you can shock enemies both inside and outside the circle.
- Use Force Staff + Cogs combo to trap enemies while positioning yourself outside.
Rocket Flare Strategic Usage
- Choose between long-duration small area vision vs. short-duration large area vision based on objectives.
- Use to stack neutral camps from 1800+ range by drawing aggro.
- Pop enemy Raindrops from other lanes to tilt enemies and provide strategic advantage.
- With Aghanim's Scepter, enemies can be hit by two flares if you target 200+ units off-center.
Hookshot Professional Tips
- Can target allied units, neutrals, Tormentor, or Roshan for escapes.
- Stuns debuff immune enemies - one of the few abilities that can.
- Use Blink Dagger after casting to change trajectory for AoE stuns.
- Cancel animation with stop key to bait enemy positioning.
- Interrupt your own flight with Force Staff or Eul's if needed.
Item Guide
Counter Guide
Good With
Clockwerk excels with heroes who can capitalize on his isolation and control abilities. Pudge creates incredible hook-based synergies where Cogs can set up perfect Dismember positioning. Zeus benefits from Rocket Flare vision to land global Thundergod's Wraths, while Invoker can follow up Hookshot initiations with devastating spell combinations. Lina and other burst casters love having guaranteed targets trapped in Cogs, ensuring their high-damage spells connect. The key is pairing with heroes who need enemies to be stationary or isolated - Clockwerk delivers exactly that through superior positioning control and reliable lockdown.
Bad Against
Clockwerk struggles against heroes who can easily escape his control or neutralize his close-range effectiveness. Lifestealer's Rage provides immunity to Battery Assault ministuns while allowing him to freely destroy Cogs. Juggernaut's Blade Fury offers similar immunity and high mobility. Slark can Dark Pact out of most effects and steal attributes during prolonged fights. Anti-Mage burns Clockwerk's limited mana pool, preventing crucial combo execution. Nature's Prophet can Sprout trapped enemies out of Cogs (except with Expanded Armature facet). Heroes with strong dispels, magic immunity, or high mobility consistently frustrate Clockwerk's game plan.
Good Against
Clockwerk dominates heroes who rely on positioning, channeling, or have limited escape mechanisms. Templar Assassin's Refraction charges get quickly consumed by Battery Assault, while Meld can't save her from Cogs shock. Storm Spirit and Ember Spirit lose their mobility advantages when caught by Hookshot and trapped in Cogs. Tinker becomes helpless when isolated from trees and high ground positioning. Crystal Maiden, Invoker, and other squishy casters suffer immensely from Clockwerk's ability to close gaps instantly and maintain lockdown. Generally, any hero dependent on specific positioning, channeling abilities, or lacking strong dispels will find Clockwerk a persistent nightmare.