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Aghanim's Scepter
Utility · 4,200gold
Upgrades your ultimate. Worth 4,200 only when it changes what you do in this game.
How to actually use it
The most misbought item in the game, because it looks like a power spike and is often just a stat block.
- 1
Ask what the upgrade changes, not how much it adds
WhySome scepters add a number. Others change what the hero does in a fight. Only the second kind is worth 4,200.
HowBefore you buy: can you describe the upgrade in one sentence that changes your game plan? If not, skip it.
- 2
Buy it early or not at all
WhyThe upgrade is a fixed effect. Its relative value falls every minute as everyone else finishes real items.
HowAghanim's before ~20 minutes is a plan. Aghanim's at 35 minutes is usually a panic purchase.
- 3
It competes with the shard, not with a big item
WhyBoth upgrade your kit, and you cannot afford both in most games.
HowDecide which one changes the fight more, buy that one, and stop thinking about the other.
- 4
It can be consumed
WhyYou can eat it for a permanent upgrade instead of holding the item slot.
HowLate game, once you need the slot for damage, consume it — but only after the upgrade has already paid for itself.
Should you buy it?
- The upgrade changes what your hero does, not just how much damage it deals.
- You can get it by ~20 minutes.
- Your hero has no other way to reach the job it needs to do this game.
- You cannot describe the upgrade in one sentence.
- You are still fighting to survive — 4,200 buys a BKB.
- You are buying it because it is in the guide, not because of this game.
Timing
Before 20 minutes, as a second item. After that the gold is better spent on something that keeps you alive.
Base data
- All Attributes#4 of 26 items granting all attributestop 15%+10
- Health#25 of 33 items granting health+175
- Mana#22 of 30 items granting mana+175
Point Booster+
Staff of Wizardry+
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Blade of Alacrity→Aghanim's Scepter