Hero Discussion #2: Razzil Darkbrew, the Alchemist

What items do you personally like to buy?

I don't play alchemist. Like at all.

However, i think that the way to go now is armlet first for survivability, and then a radiance so you can farm at a stupid fast rate. Alch Siren is really strong, because of how fast he farms. Imagine a 5 slotted naga siren at 25 minutes, that's how alchsiren feels like.

What is the "optimal" skillbuild?

Max Acid Spray first, then Greevil's Greed second, no question. Optional value point in the stun so you can fight a little earlier. however, take note of Alchemist's pitiful mana pool early on.

What should an Alchemist do if he is behind?

Stack up the jungle and farm. It doesn't matter if an Alchemist is behind, because of how fast he farms. Just make sure you have wards to show the enemy gank rotations and stay safe, you'll eventually get strong.

Is Support Alchemist viable?

It works, but you still need to put him mid at least so he can farm his support items. He cannot function without farm, but if allowed space, he can easily farm up support items to help his team. Do not, i repeat, DO NOT, put alch as a poor support, or even a 4.5 humble support. He needs to farm to be useful, otherwise he's about as useful as a big walking creep with a stun.

How important is saving Bounty Runes for Alchemist?

Do it whenever possible. Just imagine if the bounty rune which gives you 80 gold is more worth it, or is a bounty that gives Alchemist 320-480 gold is worth more. If you don't see the Alchemist walking towards the rune, it wouldn't hurt to ask the alch. If you're too selfish to do that, then take the rune, knowing you probably delayed alchemist's radiance by 10-20 seconds every time you take a rune.

What are some heroes that benefit from late Aghanim Scepters?

Enigma, Bane, Centaur Warrunner , Bristleback, Dark Seer, Disruptor, and a lot more. I feel like as long as you have heroes with good aghs upgrades, but don't necessarily want to rush them, they are a good candidate for an aghs. Even if they already have an aghs, giving them an aghs so they can get another item slot at 40 minutes can be game breaking.

Mask of Madness+ Maelstrom+ Alchemist=Defense of the Farming Simulator

I actually (in an unranked game ofc) went MoM > Mael > Bfury > Blink > Manta and then proceeded to farm aghs for everyone on my team.

It was, needless to say, crazy farming.

What items do you personally like to buy?

If I play solo, I'm your typical "selfish Radiance Alchemist", I like the idea of getting 12 minute Radiance just for bragging rights lol

But if I were to have proper 5-man team and I happen to play Alchemist (which is very rarely, if ever happen) I'd actually prefer the support Alchemist. The power to grant Aghanim's Scepter is just too strong.

What is the "optimal" skillbuild?

No question, Acid Spray to Greevil's Greed with a point of stun at level 4

Is Support Alchemist viable?

I think so, yeah, just be sure not to pick any hero that rely on ancient farm (like Sven or Gyrocopter) in the same team as Alchemist

What are some heroes that benefit from late Aghanim Scepters?

This is the whole reason I think support Alchemist is viable, Bristleback's aghs is a beast, and even more so the Weaver (20 seconds effing Time Lapse!). There are more heroes, like Luna, Drow Ranger, Doom, Sven, and too many other heroes to count.

So, yeah, support Alchemist is legit as ****, I think.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdC6qFk4Xsw

Classic Example of Alchemist taking over the game.

I'm curious what the draft was like in this game.

If Secret picked Alchemist last seeing that DC didn't have a lot of burst, well drafted by Puppey. If DC didn't pick any burst to counter the Alchemist... c'mon guys.

http://www.dotabuff.com/matches/2522163083

It was a fourth pick, don't think DC was expecting the alch pick. Looks like DC tried to get some burst with Jugg even though Secret had an Ursa and SD. They might've had an idea when slark and morph was banned

Why Shiva's Guard over Assault Cuirass? Seems like a poor choice, especially if you're the team's #1 and main source of physical damage.

Damage isn't an issue for Secret at that point, the passive attack speed reduction aura, the slow% from the active and the slight burst helps better in this game. Reason being they're so far ahead that getting Shiva's ensures that your teammates will have a harder time dying. DC's only really damage is Jugg (edit: Mirana too) and most of DC's comp is really mobile; Shiva helps shave off any slight advantage DC might have.

I'm not speaking strictly of that game, but in general, I see so many Shivas where an AC was also an option. What makes it a better 'general choice'?