LifeDrainer[RO]
05-03-2008, 11:54
Pugna, The Oblivion
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNPugna.gif
Why Pugna?
Because of his low killing potential, Pugna is not favored in pub games. On the other hand, Pugna can be a great support in team battles making him favored by league players around the world. Pugna's Nether Blast give him a great lane control ability and Life Drain can make him stay in his lane longer. But what is most feared on Pugna is his Nether Ward, a skill that can change the tide of battle completely if used properly. Further explanation about Pugna are written on this guide so please feel free to read it.
Contents
1. Overview
2. Skill Build
3. Item Build
4. Walkthrough
5. Strategy
6. Allies & Enemies
7. Mechanics
8. Misc
1.Overview
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4681/ov
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9504/lvl
Nether Blast
Creates a blast of exploding pulses from the Nether Plane, dealing damage to units and buildings.
Level 1 - Deals 100 (40 to building) damage to units in an area.
Level 2 - Deals 175 (60 to building) damage to units in an area.
Level 3 - Deals 250 (80 to building)damage to units in an area.
Level 4 - Deals 325 (100 to building) damage to units in an area
Cooldown: 5.5 seconds.
Mana: 85/105/125/145 mana.
Cast range: 400
AoE: 400
Writer's note: Pugna's bread-and-butter skill. 325 damage at max (100 on building) is quite high and shouldn't be underestimated. Eventhough the AoE is big and the cooldown is short, this skill has its own flaws; short casting range and minor casting time. This flaws will give your enemy enough time to run away every time you try to cast this skill on them. Using this skill together with Decrepify will increase its potential since the slowed enemy will be easier target and the damage output will be increased by 44%! Maximizing this skill during early game can turn Pugna to a good lane controller, even by soloing
Decrepify
Pugna casts a powerful banishing magic on a unit. The unit is sent to the ethereal plane for a small period of time, reducing its movement speed by 50% and rendering it unable to attack. It takes 44% extra damage from spells.
Level 1 - 2 seconds.
Level 2 - 2.5 seconds.
Level 3 - 3 seconds.
Level 4 - 3.5 seconds.
Cooldown: 13/11/9/7 seconds.
Mana: 100 mana.
Cast range: 550
Writer's note: Pugna's double edge skill. The banished enemy will be slowed by 50% and receive 44% more damage from spells (ouch!). Banished enemy can't attack but can't be attacked either. Having lot of nuker as your allies will increase this skill potential to the best. As for carry, being unable to attack the decrepified enemy may seems annoying but if he is smart enough, he will use that time to get into good attacking position and start attacking once the Decrepify duration is over. At lvl 4, this skill has 3.5 seconds effective cooldowns making Pugna is suitable as semi-ganker.
Nether Ward
Summons a Nether Ward that prevents enemy heroes from regenerating mana and can cast Mana Flare, which deals damage to enemy heroes as they cast spells.
Lasts 25 seconds. Each level increases the area of effect of the Ward's Mana Flare, the Mana Flare damage, the negative mana regen and the hp of the ward.
Level 1 - Mana Flare deals 0.75*mana cost, degen mana by -1.50 mana/seconds, 700 AoE, 75 hp.
Level 2 - Mana Flare deals 1.00*mana cost, degen mana by -3.00 mana/seconds, 1000 AoE, 150 hp.
Level 3 - Mana Flare deals 1.25*mana cost, degen mana by -4.50 mana/seconds, 1300 AoE, 225 hp.
Level 4 - Mana Flare deals 1.50*mana cost, degen mana by -6.00 mana/seconds, 1600 AoE, 300 hp.
Cooldown: 35 seconds.
Mana: 80 mana.
Duration: 25 seconds.
Writer's note: This is the skill that makes Pugna a league's favorite. Powerful during mid/late game and can change the tide of war completely. Nether Ward will backfire all enemy's nukers every time they cast a spell. The higher the mana cost, the more damage they receive thus making all enemy's nukers think twice every time they want to cast a spell. This ward also decrease your opponents mana slowly but this ability is not much needed. Lvl 4 Nether Ward has 1600 AoE and it is very imba. The effective cooldown is 10 seconds only at all level so you can keep casting this skill when there is a need.
Life Drain
Pugna summons a very powerful draining magic that absorbs the life essence of an enemy unit.
Lasts 9 seconds.
Level 1 - 95 (170 with Aghanim's) hit point drain per second.
Level 1 - 140 (200 with Aghanim's) hit point drain per second.
Level 1 - 185 (300 with Aghanim's) hit point drain per second.
Cooldown: 22 seconds.
Mana: 125/175/225 mana.
AoE: 800
Writer's note: Pugna's ultimate. This skill is a mediocre skill and work only as instant healing for Pugna. This is a channeling spell which means it will be canceled if you walk, attack or cast another skill during this skill duration. Disabled by enemy will cancel the channeling as well. Using this skill for killing is very hard since the enemy will either run away or disable your Pugna whenever you cast this skill. Especially in league where disables are used widely, don't ever dream to use this skill as killing mean. Use it for healing only.
Pros & Cons
Pros
* High basic damage.
* High movement speed.
* Long attack range.
* High (highest in the game) Int gain.
* Nice AoE Nuke.
* Nice healing skill.
* All skills have fast cooldown.
Cons
* Low hp.
* Low armor.
* Low Str and Agi gain.
* Nether Blast can be evaded easily.
* Life Drain is channeling spell.
* No escape tools (blink, wind walk, etc.).
Pugna's Role
* Harasser.
* Tower/Rax breaker (Nether Blast).
* Semi-ganker (Decrepify).
* Anti-Nuker (Nether Ward).
* Chicken buyer.
* Ward placer.
3.Skill Build
Build 1: Harasser
1. Nether Blast
2. Decrepify
3. Nether Blast
4. Decrepify
5. Nether Blast
6. Life Drain
7. Nether Blast
8. Nether Ward
9. Nether Ward
10. Nether Ward
11. Nether Ward
12. Decrepify
13. Decrepify
14. Life Drain
15. Attribute Bonus
16. Life Drain
17. Attribute Bonus
18. Attribute Bonus
19. Attribute Bonus
20. Attribute Bonus
21. Attribute Bonus
22. Attribute Bonus
23. Attribute Bonus
24. Attribute Bonus
25. Attribute Bonus
Explanation:
Choose this build if you didn't face a tough lane. With this build, you can concentrate on harassing the enemy using the Decrepify+Nether Blast combo. Maximize Nether Blast early because this skill is a good skill for lane controlling. Leveling your Decrepify to lvl 2 would be enough for early game since the amplified damage % and the slow % is the same same at all level, the only differences is the durations and cooldowns. Get a point on Life Drain at lvl 6 for instant healing but you may skip it depending on the situation. From lvl 8~11, maximize your Nether Ward because it start to become useful around this stage. After maximizing Nether Ward, continue with lvling Decrepify for longer duration and faster cooldown. Only after you maximize Nether Blast, Nether Ward and Decrepify you may put more point in Life Drain.
Build 2: Countering Nuker
1. Nether Blast
2. Nether Ward
3. Nether Blast
4. Nether Ward
5. Nether Blast
6. Nether Ward
7. Nether Blast
8. Life Drain/Nether Ward
9. Nether Ward/Life Drain
10. Decrepify
11. Decrepify
12. Decrepify
13. Decrepify
14. Life Drain
15. Attribute Bonus
16. Life Drain
17. Attribute Bonus
18. Attribute Bonus
19. Attribute Bonus
20. Attribute Bonus
21. Attribute Bonus
22. Attribute Bonus
23. Attribute Bonus
24. Attribute Bonus
25. Attribute Bonus
Explanation:
Choose this build if you face powerful nukers on your lane. By getting Nether Ward early, you can distract those nukers either by draining their mana slowly or by backfiring them back every time thay cast a spell. Nether Blast will give you early nuking capabilities and this should be maximized too. Getting Life Drain at lvl 8 is optional. If you don't need instant healing, you may max out Nether Ward first before getting Life Drain. Only after maximizing Nether Blast and Nether Ward with a level of Life Drain, you may start to maximize Decrepify and continue with getting more point in Life Drain.
4.Item Build
Starting Items
-Animal Courier
-Ancient Tango Of Essifation
-Clarity Potion
-Ironwood Branch
Explanation: First, get a chicken. Chicken is very useful to your team especially on Pugna who can stay at his lane longer than others due to his Life Drain. Bring 2 set of Tango for healing purpose till you reach lvl 6 where Life Drain will do the healing task. Bring along 2 or 3 Clarity's for mana regen during early game. If there is any gold left, get 1 or 2 Ironwood Branch. Ironwood Branch is a good item for starting and it can be completed to Mekansm later.
Core Items
-Bracers x 2
-Void Stone
-Boots Of Speed
-Observer Wards
-Mekansm
Explanation: Since Pugna has lot of good spells, he need mana if he want to keep casting it. Getting Void Stone early can increase Pugna's mana regeneration, thus giving him the ability to continuously spamming his spells without being short of mana. 2 Bracers will boost Pugna's hp a little and it would be enough for early and mid game survivability. Boots Of Speed is an essential item for all heroes so get it as well. As I mention earlier, one of Pugna's role in his team is ward placer. Make sure to keep buying Observer Wards and place it on the strategic places especially at the runes spawning places. The last core item for Pugna is Mekansm; the item that will make you loved by your teammates. In league game, at least 1 or 2 player will pick powerful AoE heroes so counter them with Mekansm. The reason; the best way to counter AoE nuke is by using AoE heal. For the sake of you and your team, get this item for sure.
Advanced Core Items
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNINV_Sword_09.gifGuinsoo's Scythe Of Vyse
Once you finish your core items, you may want to upgrade your Void Stone to a better item. If you think of doing so, getting this item is a good choice. A complete disable for 3 seconds may not seem long but if you disable the right enemy at the right time, you can change the tide of battle completely. The most probable target is the enemy who are channeling his spell or their strongest hero. Disabling enemy who try to run away is good as well.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNHeartOfAszune.gifHeart Of Tarrasque
Get HoT if you need serious survivability especially if the game continue to become a late game. HoT will increase your hp by almost 1k; giving Pugna who lack survivability some hope to it. Since Pugna didn't have any specific item to make, getting this item is a good option.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNAbility_Rogue_Sprint.gifBoots Of Travel
BoT will give you faster movement speed and the teleport ability. Teleport will give Pugna more control over the map which is important. In league game, map controlling is very important and it can even change the output of the game. Most league player will get this item and there is no exception for Pugna.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNNecromancerMaster.gifNecronomicon
This item increase both Pugna's Int and Str; the 2 attributes that he need most. Moreover it give Pugna an ability to summon 2 Necromicon units which can be useful if used efficiently. The Endurance Aura can assist your team in pushing, Mana Burn and Feedback can help you drain enemy's mana, Last Will can hurt the enemy badly and True Sight can reveal invisible units. Get this item for sure if you encounter enemy with invisible ability. However, you good microing skills to use this item.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNAdvancedMoonArmor.gifShiva's Guard
A new item that had been introduced in v6.49. 15 increased armor and -25% IAS will make Pugna more durable against carry heroes. Upon activation, it will emit a large AoE spell which deal 200 damage and slow the enemy movement speed by 40%. The damage may not be high but still can be some aid during team fight.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNIceShard.gifEye Of Skadi
Expensive yet worth the value. Just imagine having Mystic Staff, Reaver, Eaglehorn and Point Booster packed in a slot and far more cheap than it is used to be. The frost attack is useful too, especially in ganking. This item is a good choice if you farm well during the game and have excessive gold.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNINV_Misc_Gem_Bloodstone_02.gifBloodstone
Another option instead of Guinsoo's if you want to upgrade your Void Stone to something else. This item will boost Pugna's hp by 450; a good amount for better survivability. However, this item will do its real job if the bearers die. Not only you will respawn faster and lose less gold, upon death you will recover your allies hp and mana; making Pugna is a good supporter even by dying. :(
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNOrb%20of%20Water.gifLinken's Sphere
Another option for upgrading your Void Stone. It gives +15 to all stats and an ability to neglect a spell. Moreover, now it has only 20 seconds cooldown compared to 40 seconds before.
Situational Items
Hood Of Defiance
You might want to get this item if you are facing a team full of spellcaster. Because of his low hp, the 30% increase in spell resistance is priceless.
Sentry Wards
Instead of lvl 3 Necromicon, you may get this item to counter invisibility. Not only invisible heroes, you may use Sentry Wards to clear enemy's wards and give your team full control over the map.
Items to avoid
Any DPS item(Buriza/Desolator/MKB)
DPS item is for carry heroes and Pugna is not one of those carry. The conclusion? Pugna didn't need DPS item! If you really think that having DPS item is cool, pick a carry hero and then you can get those items. If you pick Pugna, just concentrate on being a team supporter rather than killing your opponents.
Refresher Orb
There is no reason for you to get this item on Pugna since all of his skills have very fast cooldowns. Double Nether Ward? You must be joking. Never seen anyone waste a lot of his gold for that ridiculous reason.
4.Walkthrough
Early Game
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3791/pugna1nd6.jpg
Once the game start, get your starting item like Chicken, Tango, Clarity and Branch. Do not decide your Pugna's build unless you had go to your lane and know who your opponent is. If you are laning against hero who can't harass well during early game (FV, Lifestealer, Treant Protector, etc.), play Pugna as an harasser. Lvl up Nether Blast and keep casting it to harass your opponents and get multiple creep kills. If you want to make sure that the enemy didn't evade your Nether Blast, use Decrepify on him. Decrepified unit will be easier target for Nether Blast and he will receive more damage from spells too. Since Nether Blast affect buildings as well, make sure to use it on tower so you can take down enemy's tower faster. Instead of Nether Blast, you may use Pugna's high basic damage as an advantage to harass enemy and last hitting creeps.
If you face powerful early game nuker like Zeus, Tinker and Lich, make sure you increase your Nether Ward's level and not Decrepify. Nether Ward will drain those nuker's mana slowly and whenever they cast a spell, they will pay for it with their own hp. By the time you reach lvl 6, make sure you have lvl 3 Nether Ward because lvl 3 Nether Ward's AoE is quite big compared to lvl 2.
When Pugna reach lvl 6, put a point on Life Drain so you can recover your hp without going back to base and stay at your lane longer. If your Pugna are not being harassed badly, you may skip Life Drain to lvl 8 or 9. Make sure to use Life Drain whether on neutral creep or melee lane creep that is not being attacked so you can leech more hp. If you are being ambushed and the enemy didn't have any sort of disable, cast Life Drain on him and he will run away for sure.
As for item, use your chicken to get your core items while you ar controlling your lane. Start with Bracers, Boots Of Speed and Void Stone. Get Observer Wards and make sure to plant it on strategic places so your team can have good control over the map.
The main task for Pugna during early game is to stay at his lane longer at least till you reach lvl 8 or 9 or till you break the enemy's first tower. Do not bother to join in any ganking, unless the enemy your ally want to gank is the one on your lane. Just concentrate on your lane and keep farming because your role in team will only come once your ally decide to push and they need your Nether Ward.
Mid Game
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8850/pugna2cp4.jpg
During mid game, I assume that your team will start pushing and that's when Pugna's role to his team can be seen. Make sure to place Nether Ward before a team fight occur because it can break the enemy's combo thus giving your team an upper hand in battle. The most common situation for a team fight to occur is during pushing or being pushed. When a big fight has started, don't go right into the battlefield because Pugna is fragile. Let your team tanker do the job. Make sure to keep casting Nether Blast from back and to cast Decrepify on enemy's strongest carry. If you have Mekansm, use it when your team need it, especially after your team encounter powerful AoE spells casted by your opponents.
Regarding Nether Ward, make sure you plant it at a place where your enemy can't reach it and the AoE of Nether Ward should reach all of enemy's heroes so they will be affected by it. Placing Nether Ward in the wrong place can either allow your enemy to destroy it or the enemy might easily find a spot where they are not affected by Nether Ward.
Late Game
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8282/pugna3pc8.jpg
Playing Pugna in a late game didn't differ much from playing him in mid game. Your Nether Ward and Mekansm still play very important role in big fight so make sure to cast it on the right time. Being unable to use these skills properly may lead to your team being owned by the enemy.
The only difference between mid game and late game for Pugna is items. Pugna can farm well during early and mid game (Nether Blast give you multiple creeps kills, Life Drain allow you to go jungling without any loss of health) so getting late game items is not very difficult. Please note that choosing item for late game depends on situation and there is no fixed items for Pugna. If your Pugna need more survivability during late game, get HoT or Bloodstone. If your team needs disable, get Guinsoo's. Getting EoS is acceptable for any kind of situation because this item is good all around. The other items you may get are Necronomicon, Linken's Sphere or Shiva's Guard.
If you think Pugna's spell become less effective during late game, think again. Decrepify is useful even in late game because it can turn enemy's deadly carry to a useless hero. Why? Because carry depends on attacking and Decrepify can render that carry being unable to attack. With Pugna, early game nuker who are said to be less effective during late game can be reliable in late game as well; thanks to Decrepify for increasing spell's damage by 44%.
If your team manage to take down the enemy's 3rd tower, make sure to cast Nether Blast at a location where it can damage multiple buildings. By doing that, you can take multiple rax at a time, thus saving your precious time in taking all the rax.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNPugna.gif
Why Pugna?
Because of his low killing potential, Pugna is not favored in pub games. On the other hand, Pugna can be a great support in team battles making him favored by league players around the world. Pugna's Nether Blast give him a great lane control ability and Life Drain can make him stay in his lane longer. But what is most feared on Pugna is his Nether Ward, a skill that can change the tide of battle completely if used properly. Further explanation about Pugna are written on this guide so please feel free to read it.
Contents
1. Overview
2. Skill Build
3. Item Build
4. Walkthrough
5. Strategy
6. Allies & Enemies
7. Mechanics
8. Misc
1.Overview
http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/4681/ov
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9504/lvl
Nether Blast
Creates a blast of exploding pulses from the Nether Plane, dealing damage to units and buildings.
Level 1 - Deals 100 (40 to building) damage to units in an area.
Level 2 - Deals 175 (60 to building) damage to units in an area.
Level 3 - Deals 250 (80 to building)damage to units in an area.
Level 4 - Deals 325 (100 to building) damage to units in an area
Cooldown: 5.5 seconds.
Mana: 85/105/125/145 mana.
Cast range: 400
AoE: 400
Writer's note: Pugna's bread-and-butter skill. 325 damage at max (100 on building) is quite high and shouldn't be underestimated. Eventhough the AoE is big and the cooldown is short, this skill has its own flaws; short casting range and minor casting time. This flaws will give your enemy enough time to run away every time you try to cast this skill on them. Using this skill together with Decrepify will increase its potential since the slowed enemy will be easier target and the damage output will be increased by 44%! Maximizing this skill during early game can turn Pugna to a good lane controller, even by soloing
Decrepify
Pugna casts a powerful banishing magic on a unit. The unit is sent to the ethereal plane for a small period of time, reducing its movement speed by 50% and rendering it unable to attack. It takes 44% extra damage from spells.
Level 1 - 2 seconds.
Level 2 - 2.5 seconds.
Level 3 - 3 seconds.
Level 4 - 3.5 seconds.
Cooldown: 13/11/9/7 seconds.
Mana: 100 mana.
Cast range: 550
Writer's note: Pugna's double edge skill. The banished enemy will be slowed by 50% and receive 44% more damage from spells (ouch!). Banished enemy can't attack but can't be attacked either. Having lot of nuker as your allies will increase this skill potential to the best. As for carry, being unable to attack the decrepified enemy may seems annoying but if he is smart enough, he will use that time to get into good attacking position and start attacking once the Decrepify duration is over. At lvl 4, this skill has 3.5 seconds effective cooldowns making Pugna is suitable as semi-ganker.
Nether Ward
Summons a Nether Ward that prevents enemy heroes from regenerating mana and can cast Mana Flare, which deals damage to enemy heroes as they cast spells.
Lasts 25 seconds. Each level increases the area of effect of the Ward's Mana Flare, the Mana Flare damage, the negative mana regen and the hp of the ward.
Level 1 - Mana Flare deals 0.75*mana cost, degen mana by -1.50 mana/seconds, 700 AoE, 75 hp.
Level 2 - Mana Flare deals 1.00*mana cost, degen mana by -3.00 mana/seconds, 1000 AoE, 150 hp.
Level 3 - Mana Flare deals 1.25*mana cost, degen mana by -4.50 mana/seconds, 1300 AoE, 225 hp.
Level 4 - Mana Flare deals 1.50*mana cost, degen mana by -6.00 mana/seconds, 1600 AoE, 300 hp.
Cooldown: 35 seconds.
Mana: 80 mana.
Duration: 25 seconds.
Writer's note: This is the skill that makes Pugna a league's favorite. Powerful during mid/late game and can change the tide of war completely. Nether Ward will backfire all enemy's nukers every time they cast a spell. The higher the mana cost, the more damage they receive thus making all enemy's nukers think twice every time they want to cast a spell. This ward also decrease your opponents mana slowly but this ability is not much needed. Lvl 4 Nether Ward has 1600 AoE and it is very imba. The effective cooldown is 10 seconds only at all level so you can keep casting this skill when there is a need.
Life Drain
Pugna summons a very powerful draining magic that absorbs the life essence of an enemy unit.
Lasts 9 seconds.
Level 1 - 95 (170 with Aghanim's) hit point drain per second.
Level 1 - 140 (200 with Aghanim's) hit point drain per second.
Level 1 - 185 (300 with Aghanim's) hit point drain per second.
Cooldown: 22 seconds.
Mana: 125/175/225 mana.
AoE: 800
Writer's note: Pugna's ultimate. This skill is a mediocre skill and work only as instant healing for Pugna. This is a channeling spell which means it will be canceled if you walk, attack or cast another skill during this skill duration. Disabled by enemy will cancel the channeling as well. Using this skill for killing is very hard since the enemy will either run away or disable your Pugna whenever you cast this skill. Especially in league where disables are used widely, don't ever dream to use this skill as killing mean. Use it for healing only.
Pros & Cons
Pros
* High basic damage.
* High movement speed.
* Long attack range.
* High (highest in the game) Int gain.
* Nice AoE Nuke.
* Nice healing skill.
* All skills have fast cooldown.
Cons
* Low hp.
* Low armor.
* Low Str and Agi gain.
* Nether Blast can be evaded easily.
* Life Drain is channeling spell.
* No escape tools (blink, wind walk, etc.).
Pugna's Role
* Harasser.
* Tower/Rax breaker (Nether Blast).
* Semi-ganker (Decrepify).
* Anti-Nuker (Nether Ward).
* Chicken buyer.
* Ward placer.
3.Skill Build
Build 1: Harasser
1. Nether Blast
2. Decrepify
3. Nether Blast
4. Decrepify
5. Nether Blast
6. Life Drain
7. Nether Blast
8. Nether Ward
9. Nether Ward
10. Nether Ward
11. Nether Ward
12. Decrepify
13. Decrepify
14. Life Drain
15. Attribute Bonus
16. Life Drain
17. Attribute Bonus
18. Attribute Bonus
19. Attribute Bonus
20. Attribute Bonus
21. Attribute Bonus
22. Attribute Bonus
23. Attribute Bonus
24. Attribute Bonus
25. Attribute Bonus
Explanation:
Choose this build if you didn't face a tough lane. With this build, you can concentrate on harassing the enemy using the Decrepify+Nether Blast combo. Maximize Nether Blast early because this skill is a good skill for lane controlling. Leveling your Decrepify to lvl 2 would be enough for early game since the amplified damage % and the slow % is the same same at all level, the only differences is the durations and cooldowns. Get a point on Life Drain at lvl 6 for instant healing but you may skip it depending on the situation. From lvl 8~11, maximize your Nether Ward because it start to become useful around this stage. After maximizing Nether Ward, continue with lvling Decrepify for longer duration and faster cooldown. Only after you maximize Nether Blast, Nether Ward and Decrepify you may put more point in Life Drain.
Build 2: Countering Nuker
1. Nether Blast
2. Nether Ward
3. Nether Blast
4. Nether Ward
5. Nether Blast
6. Nether Ward
7. Nether Blast
8. Life Drain/Nether Ward
9. Nether Ward/Life Drain
10. Decrepify
11. Decrepify
12. Decrepify
13. Decrepify
14. Life Drain
15. Attribute Bonus
16. Life Drain
17. Attribute Bonus
18. Attribute Bonus
19. Attribute Bonus
20. Attribute Bonus
21. Attribute Bonus
22. Attribute Bonus
23. Attribute Bonus
24. Attribute Bonus
25. Attribute Bonus
Explanation:
Choose this build if you face powerful nukers on your lane. By getting Nether Ward early, you can distract those nukers either by draining their mana slowly or by backfiring them back every time thay cast a spell. Nether Blast will give you early nuking capabilities and this should be maximized too. Getting Life Drain at lvl 8 is optional. If you don't need instant healing, you may max out Nether Ward first before getting Life Drain. Only after maximizing Nether Blast and Nether Ward with a level of Life Drain, you may start to maximize Decrepify and continue with getting more point in Life Drain.
4.Item Build
Starting Items
-Animal Courier
-Ancient Tango Of Essifation
-Clarity Potion
-Ironwood Branch
Explanation: First, get a chicken. Chicken is very useful to your team especially on Pugna who can stay at his lane longer than others due to his Life Drain. Bring 2 set of Tango for healing purpose till you reach lvl 6 where Life Drain will do the healing task. Bring along 2 or 3 Clarity's for mana regen during early game. If there is any gold left, get 1 or 2 Ironwood Branch. Ironwood Branch is a good item for starting and it can be completed to Mekansm later.
Core Items
-Bracers x 2
-Void Stone
-Boots Of Speed
-Observer Wards
-Mekansm
Explanation: Since Pugna has lot of good spells, he need mana if he want to keep casting it. Getting Void Stone early can increase Pugna's mana regeneration, thus giving him the ability to continuously spamming his spells without being short of mana. 2 Bracers will boost Pugna's hp a little and it would be enough for early and mid game survivability. Boots Of Speed is an essential item for all heroes so get it as well. As I mention earlier, one of Pugna's role in his team is ward placer. Make sure to keep buying Observer Wards and place it on the strategic places especially at the runes spawning places. The last core item for Pugna is Mekansm; the item that will make you loved by your teammates. In league game, at least 1 or 2 player will pick powerful AoE heroes so counter them with Mekansm. The reason; the best way to counter AoE nuke is by using AoE heal. For the sake of you and your team, get this item for sure.
Advanced Core Items
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNINV_Sword_09.gifGuinsoo's Scythe Of Vyse
Once you finish your core items, you may want to upgrade your Void Stone to a better item. If you think of doing so, getting this item is a good choice. A complete disable for 3 seconds may not seem long but if you disable the right enemy at the right time, you can change the tide of battle completely. The most probable target is the enemy who are channeling his spell or their strongest hero. Disabling enemy who try to run away is good as well.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNHeartOfAszune.gifHeart Of Tarrasque
Get HoT if you need serious survivability especially if the game continue to become a late game. HoT will increase your hp by almost 1k; giving Pugna who lack survivability some hope to it. Since Pugna didn't have any specific item to make, getting this item is a good option.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNAbility_Rogue_Sprint.gifBoots Of Travel
BoT will give you faster movement speed and the teleport ability. Teleport will give Pugna more control over the map which is important. In league game, map controlling is very important and it can even change the output of the game. Most league player will get this item and there is no exception for Pugna.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNNecromancerMaster.gifNecronomicon
This item increase both Pugna's Int and Str; the 2 attributes that he need most. Moreover it give Pugna an ability to summon 2 Necromicon units which can be useful if used efficiently. The Endurance Aura can assist your team in pushing, Mana Burn and Feedback can help you drain enemy's mana, Last Will can hurt the enemy badly and True Sight can reveal invisible units. Get this item for sure if you encounter enemy with invisible ability. However, you good microing skills to use this item.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNAdvancedMoonArmor.gifShiva's Guard
A new item that had been introduced in v6.49. 15 increased armor and -25% IAS will make Pugna more durable against carry heroes. Upon activation, it will emit a large AoE spell which deal 200 damage and slow the enemy movement speed by 40%. The damage may not be high but still can be some aid during team fight.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNIceShard.gifEye Of Skadi
Expensive yet worth the value. Just imagine having Mystic Staff, Reaver, Eaglehorn and Point Booster packed in a slot and far more cheap than it is used to be. The frost attack is useful too, especially in ganking. This item is a good choice if you farm well during the game and have excessive gold.
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNINV_Misc_Gem_Bloodstone_02.gifBloodstone
Another option instead of Guinsoo's if you want to upgrade your Void Stone to something else. This item will boost Pugna's hp by 450; a good amount for better survivability. However, this item will do its real job if the bearers die. Not only you will respawn faster and lose less gold, upon death you will recover your allies hp and mana; making Pugna is a good supporter even by dying. :(
http://www.dota-allstars.com/images/lists/BTNOrb%20of%20Water.gifLinken's Sphere
Another option for upgrading your Void Stone. It gives +15 to all stats and an ability to neglect a spell. Moreover, now it has only 20 seconds cooldown compared to 40 seconds before.
Situational Items
Hood Of Defiance
You might want to get this item if you are facing a team full of spellcaster. Because of his low hp, the 30% increase in spell resistance is priceless.
Sentry Wards
Instead of lvl 3 Necromicon, you may get this item to counter invisibility. Not only invisible heroes, you may use Sentry Wards to clear enemy's wards and give your team full control over the map.
Items to avoid
Any DPS item(Buriza/Desolator/MKB)
DPS item is for carry heroes and Pugna is not one of those carry. The conclusion? Pugna didn't need DPS item! If you really think that having DPS item is cool, pick a carry hero and then you can get those items. If you pick Pugna, just concentrate on being a team supporter rather than killing your opponents.
Refresher Orb
There is no reason for you to get this item on Pugna since all of his skills have very fast cooldowns. Double Nether Ward? You must be joking. Never seen anyone waste a lot of his gold for that ridiculous reason.
4.Walkthrough
Early Game
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/3791/pugna1nd6.jpg
Once the game start, get your starting item like Chicken, Tango, Clarity and Branch. Do not decide your Pugna's build unless you had go to your lane and know who your opponent is. If you are laning against hero who can't harass well during early game (FV, Lifestealer, Treant Protector, etc.), play Pugna as an harasser. Lvl up Nether Blast and keep casting it to harass your opponents and get multiple creep kills. If you want to make sure that the enemy didn't evade your Nether Blast, use Decrepify on him. Decrepified unit will be easier target for Nether Blast and he will receive more damage from spells too. Since Nether Blast affect buildings as well, make sure to use it on tower so you can take down enemy's tower faster. Instead of Nether Blast, you may use Pugna's high basic damage as an advantage to harass enemy and last hitting creeps.
If you face powerful early game nuker like Zeus, Tinker and Lich, make sure you increase your Nether Ward's level and not Decrepify. Nether Ward will drain those nuker's mana slowly and whenever they cast a spell, they will pay for it with their own hp. By the time you reach lvl 6, make sure you have lvl 3 Nether Ward because lvl 3 Nether Ward's AoE is quite big compared to lvl 2.
When Pugna reach lvl 6, put a point on Life Drain so you can recover your hp without going back to base and stay at your lane longer. If your Pugna are not being harassed badly, you may skip Life Drain to lvl 8 or 9. Make sure to use Life Drain whether on neutral creep or melee lane creep that is not being attacked so you can leech more hp. If you are being ambushed and the enemy didn't have any sort of disable, cast Life Drain on him and he will run away for sure.
As for item, use your chicken to get your core items while you ar controlling your lane. Start with Bracers, Boots Of Speed and Void Stone. Get Observer Wards and make sure to plant it on strategic places so your team can have good control over the map.
The main task for Pugna during early game is to stay at his lane longer at least till you reach lvl 8 or 9 or till you break the enemy's first tower. Do not bother to join in any ganking, unless the enemy your ally want to gank is the one on your lane. Just concentrate on your lane and keep farming because your role in team will only come once your ally decide to push and they need your Nether Ward.
Mid Game
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8850/pugna2cp4.jpg
During mid game, I assume that your team will start pushing and that's when Pugna's role to his team can be seen. Make sure to place Nether Ward before a team fight occur because it can break the enemy's combo thus giving your team an upper hand in battle. The most common situation for a team fight to occur is during pushing or being pushed. When a big fight has started, don't go right into the battlefield because Pugna is fragile. Let your team tanker do the job. Make sure to keep casting Nether Blast from back and to cast Decrepify on enemy's strongest carry. If you have Mekansm, use it when your team need it, especially after your team encounter powerful AoE spells casted by your opponents.
Regarding Nether Ward, make sure you plant it at a place where your enemy can't reach it and the AoE of Nether Ward should reach all of enemy's heroes so they will be affected by it. Placing Nether Ward in the wrong place can either allow your enemy to destroy it or the enemy might easily find a spot where they are not affected by Nether Ward.
Late Game
http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/8282/pugna3pc8.jpg
Playing Pugna in a late game didn't differ much from playing him in mid game. Your Nether Ward and Mekansm still play very important role in big fight so make sure to cast it on the right time. Being unable to use these skills properly may lead to your team being owned by the enemy.
The only difference between mid game and late game for Pugna is items. Pugna can farm well during early and mid game (Nether Blast give you multiple creeps kills, Life Drain allow you to go jungling without any loss of health) so getting late game items is not very difficult. Please note that choosing item for late game depends on situation and there is no fixed items for Pugna. If your Pugna need more survivability during late game, get HoT or Bloodstone. If your team needs disable, get Guinsoo's. Getting EoS is acceptable for any kind of situation because this item is good all around. The other items you may get are Necronomicon, Linken's Sphere or Shiva's Guard.
If you think Pugna's spell become less effective during late game, think again. Decrepify is useful even in late game because it can turn enemy's deadly carry to a useless hero. Why? Because carry depends on attacking and Decrepify can render that carry being unable to attack. With Pugna, early game nuker who are said to be less effective during late game can be reliable in late game as well; thanks to Decrepify for increasing spell's damage by 44%.
If your team manage to take down the enemy's 3rd tower, make sure to cast Nether Blast at a location where it can damage multiple buildings. By doing that, you can take multiple rax at a time, thus saving your precious time in taking all the rax.