Nullifier Work in Dota 2
In Dota 2, Nullifier is an item that counters enemies who rely on buffs or escape abilities. When you activate it on an enemy, it applies a basic dispel that removes many helpful buffs (like Ghost Scepter or Glimmer Cape effects) and slows them for 5 seconds.
During that time, any time they try to use an item or ability that gives them protection or escape, Nullifier will automatically apply another dispel and reapply the slow. It’s especially useful against heroes that rely on saving tools or invulnerability. To use it well, time it right before they activate a defensive item or ability.
A guide for players new to Dota 2 and those perhaps of intermediate level who may be willing to know How Does Nullifier Work Dota 2 and when best to buy and use it in matches. We will explain the item, its importance, and how to use it, and give you some tips to effectively master it in no time.
What is Nullifier?
The Nullifier was brought into Dota 2 as part of patch 7.07 when it released November 2017 in the ‘Dueling Fates’ update. The item was intended to combat the increasing use of defensive utility items like Ghost Scepter, Glimmer Cape, and Eul’s Scepter of Divinity, which many heroes used to become invulnerable to damage, or to evade.
When first introduced, Nullifier applied a strong dispel and a movement-slowing effect, making it powerful against supports and elusive cores. Over time, the item has received several tweaks to balance its impact—such as changing its cooldown, mana cost, and how it re-applies the slow and dispel when the target uses items.
Despite these adjustments, it remains a valuable situational item, especially in high-skill games where timing and disabling opponents’ defenses can turn the tide of a fight. Nullifier represents a shift toward giving players more direct counters to defensive mechanics, encouraging more active, aggressive play.
Nullifier is a late-game item in Dota 2 designed to dispel buffs and mute enemies, preventing them from using most items for a short duration.
Basic Function:
- Active Ability: Cast on an enemy to dispel them (remove positive buffs) and mute them for 5 seconds. Muted enemies cannot use most items during that time.
- Also slows the target by 100% for 0.5 seconds whenever they are attacked by the user.
Think of it as the “anti-escape” item. If your opponent keeps slipping away using Force Staff, Eul’s, or Ghost Scepter, Nullifier says “Nope!” and shuts that down instantly.
Nullifier Importance
Nullifier is a significant item in Dota 2 because it counters heroes that need defensive items or buffs to survive fights. Nullifier works well against items like Ghost Scepter, Glimmer Cape, or Eul’s Scepter, which are usually items to escape fight and avoid damage.
By applying a dispel and a slow, Nullifier not only removes those effects but also prevents them from being reapplied for several seconds. This gives your team a better chance to secure kills and control fights. It’s a must-buy when you’re dealing with slippery or spell-dependent enemies who stay alive by constantly using protective tools.
Nullifier counters some of the most annoying and evasive items in the game. It’s essential when you’re facing:
- Supports who use Glimmer Cape, Ghost Scepter, or Eul’s Scepter
- Cores that rely on Satanic, Black King Bar (BKB), or Aeon Disk
- Heroes with built-in spell immunity triggers or delayed heals
Example:
If a support activates Ghost Scepter to avoid right-click damage, Nullifier dispels it and allows you to finish them off. It also disables Aeon Disk’s invulnerability effect if timed properly.
Quote from Pro Play:
“Nullifier is the BKB-popper and save-canceling machine. If you’re not building it against Ghost Scepter, you’re doing it wrong.” – Dota 2 Analyst Jenkins
How to Get Started with Nullifier
Step 1: Understand Its Components
Nullifier requires:
- Sacred Relic (3800 gold)
- Helm of Iron Will (925 gold)
- Recipe (1000 gold)
Total Cost: 5725 gold
Step 2: Know What It Counters
Use Nullifier when facing:
- Ghost Scepter
- Eul’s Scepter
- Aeon Disk
- Glimmer Cape
- Lotus Orb
- Satanic (prevent active lifesteal)
It’s especially effective against heroes like:
- Pugna
- Necrophos
- Tinker
- Dazzle
- Morphling
- Support-heavy lineups with lots of item saves
Step 3: Learn the Proper Timing
- Use Nullifier after enemy BKB wears off
- Cast it immediately after Ghost Scepter/Glimmer if the enemy uses them preemptively
- Combine it with Orchid or Hex for chain silencing and muting
Step 4: Use it With Right-Click Heroes
Nullifier is ideal on:
- Physical damage cores (e.g., Phantom Assassin, Faceless Void, Wraith King)
- Heroes that rely on chase and right-click (e.g., Slark, Ursa)
Nullifier vs. Similar Items
| Item | Effect Type | Removes Buffs | Mutes Items | Target Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nullifier | Active (Dispel + Mute) | Yes | Yes | Single Enemy |
| Orchid Malevolence | Active (Silence) | No | No | Single Enemy |
| Diffusal Blade | Passive (Burn + Slow) | No | No | Attack Target |
| Eul’s Scepter | Active (Cyclone/Dispel) | Yes (on self) | No | Self/Enemy |
| Lotus Orb | Active (Reflect + Dispel) | Yes | No | Ally/Self |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Nullifier too early
- Wait until enemy spell immunity or key items are on cooldown
- Building it on the wrong hero
- Avoid on magic burst heroes—it’s meant for right-clickers
- Overlooking timing
- Casting Nullifier before Aeon Disk procs won’t cancel it—cast right after it triggers
- Not following up
- Nullifier doesn’t deal damage by itself—use it in combination with physical damage or disables
Examples of Nullifier in Action
- Pro Match: Phantom Assassin builds Nullifier vs. Necrophos and disables Ghost Scepter, getting clean pickoffs
- High MMR Game: Ursa uses Nullifier + Abyssal Blade to delete squishy supports hiding under Glimmer Cape
Search YouTube: “Dota 2 Nullifier Clutch Play” or “Top 10 Nullifier Counters”
Additional Resources
Websites
- https://dota2.fandom.com/wiki/Nullifier
- https://www.dotabuff.com/items/nullifier
- https://www.opendota.com – Match analysis
YouTube Channels
- Dota Alchemy – Advanced item breakdowns
- Jenkins Dota – Practical pro tips
- BSJ – Hero build guides
Tools
- Demo Mode in Dota 2: Practice Nullifier against bots
- Overwolf Dota+ or Dotaplus.gg for in-game item suggestions
Nullifier is one of those game-changing items that many players overlook. With its ability to mute and dispel, it provides hard counters to clutch-saving items that can swing fights in your favor.
By learning how to use Nullifier effectively, you gain the upper hand in fights against elusive or tanky heroes—and that can be the difference between victory and defeat.