Clockwerk in Dota 2 is a tanky initiator who uses gadgets to trap and disable enemies. Known in the lore as Rattletrap, he fights from inside a mechanized suit equipped with hooks, rockets, and power cogs. His role in the game is to isolate targets, disrupt fights, and create opportunities for his team.
This guide covers his abilities, playstyle, recommended items, strengths, weaknesses, and how to approach the game when playing Clockwerk.
Table of Contents
Hero Overview
Clockwerk is best described as a disruptive initiator. He thrives in catching opponents off guard with his Hookshot and locking them inside his Power Cogs. With Battery Assault, he punishes anyone trapped with him, while Rocket Flare provides global scouting vision and harassment.
He is usually played in the offlane or as a roaming support. His toolkit makes him dangerous in small skirmishes and early ganks, but his damage falls off as the game progresses.
Abilities
Battery Assault
Battery Assault fires random bursts of shrapnel at nearby enemies. Each burst deals damage and applies a short ministun. The ability is most effective when Clockwerk isolates a single enemy since the random targeting ensures that one opponent takes the majority of the damage.
- Key details: 275 radius, lasts 10.5 seconds, deals up to 1520 total hero damage at max level before reductions.
- Upgrades: With Aghanim’s Scepter, Battery Assault hits all enemies in range instead of one at a time.
Power Cogs
Clockwerk surrounds himself with a circle of electrified cogs. Enemies who touch the cogs are knocked back, take damage, and lose mana. Allies inside the cogs receive a damage barrier, while Clockwerk can break his own cogs instantly.
Power Cogs are his main tool for isolating a target after initiating with Hookshot. Enemies often require specific items or mobility spells to escape.
Rocket Flare
Rocket Flare is a global ability that damages enemies in a 600-radius area and provides six seconds of vision. It can be used to scout high ground, contest rune spots, check Roshan, or push out creep waves.
With Aghanim’s Scepter during Overclocking, Clockwerk fires three flares in different directions at once, each on a short cooldown.
Hookshot
Hookshot is Clockwerk’s signature ultimate. It launches a hook at high speed, latching onto an enemy or ally and pulling Clockwerk to them. Enemies hit by the latch or along the path are stunned and damaged.
The ability allows him to initiate from long range and surprise opponents. With Overclocking, the stun radius and duration increase, making it even more effective in team fights.
Jetpack
Unlocked with Aghanim’s Shard, Jetpack grants flying movement, bonus speed, and vision. It helps Clockwerk scout or position before using Hookshot. He cannot attack while flying, but he can still cast abilities.
Overclocking
Overclocking, available with Aghanim’s Scepter, temporarily supercharges all of Clockwerk’s abilities. Battery Assault strikes all enemies in range, Rocket Flare launches multiple rockets, and Hookshot gains extra stun power. When the effect ends, Clockwerk suffers a short self-slow as the suit overheats.
Playstyle
Early Game
Clockwerk’s goal in the early game is to harass opponents, secure kills with Battery Assault, and use Rocket Flare for vision. His tanky nature allows him to trade hits with supports and create pressure in the offlane. A quick Hookshot unlocks his ability to roam and gank.
Mid Game
Once Clockwerk gets items like Blade Mail or Force Staff, he becomes a stronger initiator. He can jump on key heroes, trap them with Power Cogs, and let his team follow up. His presence on the map also forces enemies to buy defensive items.
Late Game
Clockwerk’s direct damage output weakens in the late game. His role shifts to pure initiation and disruption. Items like Lotus Orb, Shiva’s Guard, or Guardian Greaves keep him relevant by increasing his survivability and utility in fights.
Recommended Items
- Starting Items: Tango, Healing Salve, Iron Branch, Blood Grenade.
- Early Game: Boots of Speed, Urn of Shadows.
- Core Items: Blade Mail, Phase Boots or Arcane Boots, Force Staff.
- Late Game: Shiva’s Guard, Lotus Orb, Guardian Greaves, Heart of Tarrasque.
- Situational: Eul’s Scepter, Pipe of Insight, Crimson Guard, Dust of Appearance.
Blade Mail stands out as his most important item. It punishes enemies trapped with him in Power Cogs and buys time for his team to deal damage.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Strong initiator with long-range Hookshot.
- Effective at isolating and disabling targets.
- Provides vision with Rocket Flare.
- Tanky and disruptive in team fights.
Weaknesses
- Low mana pool limits frequent casting.
- Damage falls off in the late game.
- Countered by Black King Bar and mobility items.
- Requires precise positioning and good aim.
Tips for Playing Clockwerk
- Always try to isolate a single target with Battery Assault for maximum effect.
- Use Rocket Flare frequently for vision, especially before engaging.
- Trap priority heroes inside Power Cogs to prevent them from helping their team.
- Save Force Staff for escaping your own cogs or helping teammates out of trouble.
- Time Overclocking carefully, as the self-slow after it ends can leave you vulnerable.
Final Thoughts
Clockwerk in Dota 2 is a hero built for disruption and control. His strengths lie in catching isolated targets, providing vision, and forcing fights on his terms. While his damage does not scale well into the late game, his initiation and utility remain valuable throughout the match. Players who master positioning, timing, and map awareness will get the most out of Clockwerk.
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