Best Dota 2 Arcanas 2023: Review

Table of Contents

Many players panicked after the release of Dota 2 and the integration of cosmetic items because they thought that now the purchase of skins and other items will depend on the hero’s leveling. But Valve abandoned this practice and offered cosmetics only as decoration, which does not affect the hero’s abilities. 

In spite of this, items that adorn the character became very popular within the gamer community. You can use them to stand out from the crowd, make your hero unique, and surprise other players. There is a real hunt for rare skins and if a gamer manages to get a Dota new skin, their reputation among other gamers rises dramatically.

Types of Cosmetic Items in Dota 2

The developer did not invent something new and instead followed the tested way of classifying all items by rarity. This criterion covers the chance of drops, the quality of special effects, and external design. The result is the following classification:

• Common — the most accessible items, which are dropped most often;
• Uncommon — items of higher value and dropped less often;
• Rare — items of even higher value and rarity than the previous two options;
• Mythical — items that can change the characteristic icons and are even rarer;
• Legendary — they are more often carries or animals, and their dropout is extremely rare;
• Immortal — they have sound and external modifications, and you can only get them from the case bought in the store;
• Ancient — they can drop out only during special events in the game;
• Seasonal — promotional cosmetics of a temporary nature.

Dota 2 arcanas are still beyond the competition in terms of rarity and value, which the majority of players dream of owning.

What Makes An Dota 2 Arcana Valuable?

An arcana is a special cosmetic decoration which is considered the most valuable in the game. The point is that arcanas change the hero beyond recognition — the appearance, the effects of skills and movement, armor, and ability icons. This is a complex change where the character can even change their and other people’s replicas, and the most creative users add to it a set of other items that look unique in the overall ensemble.

It should be noted that not all Dota 2 arcanas have a high cost. Another matter is how to get an option that is not sold on the official Steam platform. It is necessary to buy a Combat Pass, boost it and hope for luck to become the owner of a non-saleable arcana. 

Shortly before the recent April 7.33 update, there was a short-term promotion where any player could get one arcana of his or her choice. Now this option is not available, so those who managed to get one are the lucky ones. In general, the update changed a lot of things in the game. For instance, the map was expanded by 40%, the algorithm of assigning the Dota 2 MMR ranking was changed, two new mini-bosses were added, and much more.

All Arcanas 2023

As of today, there are 22 arcanas in Dota 2. They appear gradually, often in conjunction with certain events since the 2013 release. Each arcana is unique and special in its own way, and if you want, you can still work hard in battles and unlock the ability to choose a style.

So here’s the entire list of arcanas that are available to Dota 2 gamers today:

Fiery Soul of the Slayer

Fiery Soul of the Slayer on Lina is the first arcana in the game, which was released in March 2013. Due to the early release, when there was no access to technologies yet, this cosmetic item is quite simple: flaming hair and eyes burning with fire. At the same time, only two abilities were changed, and the Ultimate one was ignored, which frustrated many users.

Blades of Voth Domos

Blades of Voth Domosh on Legion Commander is one of the first arcanas integrated into the game in December 2013. The uniqueness of the set is in the gem, which is also a counter of victories in duels highlighted above the hero. The gamer has access to new lines, voice, animation, portrait, special effects, and more. 

Fractal Horns of Inner Abysm — the prismatic Reflection’s Shade changes the effect of particles. You can insert any gem to change their design. The set was released in February 2014. It cannot be removed but can be exchanged or sold. The arcana quality is Exalted, which means it was sold in a store. It changes not only the sounds but also the icons of the skills. Changes in the environment, attack animation, and visuals, when the enemy dies, will make the game unforgettable.

Swine of the Sunken Galley

Swine of the Sunken Galley on Techies — this arcana is not endowed with an outstanding visual as it changes only two abilities and the changes are not very efficient. The bomber was given a tablet in one hand and a sticky bomb in the other. The latter explodes as usual and is therefore almost invisible when triggered. The cool gun is the only cosmetic decoration.

Demon Eater

Demon Eater on Shadow Fiend — in September 2014, the hero got his own arcana, which changed the entire visuals. The basic skills and Ultimate now look impressive. At the same time, players note some limitations in the upgrade, which the developer did not provide. It’s worth discounting this early arcana in Dota 2.

Manifold Paradox

Manifold Paradox on Phantom Assassin — the Assassin is very much in demand when it comes to building teams. It looks awesome even without the arcana. Moreover, the 2014 update made it even more expressive. The effect is especially striking at the time of the critical blow and the team will exit the Paradox Memorial. It gives no privileges in combat but everyone will know about the killing.

Frost Avalanche

Frost Avalanche on Crystal Maiden — if lore is to be believed, the arcana outfit was given to Winter Wyvern during the New Bloom Festival in 2015. Apart from the wolf cub, the changes included an Ultimate badge, voice, sounds, and other effects. Aurora and the wolf cub will become your constant companions, and you can get cosmetics in the game store.

Tempest Helm of the Thundergod

Tempest Helm of the Thundergod on Zeus — according to lore, this helmet was forged by the Hammers of Celestarr infusing it with the energy of the ancients. It suits the owner well and fits perfectly. Furthermore, the set changes the particle effects, running animation, inactivity, death, murder, and soundtracks. The set was released in December 2015 so gamers got a gift for the holidays.

Great Sage’s Reckoning

Great Sage’s Reckoning on Monkey King — this arcana appeared along with the character. It evolves with him and changes coloration as the character’s level advances. It can change the voice, animation, portrait, and environment, and gives a new smiley face and mockery.

Bladeform Legacy

Bladeform Legacy on Juggernaut — this carry is chosen by millions of people and it is still a favorite of many users. The developers rewarded it with an arcana in 2017. It changes the look of all spells and is offered in two versions. Make 10 kills with Omnislash and you can change the style to Origins.

Benevolent Companion

Benevolent Companion on Io is an arcana that was released in 2017 due to its second place in audience voting. It changed almost every element, making the character unrecognizable. Many effects are taken from the Portal video game, including sounds and portals. The only way to get the cosmetic was by obtaining a Battle Pass and upgrading it to level 245.

Feast of Abscession

Feast of Abscession on Pudge — the changes were released in April 2018 and were enthusiastically received by the public. Since Pudge is a very popular figure, the arcana for him is quite well designed. It changes the animation of the Ultimate in addition to the standard visual effects.

The Magus Cypher

The Magus Cypher on Rubick — this harness was first released in December 2018. It equips the entire character as well as his spells. The feature of the arcana is the victory counter, which changes the visualization of the ability particles stolen through the application of the Ultimate. There’s also a smiley face and a set of voice lines. The arcana looks best on in-game items such as Crux of Perplex.

Planetfall

Planetfall on Earthshaker — this cosmetic item was released in 2019. It covers changes to both the character and the Blink Dagger. Two styles are available to players: blue and orange. The second option can be unlocked after 500 kills or saves via the Echo Slam spell. Having completed the arcana with the Judgement of the Fallen and Bracers of the Cavern Luminar sets, you’ll have an impressive set that will be remembered for a long time.

Flockheart’s Gamble

Flockheart’s Gamble on Ogre Magi — the arcana on Ogre has become a mockery. The hero sitting on the chicken looks funny and entertaining. It’s a shame that only lights and glitter have been added to the visuals, however they do draw a lot of attention. Furthermore, the Ogre has been given a different coloring, which has diversified the gameplay considerably.

The One True King

The One True King on Wraith King — it was released in May 2020. It took a lot from the earlier Wraith King model. It’s a one-piece set, so there’s no way to wear items separately. However, it’s possible to replace all of the visuals and voice lines (there are more than 400 of them). If you want an upgraded version in red, destroy 100 unique heroes.

The Eminence of Ristul

The Eminence of Ristul on Queen of Pain — gamers got access to the arcana in June 2020. The set includes all QoP spell icons, two loading screens, and other custom effects. There are two styles to choose from: Eminence of Ristul in red and Royal Decree in blue. The latter is unlocked by an achievement: torment 1,000 heroes with your Sonic Wave Ultimate. 

Phantom Advent

Phantom Advent on Spectre — this arcana makes complete changes to the character’s appearance: icons, voice, effects, portrait, and animations. If you want to use not only basic purple but also vibrant red, complete 100 series of mega-kills and unlock a new level with more than 500 voice lines.

Dread Retribution

Dread Retribution on Drow Ranger — this unique arcana of revenge is no longer available to players. Those who managed to get one can enjoy major changes to the effects, portrait, voice, and environment. The most desperate gamers upgrade the arcana to “Master of Madness” style by killing 100 revenge targets.

Claszian Apostasy

Claszian Apostasy on Faceless Void — the character received his arcana only after two successful votes. It changes icons, effects, animations, and all items of the hero. Two styles are available: Apostasy and Supremacy. The second one can be obtained after 250 kills or assists with the Ultimate Chronosphere. This arcana was available for $120 until January 2023, and now it drops after completing a Combat Pass.

Voidstorm Asylum

Voidstorm Asylum on Razor — gamers saw the new arcana in November 2022. It becomes available after a Combat Pass is boosted to level 383. It changes all skills and appearance with Plasma Field being a particular delight. Thundercloud now has stars scattered, and the second style can be set after 500 kills via Static Link.

Сonclusion

Cosmetics will not make your character stronger but they can turn a boring gray game into an enchanting experience that you and your opponents will remember. You can sell Dota 2 items and regular skins, and use arcanas for personal enjoyment and an expression of your personality.