Ability KeyValues

DataDriven Ability

A DataDriven ability is a collection KeyValues. KeyValues are simple, tree-based structures used for storing nested sections containing key/value pairs.

DataDriven abilities are defined inside scripts/npc/npc_abilities_custom.txt under a game addon folder.

This skeleton contains many keyvalues which will be expanded upon in this documentation.

"datadriven_skeleton"
{
    // General
    // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    "BaseClass"              "ability_datadriven"
    "AbilityBehavior"        "DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_UNIT_TARGET"
    "AbilityTextureName"     "spellicon"
    "AbilityUnitTargetTeam"  "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_ENEMY"
    "AbilityUnitTargetType"  "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO | DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC"
    "AbilityUnitTargetFlags" "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MAGIC_IMMUNE_ENEMIES"
    "AbilityUnitDamageType"  "DAMAGE_TYPE_MAGICAL"

    "AbilityType"            "DOTA_ABILITY_TYPE_BASIC"
    "MaxLevel"               "7"
    "RequiredLevel"          "-4"
    "LevelsBetweenUpgrades"  "7"

    "AbilityCastPoint"       "0.0"
    "AbilityCastAnimation"   "ACT_DOTA_ATTACK"
    "AnimationPlaybackRate"  "1"
    "AnimationIgnoresModelScale" "1"

    // Stats
    //----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    "AbilityDamage"           "0 0 0 0"
    "AbilityManaCost"         "0 0 0 0"
    "AbilityCooldown"         "0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0"
    "AbilityCastRange"        "0"
    "AbilityCastRangeBuffer"  "250"
    "AbilityChannelTime"      "0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0"
    "AbilityChannelledManaCostPerSecond" "30 35 40 45"
    "AbilityDuration"         "0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0"
    "AoERadius"               "250"

    // ...
}

BaseClass

BaseClass can be any default dota ability name or "ability_datadriven", which allows the use of the entire data driven ability system.

Using a dota ability as the BaseClass can be done either as an override of the ability (goes in npc_abilities_override.txt) or just as a new ability in npc_abilities_custom.txt which inherits the exposed variables. This however doesn't let us change/add its internal structure, as that code is locked in C++ code.

Here we'll focus on everything that concerns writing custom abilities from scratch, using the "BaseClass" "ability_datadriven".

AbilityBehavior

This describes how the ability works, the general behavior to perform when it is executed.

You can use different behaviors together, separated by spaces and | pipes.

Example:

"DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_CHANNELLED | DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_NO_TARGET"

List of every possible AbilityBehavior

AbilityBehavior	Description
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_NO_TARGET	Doesn't need a target to be cast. Ability fires off as soon as the button is pressed.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_UNIT_TARGET	Needs a target to be cast on. Requires AbilityUnitTargetTeam and AbilityUnitTargetType, see Targeting.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_POINT	Can be cast anywhere the mouse cursor is. If a unit is clicked, it will just be cast where the unit was standing.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_PASSIVE	Cannot be cast.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_CHANNELLED	Channeled ability. If the user moves, or is silenced/stunned, the ability is interrupted.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_TOGGLE	Can be toggled On/Off.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_AURA	Ability is an aura. Not really used other than to tag the ability as such.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_AUTOCAST	Can be cast automatically. Usually doesn't work by itself in anything that is not an ATTACK ability.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_HIDDEN	Can't be cast, and won't show up on the HUD.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_AOE	Can draw a radius where the ability will have effect. Like POINT, but with an area of effect display. Makes use of AOERadius.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_NOT_LEARNABLE	Cannot be learned by clicking on the HUD. Example: Invoker's abilities.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_ITEM	Ability is tied to an item. There is no need to use this, the game will internally assign this behavior to any "item_datadriven".
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_DIRECTIONAL	Has a direction from the hero. Examples: Mirana's Arrow, or Pudge's Hook.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_IMMEDIATE	Can be used instantly, without going into the action queue.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_NOASSIST	Ability has no reticle assist. (?)
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_ATTACK	Is an attack, and cannot hit attack-immune targets.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_ROOT_DISABLES	Cannot be used when rooted.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_UNRESTRICTED	Ability is allowed when commands are restricted. Example: Lifestealer's Consume.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_DONT_ALERT_TARGET	Does not alert enemies when target-cast on them. Example: Spirit Breaker's Charge.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_DONT_RESUME_MOVEMENT	Should not resume movement when it completes. Only applicable to no-target, non-immediate abilities.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_DONT_RESUME_ATTACK	Ability should not resume command-attacking the previous target when it completes. Only applicable to no-target, non-immediate abilities and unit-target abilities.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_NORMAL_WHEN_STOLEN	Ability still uses its normal cast point when stolen. Examples: Meepo's Poof, Furion's Teleport.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_IGNORE_BACKSWING	Ability ignores backswing pseudoqueue.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_IGNORE_PSEUDO_QUEUE	Can be executed while stunned, casting, or force-attacking. Only applicable to toggled abilities. Example: Morphling's Attribute Shift.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_RUNE_TARGET	Targets runes.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_IGNORE_CHANNEL	Doesn't cancel abilities with _CHANNELED behavior.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_OPTIONAL_UNIT_TARGET	Bottle and Wards.
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_OPTIONAL_NO_TARGET	(?)

Behavior Tooltips

The following behaviors will generate a line in the ability tooltip. You want at least one behavior of this list. The rest of the ability behaviors don't have any UI support yet.

The UI can only show one behavior tooltip, but internally it will behave as expected, as long as two contradicting keys are not used together (like NO_TARGET with UNIT_TARGET).

AbilityBehavior	ABILITY: Tooltip	Takes precedence over:
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_NO_TARGET	No Target
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_UNIT_TARGET	Unit Target	POINT
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_POINT	Point Target
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_PASSIVE	Passive
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_CHANNELLED	Channeled	POINT and UNIT
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_TOGGLE	Toggle	POINT and UNIT
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_AURA	Aura	PASSIVE
DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_AUTOCAST	Auto-Cast	UNIT_TARGET

For example, an ability with

"AbilityBehavior" "DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_UNIT_TARGET | DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_CHANNELED"

will be shown like this:

AbilityType

Omitting this will default to DOTA_ABILITY_TYPE_BASIC.

AbilityType	Description
DOTA_ABILITY_TYPE_BASIC	Normal ability, learnable at level 1 and upgradeable every 2 levels.
DOTA_ABILITY_TYPE_ULTIMATE	5 levels between upgrades, and requires level 6 to spend the first point on it. Also tags the ability as ultimate for the HUD.
DOTA_ABILITY_TYPE_ATTRIBUTES	Used for attribute_bonus.
DOTA_ABILITY_TYPE_HIDDEN	What for?

Additionally, ability level intervals and limits can be directly changed with these keyvalues inside the ability block:

MaxLevel

The UI currently supports the following ability level displays: 1, 3, 4, and 7.

You can still use any integer value as MaxLevel, and it will assign the proper level values internally, but it will use a combination of these UI display numbers, then "start again" to another UI.

Example:

"MaxLevel" "10"

RequiredLevel

At which level the ability can first be learned. This takes negative values, to enable for skills to be skilled at any point, because the next value sets the levels between ranks of the ability, including the first one.

LevelsBetweenUpgrades

How many levels to wait to be able to learn the next rank.

Example:

"MaxLevel"              "7"
"RequiredLevel"         "-4"
"LevelsBetweenUpgrades" "7"

Results in an ability that can be first skilled at levels 3/10/17/24/31/38/45.

Max level of the heroes can be changed using the Lua SetCustomHeroMaxLevel(MAX_LEVEL) API function.

AbilityTextureName

The icon file name that should be used in the UI for this ability. You can reutilize the icon from another just by putting that ability name here if desired. The internal name of every default dota ability can be found in: Built-In Ability Names.

To use your own icons, place them in resources/flash3/images/spellicons in your game addon folder, and just directly refer to the image name without the path or the extension.

Format: 128x128 PNG

"AbilityTextureName" "warchasers_buff"

Reject Self-Cast

Added in Reborn:

"CastFilterRejectCaster" "1"

Cast While Hidden

Added in Reborn:

"IsCastableWhileHidden" "1"

Targeting

3 key elements set the rules for target selection: Team, Type, and Flags.

Team

AbilityUnitTargetTeam	Description
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_BOTH	All
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_ENEMY	Enemy
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_FRIENDLY	Allied
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_NONE	Default value by omission.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_CUSTOM	(?)

Type

AbilityUnitTargetType	Targets
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_ALL	Everything, including hidden entities.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO	npc_dota_hero Heroes. DOTA_NPC_UNIT_RELATIONSHIP_TYPE_HERO
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC	Basic units, including summons.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_MECHANICAL	npc_dota_creep_siege DOTA_NPC_UNIT_RELATIONSHIP_TYPE_SIEGE
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BUILDING	npc_dota_tower, npc_dota_building DOTA_NPC_UNIT_RELATIONSHIP_TYPE_BUILDING
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TREE	ent_dota_tree Examples: Tangos, Quelling Blade.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_CREEP	npc_dota_creature, npc_dota_creep Same as BASIC, but might not include things like some summons. Examples: Death Pact, Devour.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_COURIER	npc_dota_courier, npc_dota_flying_courier DOTA_NPC_UNIT_RELATIONSHIP_TYPE_COURIER
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_NONE	Nothing!
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_OTHER	Everything not included in the previous types.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_CUSTOM	Not exposed? Examples: Replicate, Sunder, Demonic Conversion, Tether, Infest...

Flags

Flags allow targeting units that are ignored by default (for example, magic immune enemies,) or to ignore specific types of units that will otherwise be targetable (like Ancients, or magic immune allies.)

AbilityUnitTargetFlags	Targets / Ignores
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NONE	Default value by omission.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_DEAD	Dead units, which are otherwise ignored.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MELEE_ONLY	Units with AttackCapabilities DOTA_UNIT_CAP_MELEE_ATTACK.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_RANGED_ONLY	Units with AttackCapabilities DOTA_UNIT_CAP_RANGED_ATTACK.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MANA_ONLY	Units with mana, without "StatusMana" "0" in the npc_units file.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_CHECK_DISABLE_HELP	Units with Disable Help on. Not sure how to make a DataDriven ability use it?
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NO_INVIS	Ignores invisible units (with MODIFIER_STATE_INVISIBLE.)
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MAGIC_IMMUNE_ENEMIES	Targets ENEMY units with MODIFIER_STATE_MAGIC_IMMUNE. Examples: Ensnare, Culling Blade, Primal Roar...
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_MAGIC_IMMUNE_ALLIES	Ignores FRIENDLY units with MODIFIER_STATE_MAGIC_IMMUNE. Example: Bane's Nightmare.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_ATTACK_IMMUNE	Ignores units with MODIFIER_STATE_ATTACK_IMMUNE.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_FOW_VISIBLE	Breaks when the unit goes into the fog of war. Examples: Mana Drain, Life Drain.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_INVULNERABLE	Units with MODIFIER_STATE_INVULNERABLE. Examples: Assassinate, Recall, Boulder Smash...
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_ANCIENTS	Ignores units with "IsAncient" "1" defined. Example: Hand of Midas.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_CREEP_HERO	Ignores units with "ConsideredHero" "1" defined. Examples: Astral Imprisonment, Disruption, Sunder.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_DOMINATED	Ignores units with MODIFIER_STATE_DOMINATED.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_ILLUSIONS	Ignores units with MODIFIER_PROPERTY_IS_ILLUSION.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_NIGHTMARED	Ignores units with MODIFIER_STATE_NIGHTMARED.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_SUMMONED	Ignores units created through the SpawnUnit action.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_OUT_OF_WORLD	Units with MODIFIER_STATE_OUT_OF_GAME.
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_PLAYER_CONTROLLED	Units controllable by a player, accessible with Lua's IsControllableByAnyPlayer().
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_PREFER_ENEMIES	Prioritizes units over trees when both are selectable.

Clean list:

• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NONE
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_DEAD
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MELEE_ONLY
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_RANGED_ONLY
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MANA_ONLY
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_CHECK_DISABLE_HELP
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NO_INVIS
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MAGIC_IMMUNE_ENEMIES
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_MAGIC_IMMUNE_ALLIES
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_ATTACK_IMMUNE
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_FOW_VISIBLE
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_INVULNERABLE
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_ANCIENTS
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_CREEP_HERO
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_DOMINATED
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_ILLUSIONS
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_NIGHTMARED
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_SUMMONED
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_OUT_OF_WORLD
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_PLAYER_CONTROLLED
• DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_PREFER_ENEMIES

Fun with Flags

Flags were seen as AbilityUnitTargetFlags completions, but this is not their sole application.

The same applies to Team and Types.

• "Flags" and "ExcludeFlags" in a "Target" block gives control over how to target units to apply actions on them later:

"Target"
{
    "Center"    "CASTER"
    "Flags"     "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_DEAD"
}

• "TargetFlags" in a "LinearProjectile" action allows a LinearProjectile to ignore units that would otherwise be included by default in the Team+Type values, for example those with MODIFIER_STATE_INVISIBLE.
• "Aura_Flags" in a modifier with the other "Aura" keys can be used, for example, to make an aura modifier only affect ranged units by adding DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_RANGED_ONLY.

The same applies for Teams and Types.

Example: Targets all friendly units in a radius of the caster, including couriers, buildings, and siege units. Excludes heroes, summons, and other player controlled units.

"Target"
{
    "Center"        "CASTER"
    "Radius"        "%radius"

    // AbilityUnitTargetTeam values.
    "Teams"         "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_FRIENDLY"

    // AbilityUnitTargetTypes
    "Types"         "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_ALL"
    "ExcludeTypes"  "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO"

    // AbilityUnitTargetFlags
    "Flags"         "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NOT_SUMMONED"
    "ExcludeFlags"  "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_PLAYER_CONTROLLED"
}

Example: Mirana's Arrow projectile rewrite that only hits heroes, including those that are magic immune:

"LinearProjectile"
{
    "Target"            "POINT"
    "EffectName"        "particles/units/heroes/hero_mirana/mirana_spell_arrow.vpcf"
    "MoveSpeed"         "857"
    "StartRadius"       "115"
    "EndRadius"         "115"
    "StartPosition"     "attach_attack1"
    "FixedDistance"     "3000"
    "TargetTeams"       "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_ENEMY"
    "TargetTypes"       "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO"
    "TargetFlags"       "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MAGIC_IMMUNE_ENEMIES"
    "HasFrontalCone"    "0"
    "ProvidesVision"    "1"
    "VisionRadius"      "650"
}

With DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MAGIC_IMMUNE_ENEMIES, and with DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_NONE:

Other keyvalues of the Action Target block

Line

To target units in a line between the caster and the targeted point.

Instead of the "Radius" keyvalue, which only takes one parameter, Line takes Length and Thickness integer values in a block like this:

"Line"
{
    "Length"    "600"
    "Thickness" "250"
}

Limiting the amount of targets

MaxTargets takes an integer value to limit the amount of targets the Target block will select.

"MaxTargets"    "10"

Random also takes an integer to be as "take up to this number of units randomly."

"Random"    "1"

(For more complex targeting, Lua scripting is the answer.)

ScriptSelectPoints

Its use is very rare, normally when the targeting is complex we would just use RunScript lua and do all the actions inside the script.

ScriptSelectPoints
{
    ScriptFile
    Function
    Radius
    Count
}

A more in-depth explanation is needed to explain the complete usage of the Target block, as understanding the scope of the "Target" "TARGET" keyvalue is one of the most difficult things of the datadriven system.

Sources

• Constants wiki
• Abilities Data Driven wiki
• Extracted npc_abilities.txt file
• holdout_example keyvalues
• random github datamining
• brute-forcing everything for countless hours!

Targeting Tooltips

These are combinations of AbilityUnitTargetTeam + AbilityUnitTargetType and how they appear as AFFECTS: in the UI.

It's important to clarify that AbilityUnitTargetTeam & AbilityUnitTargetType only restricts the behavior of abilities with DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_UNIT_TARGET — it will directly change what the spell can be cast on. For other behaviors these tags are just used to display extra info for players.

For example, a DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_POINT | DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_AOE ability will find its targets in any way and will not be restricted to what the AbilityUnitTarget values say.

Without any AbilityUnitTargetType

AbilityUnitTargetTeam	AFFECTS: Tooltip
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_ENEMY	Enemies
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_FRIENDLY	Allies
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_BOTH	Units

With AbilityUnitTargetTeam DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_BOTH

AbilityUnitTargetType	AFFECTS: Tooltip
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO	Heroes
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_ALL	Units
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC	Units
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_CREEP	Units
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO + DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC	Units

"AFFECTS: Buildings" alone doesn't exist yet. DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BUILDING defaults to Allies/Enemies. "AFFECTS: Creeps" is also not a thing.

"DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO | DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC" is the most common target type; use it when you aren't sure what your spell should target.

With AbilityUnitTargetTeam DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_ENEMY

AbilityUnitTargetType	AFFECTS: Tooltip
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC	Enemy Creeps
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO	Enemy Heroes
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO + DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC	Enemy Units
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO + DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BUILDING	Enemy Heroes and Buildings
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO + DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC + DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BUILDING	Enemy Units and Buildings

With AbilityUnitTargetTeam DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_FRIENDLY

AbilityUnitTargetType	AFFECTS: Tooltip
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC	Allied Creeps
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO	Allied Heroes
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO + DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC	Allied Units
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO + DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BUILDING	Allied Heroes and Buildings
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO + DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC + DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BUILDING	Allied Units and Buildings

Adding DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_MECHANICAL will have no effect on the AFFECTS tooltip.

Any AbilityUnitTargetTeam

AbilityUnitTargetType	AFFECTS: Tooltip
DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TREE	Trees
In the strings but not possible	Self

Cast Error Strings

The following strings from dota_english.txt control the error messages shown when a spell cannot be cast on a target. Many are not yet exposed:

"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_hero"              "Ability Can't Target Heroes"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_considered_hero"   "Ability Can't Target Creep Heroes"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_creep"             "Ability Can't Target Creeps"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_mechanical"        "Ability Can't Target Mechanical Units"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_building"          "Ability Can't Target Buildings"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_courier"           "Ability Can't Target Couriers"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_other"             "Ability Can't Target That"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_self"              "Ability Can't Target Self"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_ally"              "Ability Can't Target Allies"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_enemy"             "Ability Can't Target Enemies"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_roshan"            "Ability Can't Target Roshan"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_non_tree_ward"     "Ability Can Only Target Trees and Enemy Wards"
"dota_hud_error_cant_target_shop"               "Can't Target Shop"
"dota_hud_error_cant_target_rune"               "Can't Target Rune"
"dota_hud_error_cant_target_item"               "Can't Target Item"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_ancient"           "Ability Can't Target Ancients"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_own_illusion"      "Ability Can't Target Own Illusion"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_summoned"          "Ability Can't Target Summoned Units"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_on_dominated"         "Ability Can't Target Dominated Units"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_enemy_hero"           "Ability Can't Target Enemy Heroes"
"dota_hud_error_cant_cast_creep_level"          "Ability Can't Target Creeps of This Level"

AbilityUnitDamageType

Physical Damage can be reduced by Physical Armor or Damage Block. Magical Damage can be reduced by Magical Damage Resistance. Pure Damage cannot be reduced by either.

• DAMAGE_TYPE_MAGICAL
• DAMAGE_TYPE_PHYSICAL
• DAMAGE_TYPE_PURE

"AbilityUnitDamageType" "DAMAGE_TYPE_MAGICAL"

This keyvalue also shows a DAMAGE: line in the ability tooltip, just after ABILITY: and AFFECTS:.

Keep in mind that AbilityUnitDamageType is only for displaying the tooltip in the UI. The real damage is applied through Damage Actions which have a Type of their own and aren't restricted to the value defined here (a spell can have multiple damage instances of different types).

"Damage"
{
    "Target"  "TARGET"
    "Type"    "DAMAGE_TYPE_PHYSICAL"
    "Damage"  "%AbilityDamage"
}

SpellImmunityType

Controls whether the ability pierces spell immunity (formerly "Magic Immunity").

• SPELL_IMMUNITY_ENEMIES_NO
• SPELL_IMMUNITY_ENEMIES_YES

Ability tooltips show two related fields:

• Damage Type: Physical / Magical / Pure
• Pierces Spell Immunity: Yes / No

If the damage type is not Magical, or if it pierces spell immunity, the tooltip is colored differently to make it easier to notice.

Animation

How will the hero move and act after the player decides to cast the ability.

AbilityCastPoint

Time before the spell goes off when cast; can be cancelled with the Stop command. Takes a float value.

"AbilityCastPoint" "0.3"

AbilityCastAnimation

Usually the ability slot determines the animation used by default. You can force a different cast animation with this key.

Common activity values:

• ACT_DOTA_ATTACK
• ACT_DOTA_CAST_ABILITY_1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
• ACT_DOTA_CHANNEL_ABILITY_1 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
• ACT_DOTA_DISABLED
• ACT_DOTA_RUN
• ACT_DOTA_SPAWN
• ACT_DOTA_TELEPORT
• ACT_DOTA_VICTORY

Full ACT List — many won't work or will only work on certain heroes.

"AbilityCastAnimation" "ACT_DOTA_ATTACK"

AnimationIgnoresModelScale

Animations have a predefined time designed for units at default model scale (1). When set to 1 (default), a unit with increased model scale will still use the default animation time, making it look faster on bigger models (or slower on small ones).

Set to 0 to make the animation time scale with the model:

"AnimationIgnoresModelScale" "0"

AnimationPlaybackRate

Animation speed multiplier. Takes the animation time and makes it faster or slower by a factor. Cast point is independent and is not affected by this value.

"AnimationPlaybackRate" "2"

General Ability Stats

Damage

"AbilityDamage" "100 200 300 400"

This damage value won't be dealt by itself — you'll later reference %AbilityDamage in a Damage Action block to let the game adjust with ability level. The tooltip automatically generates a DAMAGE: line from this value.

However this is a single instance; if you want different damage instances or different tooltip labels (e.g. "DAMAGE PER SECOND:") you'll need to use AbilitySpecial blocks instead.

Mana Cost

Shows the mana cost in the UI and blocks the cast if there's not enough mana.

"AbilityManaCost" "30 35 40 45"

Cooldown

Shows the cooldown in the UI and blocks the cast while recharging. Accepts floats but will round to integer if no decimal point is given.

"AbilityCooldown" "10.5 8 6 3.22"

AbilityCastRange

For DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_UNIT_TARGET and DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_POINT this sets the maximum range. If targeted beyond this distance, the unit will move within cast range before casting.

"AbilityCastRange" "600"

AbilityCastRangeBuffer

The spell will cancel if the target moves beyond CastRange + CastRangeBuffer. Normally used with high AbilityCastPoint.

"AbilityCastRangeBuffer" "250"

Examples: Assassinate, Nether Strike.

AbilityCastMinimumRange

Not hooked up in most versions, but can be found in holdout_example:

"AbilityCastMinimumRange" "500"

AbilityDuration

"AbilityDuration" "20"

This is a shortcut that should generally be avoided. Unlike AbilityDamage, it does not generate a "DURATION:" tooltip by itself. If you want to display the duration, you still need to make an AbilitySpecial entry. Only use AbilityDuration when you aren't concerned about displaying it as a variable tooltip (e.g. when you just write "Lasts 5 seconds." in the ability _Description).

If you ever change the value, you'll need to update both AbilityDuration and the tooltip string manually.

AoERadius

Requires "AbilityBehavior" "DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_AOE" (along with POINT and/or UNIT_TARGET). Displays the area of effect circle on the ground.

Important: This only affects the visual indicator, not the actual spell behavior. Real radius values should be controlled with AbilitySpecial entries.

"AoERadius" "250"

Channelling

For "AbilityBehavior" "DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_CHANNELLED":

Channel Time — defaults to 0, so it's very important to set this or the channel will instantly end:

"AbilityChannelTime" "5.0"

Channelled Mana Cost Per Second — an additional cost to maintain the channel:

"AbilityChannelTime"                 "5.0"
"AbilityChannelledManaCostPerSecond" "30 35 40 45"

Other First-Level KeyValues

AbilitySharedCooldown

Links abilities/items together on a shared cooldown. Use the same string value in every ability you want to link:

"AbilitySharedCooldown" "linkedProjectile"

When any of the linked abilities is used, all others go on cooldown simultaneously.

AbilitySharedWithTeammates

Ability on a unit controlled by a team which can be used by everyone on that team (e.g. a building with upgrades purchasable by the team).

"AbilitySharedWithTeammates" "1"

Gold Cost

AbilityGoldCost

Cost in gold to use the ability each time.

AbilityUpgradeGoldCost

Cost in gold to learn and upgrade the ability.

"AbilityGoldCost"        "100"
"AbilityUpgradeGoldCost" "300"

Stats Tracking

Related to fantasy points calculation.

AbilityModifierSupportValue

Float from 0.0 to 1.0. Abilities that do less damage but are important to secure the kill have a greater value.

• "AbilityModifierSupportValue" "0.6" — Applies multiple modifiers (e.g. Beastmaster: Primal Roar)
• "AbilityModifierSupportValue" "0.5" — Primarily about the summon (e.g. Warlock's Rain of Chaos)
• "AbilityModifierSupportValue" "0.1" — Just a ministun (e.g. Zeus: Lightning Bolt)
• "AbilityModifierSupportValue" "0.0" — Primarily about the damage (e.g. Lich: Chain Frost)

AbilityModifierSupportBonus

Integer. Abilities with generally higher impact on securing the kill have a higher bonus.

• "AbilityModifierSupportBonus" "5" — Lycan: Howl
• "AbilityModifierSupportBonus" "35" — Jakiro's Liquid Fire
• "AbilityModifierSupportBonus" "100" — Templar Assassin: Trap
• "AbilityModifierSupportBonus" "120" — Alchemist: Unstable Concoction Throw

Magic Stick

AbilityProcsMagicStick

Useful for 0-second cooldown custom abilities if the game mode uses the default Magic Wand item.

"AbilityProcsMagicStick" "1"

Legacy Keys

HotKeyOverride

If Legacy Keys are enabled, the ability will use this hotkey. Note: only works with Legacy Keys, and there is no way to force players to use them.

"HotKeyOverride" "K"

Meepo / Lone Druid UI

DisplayAdditionalHeroes

Adding this to an ability will show the main hero and any additional heroes under the player's control in the top-left UI (similar to Meepo or Lone Druid).

"DisplayAdditionalHeroes" "1"

Notes:

• DataDriven SpawnUnit with an npc_dota_hero as the UnitName and Lua will crash the game. Use CreateHeroForPlayer instead.
• npc_dota_lone_druid_bear4 doesn't show up as a new hero in the UI.

FightRecapLevel

Used by the Fight Recap UI to prioritize the most important abilities and items used in a fight.

• Level 2: Cheese, Mek, Hex, BKB, Aegis, and most Ultimates with high cooldown
• Level 1: Everything else

"FightRecapLevel" "2"

OnCastbar / OnLearnbar

Presence of the Dark Lord and Necromastery have these at 0, but changing them to 1 doesn't produce noticeable effects. Use DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_HIDDEN to hide from the cast bar, and DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_NOT_LEARNABLE to hide from the learn bar instead.

"OnCastbar"  "1"
"OnLearnbar" "1"

AbilitySpecial Block

This block serves two purposes:

1. Defining values that change as the ability levels up, referenced with %value
2. Formatting ability tooltips

Structure

"AbilitySpecial"
{
    "01"
    {
        "var_type"  "FIELD_INTEGER"
        "value"     "3 4 5 6 7 8"
    }
    "02"
    {
        "var_type"      "FIELD_FLOAT"
        "another_value" "3.0"
    }
}

Variable Values

Wherever a value is needed, use "%name" to grab it from the AbilitySpecial block of that name.

Tooltips

For every AbilitySpecial block you can add a corresponding tooltip string that will automatically pull the values into the ability tooltip. Given the example above inside an ability named datadriven_skeleton, the strings in addon_english.txt would be:

"DOTA_Tooltip_Ability_datadriven_skeleton"             "Tooltip Example"
"DOTA_Tooltip_Ability_datadriven_skeleton_Description" "This shows the basic tooltip syntax"
"DOTA_Tooltip_Ability_datadriven_skeleton_Note0"       "This shows when hovering with Alt pressed"
"DOTA_Tooltip_Ability_datadriven_skeleton_Lore"        "And then, there was Documentation."
"DOTA_Tooltip_Ability_datadriven_skeleton_value"       "SOME:"
"DOTA_Tooltip_Ability_datadriven_skeleton_another_value" "DATA:"

precache Block

When using a particle, sound, or model asset inside a custom ability or item, if the resource is not preloaded it won't appear in game. This is especially important when using content from heroes that weren't loaded by the players.

"precache"
{
    "particle"  "particles/units/heroes/hero_legion_commander/legion_commander_duel_victory.vpcf"
    "particle"  "particles/units/heroes/hero_legion_commander/legion_commander_duel_buff.vpcf"
    "soundfile" "soundevents/game_sounds_heroes/game_sounds_legion_commander.vsndevts"
    "model"     "models/particle/legion_duel_banner.vmdl"
}

The asset relative path can be copied directly from the Asset Browser:

A parent particle is a system with secondary child particles. Precaching a parent particle system will usually precache all of its children.

Full folders can also be precached through "particle_folder" and "model_folder", but this is not recommended as it increases memory usage.

Lua Precache

The Precache() function in addon_game_mode.lua has issues with clients appropriately precaching assets. If this occurs, it causes the client to never precache things configured in that block.

You'll test your addon in the Tools and it will work fine because you are the host, but as soon as you upload it to the Workshop and make a lobby with 2 or more players, many particles, sounds, and models will not be seen by clients if you don't use this function with caution.

Try to always use a datadriven precache block — it will always preload what it has defined inside when the hero is picked. Use PostLoadPrecache() if you need to preload units or items that are created dynamically.

Ability Events

See the detailed guide on Ability Events with Actions.

Ability Event	Triggers
OnSpellStart	After the AbilityCastPoint is finished
OnToggleOn	Activating a DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_TOGGLE
OnToggleOff	Deactivating a _TOGGLE
OnChannelFinish	Ending a channelled ability under any condition
OnChannelInterrupted	Ending a channel prematurely
OnChannelSucceeded	Ending after AbilityChannelTime has been completed
OnOwnerDied	Unit with this ability dies
OnOwnerSpawned	Unit with this ability spawns
OnProjectileHitUnit	A projectile collides with a valid unit
OnProjectileFinish	A projectile finishes its fixed distance
OnEquip	Item picked up
OnUnequip	Item leaves the inventory
OnUpgrade	Upgrading the ability from the HUD
OnAbilityPhaseStart	When the ability is cast (before the unit turns to target)

List of Actions

An Event can contain as many Actions as needed.

Action	Parameters
AddAbility	Target, AbilityName
ActOnTargets	Target, Action
ApplyModifier	Target, ModifierName, Duration
ApplyMotionController	Target, ScriptFile, HorizontalControlFunction, VerticalControlFunction, TestGravityFunc
AttachEffect	EffectName, EffectAttachType, Target, TargetPoint, ControlPoints, ControlPointEntities, EffectRadius, EffectDurationScale, EffectLifeDurationScale, EffectColorA, EffectColorB, EffectAlphaScale
Blink	Target
CleaveAttack	CleaveEffect, CleavePercent, CleaveRadius
CreateBonusAttack	Target
CreateThinker	Target, ModifierName
CreateThinkerWall	Target, ModifierName, Width, Length, Rotation
CreateItem	Target, ItemName, ItemCount, ItemChargeCount, SpawnRadius, LaunchHeight, LaunchDistance, LaunchDuration
Damage	Target, Type, MinDamage/MaxDamage, Damage, CurrentHealthPercentBasedDamage, MaxHealthPercentBasedDamage
DelayedAction	Delay, Action
DestroyTrees	Target, Radius
FireEffect	EffectName, EffectAttachType, Target, TargetPoint, ControlPoints, EffectRadius, EffectDurationScale, EffectLifeDurationScale, EffectColorA, EffectColorB, EffectAlphaScale
FireSound	EffectName, Target
GrantXPGold	Target, XPAmount, GoldAmount, ReliableGold, SplitEvenly
Heal	HealAmount, Target
IsCasterAlive	OnSuccess, OnFailure
Knockback	Target, Center, Duration, Distance, Height, IsFixedDistance, ShouldStun
LevelUpAbility	Target, AbilityName
Lifesteal	Target, LifestealPercent
LinearProjectile	Target, EffectName, MoveSpeed, StartRadius, EndRadius, FixedDistance, StartPosition, TargetTeams, TargetTypes, TargetFlags, HasFrontalCone, ProvidesVision, VisionRadius
MoveUnit	Target, MoveToTarget
Random	Chance, PseudoRandom, OnSuccess, OnFailure
RemoveAbility	Target, AbilityName
RemoveModifier	Target, ModifierName
RemoveUnit	Target
ReplaceUnit	UnitName, Target
Rotate	Target, PitchYawRoll
RunScript	Target, ScriptFile, Function, (extra parameters)
SpawnUnit	UnitName, UnitCount, UnitLimit, SpawnRadius, Duration, Target, GrantsGold, GrantsXP, OnSpawn
Stun	Target, Duration
SpendMana	Mana
TrackingProjectile	Target, EffectName, Dodgeable, ProvidesVision, VisionRadius, MoveSpeed, SourceAttachment

Note: When used inside a modifier, AttachEffect will automatically stop the particle after the modifier is destroyed, while FireEffect won't. If you FireEffect with a particle of infinite duration inside a modifier, it will persist after the modifier ends.

Modifiers

The Modifiers block contains each modifier definition:

"Modifiers"
{
    "modifier_example"
    {
        // ...
    }
    "another_modifier"
    {
        // ...
    }
}

Modifier Skeleton

"modifier_example"
{
    "Attributes"       "MODIFIER_ATTRIBUTE_MULTIPLE"
    "Duration"         "10"
    "Passive"          "0"
    "TextureName"      "spellicon"

    "IsDebuff"         "0"
    "IsHidden"         "0"
    "IsPurgable"       "0"

    "EffectName"        "particles/effect_name.vpcf"
    "EffectAttachType"  "follow_origin"

    "StatusEffectName"     "particles/status_fx/status_effect_frost_lich.vpcf"
    "StatusEffectPriority" "10"

    "OverrideAnimation" "ACT_DOTA_VICTORY"

    // Properties {}
    // States {}
    // Modifier Events
}

Attributes

Attribute	Description
MODIFIER_ATTRIBUTE_NONE	Default value, same as omitting this key
MODIFIER_ATTRIBUTE_MULTIPLE	Multiple instances of the same modifier can be applied and will not override each other
MODIFIER_ATTRIBUTE_PERMANENT	Persists through death
MODIFIER_ATTRIBUTE_IGNORE_INVULNERABLE	Remains on units with MODIFIER_STATE_INVULNERABLE. To apply to an invulnerable unit you also need DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_INVULNERABLE

"Attributes" "MODIFIER_ATTRIBUTE_MULTIPLE"

Duration

The modifier ticks down and removes itself after a duration in seconds. Omit to make it last indefinitely (or until something removes it).

"Duration" "10"

Passive

The modifier is automatically applied to the unit when the ability is acquired. Default is 0. Used on most items and passive abilities.

"Passive" "1"

TextureName

Allows using a different icon in the buff bar. By default uses the ability icon from AbilityTextureName.

IsBuff / IsDebuff / IsPurgable

Each defaults to 0 if omitted. Every modifier is displayed with a green border by default, but is not considered a Buff unless "IsBuff" "1" is set. Setting "IsDebuff" "1" shows a red border to indicate a negative effect.

"IsDebuff" "1"

If "IsPurgable" "1", Purge and Dispel mechanics will act according to the IsBuff/IsDebuff values:

• "IsDebuff" "1" modifiers are purged from friendly units
• "IsBuff" "1" modifiers are purged from enemy units

Setting "IsStunDebuff" "true" requires a strong dispel (like Abaddon's Shield or Repel) to be removed.

Particles on Modifiers

To attach a particle effect for the duration of the modifier, use these two keys together:

EffectName — name of the particle system to use. Most buff-type particles work. Make sure to use a parent particle.

EffectAttachType — where on the unit the particle is displayed. Most common values:

• follow_origin — body/feet, moves with the unit
• follow_overhead — on top of the model, moves with the unit

"modifier_golden"
{
    "Passive"          "1"
    "EffectName"       "particles/econ/courier/courier_golden_roshan/golden_roshan_ambient.vpcf"
    "EffectAttachType" "follow_origin"
}

Additional or complex particles should be attached with the AttachEffect action inside an OnCreated modifier event. Example with multiple effects:

"modifier_much_gold"
{
    "Duration" "3"
    "States"
    {
        "MODIFIER_STATE_NO_HEALTH_BAR" "MODIFIER_STATE_VALUE_ENABLED"
    }
    "OnCreated"
    {
        "AttachEffect"
        {
            "Target"           "CASTER"
            "EffectName"       "particles/econ/items/gyrocopter/hero_gyrocopter_gyrotechnics/gyro_calldown_marker.vpcf"
            "EffectAttachType" "follow_origin"
            "EffectRadius"     "100"
        }
        "AttachEffect"
        {
            "Target"                "CASTER"
            "EffectName"            "particles/units/heroes/hero_alchemist/alchemist_lasthit_coins.vpcf"
            "EffectAttachType"      "start_at_customorigin"
            "ControlPointEntities"
            {
                "CASTER" "attach_origin"
                "CASTER" "attach_origin"
            }
        }
        "AttachEffect"
        {
            "EffectName"       "particles/units/heroes/hero_alchemist/alchemist_acid_spray.vpcf"
            "EffectAttachType" "follow_origin"
            "Target"           "CASTER"
            "ControlPoints"
            {
                "00" "0 0 0"
                "01" "200 1 1"   // Radius
                "15" "255 200 0" // Color
                "16" "1 0 0"
            }
        }
    }
}

Status Effect Particles

These apply a texture overlay to the unit. Search for status_effect in the Asset Browser.

"StatusEffectName"     "particles/status_fx/status_effect_frost_lich.vpcf"
"StatusEffectPriority" "10"

StatusEffectPriority allows more important effects to override others with lower priority values.

status_effect_frost_lich · status_effect_medusa_stone_gaze

status_effect_forcestaff · status_effect_avatar

status_effect_doom · status_effect_gods_strength

OverrideAnimation

Forces a specific animation while the modifier is active. Can use any ACT_ value from the Animation section.

"modifier_sleep"
{
    "EffectName"        "particles/newplayer_fx/npx_sleeping.vpcf"
    "EffectAttachType"  "follow_overhead"
    "OverrideAnimation" "ACT_DOTA_DISABLED"
    "States"
    {
        "MODIFIER_STATE_NO_HEALTH_BAR" "MODIFIER_STATE_VALUE_ENABLED"
    }
}

Aura

A modifier with Aura keys automatically applies the specified modifier to every valid unit within Aura_Radius, removing it when units leave the radius.

"Modifiers"
{
    "modifier_armor_aura"
    {
        "Passive"   "1"
        "IsHidden"  "1"

        "Aura"              "armor_aura_effect"
        "Aura_Radius"       "%radius"
        "Aura_Teams"        "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_TEAM_FRIENDLY"
        "Aura_Types"        "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_HERO | DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_BASIC"
        "Aura_Flags"        "DOTA_UNIT_TARGET_FLAG_MAGIC_IMMUNE_ENEMIES"
        "Aura_ApplyToCaster" "0"
    }

    "armor_aura_effect"
    {
        "Properties"
        {
            "MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PHYSICAL_ARMOR_BONUS" "%armor_bonus"
        }
    }
}

Illusions (AllowIllusionDuplicate)

By default illusions don't inherit modifiers from the original hero. Set this to make the modifier copy to illusions:

"modifier_armor_oncopies"
{
    "Passive"                "1"
    "AllowIllusionDuplicate" "1"
    "Properties"
    {
        "MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PHYSICAL_ARMOR_BONUS" "1 2 3"
    }
}

Repeating Actions (ThinkInterval)

Used with the OnIntervalThink modifier event to execute actions on a timer:

"modifier_midas_effect"
{
    "ThinkInterval"  "1"
    "OnIntervalThink"
    {
        "FireEffect"
        {
            "EffectName"       "particles/items2_fx/hand_of_midas.vpcf"
            "Target"           "CASTER"
            "EffectAttachType" "follow_origin"
        }
    }
}

Priority

Makes a state like invisibility not be overridden by lower-priority effects.

"Priority" "MODIFIER_PRIORITY_ULTRA"

Possible values: MODIFIER_PRIORITY_ULTRA and MODIFIER_PRIORITY_HIGH.

ModelName

A datadriven way to change the model of a unit from within a modifier:

"ModelName" "models/heroes/doom/doom.vmdl"

Properties Block

This block inside a modifier gives numeric stat bonuses from the list of modifier properties. Supports AbilitySpecial references and negative values.

"modifier_slow"
{
    "IsDebuff"  "1"
    "Duration"  "%duration"
    "Properties"
    {
        "MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ATTACKSPEED_BONUS_CONSTANT"  "%attackspeed_reduction"
        "MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_PERCENTAGE"  "%movespeed_reduction_percentage"
    }
}

List of Modifier Properties

• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ABILITY_LAYOUT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ABSOLUTE_NO_DAMAGE_MAGICAL
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ABSOLUTE_NO_DAMAGE_PHYSICAL
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ABSOLUTE_NO_DAMAGE_PURE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ABSORB_SPELL
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ATTACK_RANGE_BONUS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ATTACK_RANGE_BONUS_UNIQUE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ATTACKSPEED_BONUS_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ATTACKSPEED_BONUS_CONSTANT_POWER_TREADS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_ATTACKSPEED_BONUS_CONSTANT_SECONDARY
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_AVOID_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_AVOID_SPELL
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_BASEATTACK_BONUSDAMAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_BASE_ATTACK_TIME_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_BASEDAMAGEOUTGOING_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_BASE_MANA_REGEN
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_BONUS_DAY_VISION
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_BONUS_NIGHT_VISION
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_BONUS_VISION_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_CAST_RANGE_BONUS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_CHANGE_ABILITY_VALUE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_COOLDOWN_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_COOLDOWN_PERCENTAGE_STACKING
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_DAMAGEOUTGOING_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_DAMAGEOUTGOING_PERCENTAGE_ILLUSION
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_DEATHGOLDCOST
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_DISABLE_AUTOATTACK
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_DISABLE_HEALING
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_DISABLE_TURNING
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_EVASION_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_FORCE_DRAW_MINIMAP
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_HEALTH_BONUS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_HEALTH_REGEN_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_HEALTH_REGEN_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_IGNORE_CAST_ANGLE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_INCOMING_DAMAGE_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_INCOMING_PHYSICAL_DAMAGE_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_INCOMING_PHYSICAL_DAMAGE_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_INCOMING_SPELL_DAMAGE_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_INVISIBILITY_LEVEL
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_IS_ILLUSION
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_IS_SCEPTER
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_LIFETIME_FRACTION
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MAGICAL_RESISTANCE_BONUS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MAGICAL_RESISTANCE_DECREPIFY_UNIQUE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MAGICAL_RESISTANCE_ITEM_UNIQUE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MAGICDAMAGEOUTGOING_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MANA_BONUS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MANA_REGEN_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MANA_REGEN_CONSTANT_UNIQUE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MANA_REGEN_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MANA_REGEN_TOTAL_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MAX_ATTACK_RANGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MIN_HEALTH
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MISS_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MODEL_CHANGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_ABSOLUTE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BASE_OVERRIDE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_PERCENTAGE_UNIQUE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_BONUS_UNIQUE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_NEGATIVE_EVASION_CONSTANT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_OVERRIDE_ANIMATION
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_OVERRIDE_ANIMATION_RATE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_OVERRIDE_ANIMATION_WEIGHT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_OVERRIDE_ATTACK_MAGICAL
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PERSISTENT_INVISIBILITY
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PHYSICAL_ARMOR_BONUS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PHYSICAL_ARMOR_BONUS_ILLUSIONS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PHYSICAL_ARMOR_BONUS_UNIQUE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PHYSICAL_ARMOR_BONUS_UNIQUE_ACTIVE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PHYSICAL_CONSTANT_BLOCK
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_POST_ATTACK
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PREATTACK_BONUS_DAMAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PREATTACK_BONUS_DAMAGE_POST_CRIT
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PREATTACK_CRITICALSTRIKE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PROCATTACK_BONUS_DAMAGE_COMPOSITE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PROCATTACK_BONUS_DAMAGE_MAGICAL
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PROCATTACK_BONUS_DAMAGE_PHYSICAL
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PROCATTACK_BONUS_DAMAGE_PURE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PROCATTACK_FEEDBACK
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_PROVIDES_FOW_POSITION
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_RESPAWNTIME
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_RESPAWNTIME_PERCENTAGE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_RESPAWNTIME_STACKING
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_STATS_AGILITY_BONUS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_STATS_INTELLECT_BONUS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_STATS_STRENGTH_BONUS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_SUPER_ILLUSION_WITH_ULTIMATE
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_TOTAL_CONSTANT_BLOCK
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_TOTAL_CONSTANT_BLOCK_UNAVOIDABLE_PRE_ARMOR
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_TRANSLATE_ACTIVITY_MODIFIERS
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_TRANSLATE_ATTACK_SOUND
• MODIFIER_PROPERTY_TURN_RATE_PERCENTAGE

Unhandled Properties

These properties are not functional in a DataDriven context:

Property	Alternative
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MODEL_SCALE	Use Lua SetModelScale(float scale)
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MODEL_CHANGE	Use "ModelName" key in the modifier
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_LIMIT	—
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_MOVESPEED_MAX	—
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_TOTALDAMAGEOUTGOING_PERCENTAGE	—
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_REINCARNATION	—
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_EXTRA_STRENGTH_BONUS	—
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_EXTRA_HEALTH_BONUS	—
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_EXTRA_MANA_BONUS	—
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_COOLDOWN_REDUCTION_CONSTANT	—
MODIFIER_PROPERTY_TOOLTIP	—

States Block

States are similar to properties, except they take one of three values:

• MODIFIER_STATE_VALUE_NO_ACTION — default; don't change the state
• MODIFIER_STATE_VALUE_ENABLED — enable the state
• MODIFIER_STATE_VALUE_DISABLED — disable the state

"Modifiers"
{
    "modifier_magic_immune_and_no_healthbar"
    {
        "Passive" "1"
        "States"
        {
            "MODIFIER_STATE_NO_HEALTH_BAR" "MODIFIER_STATE_VALUE_ENABLED"
            "MODIFIER_STATE_MAGIC_IMMUNE"  "MODIFIER_STATE_VALUE_ENABLED"
        }
    }

    "modifier_stun"
    {
        "EffectName"       "particles/generic_gameplay/generic_stunned_old.vpcf"
        "EffectAttachType" "follow_origin"
        "States"
        {
            "MODIFIER_STATE_MAGIC_IMMUNE" "MODIFIER_STATE_VALUE_DISABLED"
            "MODIFIER_STATE_STUNNED"      "MODIFIER_STATE_VALUE_ENABLED"
        }
    }
}

List of Modifier States

• MODIFIER_STATE_ATTACK_IMMUNE
• MODIFIER_STATE_BLIND
• MODIFIER_STATE_BLOCK_DISABLED
• MODIFIER_STATE_CANNOT_MISS
• MODIFIER_STATE_COMMAND_RESTRICTED
• MODIFIER_STATE_DISARMED
• MODIFIER_STATE_DOMINATED
• MODIFIER_STATE_EVADE_DISABLED
• MODIFIER_STATE_FLYING
• MODIFIER_STATE_FROZEN
• MODIFIER_STATE_HEXED
• MODIFIER_STATE_INVISIBLE
• MODIFIER_STATE_INVULNERABLE
• MODIFIER_STATE_LOW_ATTACK_PRIORITY
• MODIFIER_STATE_MAGIC_IMMUNE
• MODIFIER_STATE_MUTED
• MODIFIER_STATE_NIGHTMARED
• MODIFIER_STATE_NO_HEALTH_BAR
• MODIFIER_STATE_NO_TEAM_MOVE_TO
• MODIFIER_STATE_NO_TEAM_SELECT
• MODIFIER_STATE_NOT_ON_MINIMAP
• MODIFIER_STATE_NOT_ON_MINIMAP_FOR_ENEMIES
• MODIFIER_STATE_NO_UNIT_COLLISION
• MODIFIER_STATE_OUT_OF_GAME
• MODIFIER_STATE_PASSIVES_DISABLED
• MODIFIER_STATE_PROVIDES_VISION
• MODIFIER_STATE_ROOTED
• MODIFIER_STATE_SILENCED
• MODIFIER_STATE_SOFT_DISARMED
• MODIFIER_STATE_SPECIALLY_DENIABLE
• MODIFIER_STATE_STUNNED
• MODIFIER_STATE_UNSELECTABLE

Added with Reborn:

• MODIFIER_STATE_FAKE_ALLY
• MODIFIER_STATE_FLYING_FOR_PATHING_PURPOSES_ONLY
• MODIFIER_STATE_TRUESIGHT_IMMUNE
• MODIFIER_STATE_LAST

Modifier Events

See the detailed guide on Modifier Events with Actions.

Any of these can go inside a modifier and contain as many Actions as necessary.

Modifier Event	Triggers
OnCreated	The modifier has been created
OnDestroy	The modifier has been removed
OnIntervalThink	Every ThinkInterval seconds
OnAttack	The unit this modifier is on has completed an attack
OnAttacked	The unit this modifier is on has been attacked (fires at end of attack)
OnAttackStart	The unit's attack animation begins (not when the projectile is created)
OnAttackLanded	The unit has landed an attack on a target
OnAttackFailed	Unit misses an attack
OnAttackAllied	When attacking units on the same team
OnDealDamage	The unit has dealt damage
OnTakeDamage	The unit has taken damage (%attack_damage is set to damage after mitigation)
OnDeath	The unit with this modifier died
OnKill	Unit kills anything
OnHeroKill	Unit kills a hero
OnRespawn	Unit respawns after the death timer
OnOrbFire	OnAttackStart of an Orb (fires on every attack if the Orb is used)
OnOrbImpact	OnAttackLanded of an Orb
OnAbilityExecuted	Any ability (including items) was used by the unit with this modifier
OnAbilityStart	The unit starts an ability (same as OnSpellStart but as a modifier event)
OnAbilityEndChannel	When the unit ends a channel by any means
OnHealReceived	Unit gained health by any means (triggers even at full HP)
OnHealthGained	Unit received health from an external source
OnManaGained	Unit gained mana (triggers even at full mana)
OnSpentMana	Unit spent mana
OnOrder	Triggers on Move/Cast/Hold/Stop
OnUnitMoved	Triggers on Move
OnTeleported	Triggers when finishing a Teleport
OnTeleporting	Triggers when starting a Teleport
OnProjectileDodge	The unit dodged a projectile
OnStateChanged	May trigger when the unit gets a modifier