Undying
Hero
Undying
    22 + 2.8
10 + 0.8
27 + 2.8
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Undying, the Almighty Dirge, is a melee strength hero who serves as a formidable tank and a dangerous spellcaster. His abilities force opponents to either kill him or suffer powerful debuffs in a teamfight. Decay is a spammable ability that steals enemies' Strength in an area, making them more fragile and Undying himself more durable as the fight goes on while also being exceptionally potent during the early laning phase, leaving your opponents with mere scraps of health. Soul Rip can act as both a powerful heal or nuke, redirecting the flow of living energy to a target. By ripping some of the health of his ally or enemy in an area, the target can be healed if an ally, or damaged if an enemy. This is empowered by Tombstone, which acts as a static tank by summoning zombies to slow Undying's foes while active. With the zombies summoned, Soul Rip can perform to its fullest, while Decay weakens Undying's foes. Finally, Undying can transform into a horrific Flesh Golem. This transformation makes him substantially more tanky while allowing his attacks to place a debuff that both slows and amplifies all subsequent damage to the target. Monstrous and truly horrifying, Undying finds great pleasure in keeping himself alive and vital, while his adversaries suffer as he delivers death to the field. With powerful abilities that allow him to perform well in large fights, the Dirge may never cease.
Contents
Bio[edit]
Undying, the Almighty Dirge▶️ "Where go the living, the dead soon follow."
Lore:
How long has it been since he lost his name? The torn ruin of his mind no longer knows.
Dimly he recalls armor and banners and grim-faced kin riding at his side. He remembers a battle: pain and fear as pale hands ripped him from his saddle. He remembers terror as they threw him into the yawning pit of the Dead God alongside his brothers, to hear the Dirge and be consumed into nothingness. In the darkness below, time left them. Thought left them. Sanity left them. Hunger, however, did not. They turned on each other with split fingernails and shattered teeth. Then it came: distant at first, a fragile note at the edge of perception, joined by another, then another, inescapable and unending. The chorus grew into a living wall of sound pulsing in his mind until no other thought survived. With the Dirge consuming him, he opened his arms to the Dead God and welcomed his obliteration. Yet destruction was not what he'd been chosen for. The Dead God demanded war. In the belly of the great nothing, he was granted a new purpose: to spread the Dirge across the land, to rally the sleepless dead against the living. He was to become the Undying, the herald of the Dead God, to rise and fall and rise again whenever his body failed him. To trudge on through death unending, that the Dirge might never end.
Voice:
Abilities[edit]
Undying steals strength from all enemy heroes in an area, dealing base damage as he claims the enemy's strength for himself.
Cast Animation: 0.45+0
Cast Range: 650 (
775)
775)Radius: 325 (
425)
425)Damage: 20/50/80/110
Strength Steal: 4 (
10)
10)Decay Duration: 45 ( 85)
85)Zombie Duration: 0 ( 15)
15)
10/ 8.5/6.5/4.5/2.5)
85/
Increases strength steal.
Increases Decay radius by 100 and spawns a zombie around each hero target.
Strength loss persists if debuff was placed before spell immunity.
Illusions of Undying or affected enemies do not reflect the gained or lost strength. They keep the original strength values of the heroes.Modifiers
modifier_undying_decay_buff_counter: Dispellable with death only. modifier_undying_decay_buff: Dispellable with death only.
modifier_undying_decay_debuff_counter: Dispellable with death only. modifier_undying_decay_debuff: Dispellable with death only.The strength of the living is simply borrowed from the strength of the dead.
Notes:
- Successive casts of Decay fully stack on the targets and on Undying.
- Cannot reduce a hero's strength below 0, but Undying always gains the full amount of strength for each hit enemy hero.
- Steals strength before applying its damage.
- The strength loss on the target does not keep the current health percentage, but instead removes 20 health per strength from the current health pool.
- The strength gain on Undying does not keep the current health percentage either, and instead adds 20 health per strength to the current health pool.
- Increases/reduces Undying's/hit enemies' current health by a total of 80 ( 200).
- This health bonus does not count as a heal, so it is unaffected by amplifications, and also bypasses Ice Blast and False Promise.
- Hit heroes effectively lose 80 ( 200) health and 0.4 ( 1) health regen (and 4 ( 10) attack damage if it is a strength hero).
- Vice versa, effectively increases Undying's health, health regen, and attack damage by the same amount per stack.
- Does not steal strength from illusions, but does from hero clones.
- When multiple Meepo clones are in the area, only one of them (randomly chosen on each cast) gets his strength stolen.
- The same applies to Arc Warden and his Tempest Double.
- The damage still hits all Meepos and all Arc Wardens.
- Each status buff of Decay increases Undying's model size by 2%. This has no impact on his collision size.
- Despite the visual effects, the stolen strength is gained instantly.
- Upon acquiring/losing Aghanim's Scepter, all stacks of stolen strength adapts immediately.
- Upon updating the strength, Undying's current health stays the same.
- However, debuffed enemies keep their current health percentage. Their health also only updates upon gaining/losing maximum health again, and not instantly.
- When Undying dies, he loses all the stolen strength, but the affected enemies do not get theirs back, and vice versa.
- With Aghanim's Shard, summons an Undying Zombie on each enemy hero that got strength stolen.
- This means in case of Meepo and Arc Warden clones, a zombie spawns only on the one that got randomly chosen for the strength steal, and not on all of them.
- This also means it never spawns zombies on any non-hero unit, or on illusions.
- The zombies are based on Tombstone's current level. If it is not learned, no zombies spawn.
Soul Rip
Undying rips health away from all nearby units and uses it to heal an ally, or damage an enemy. Soul Rip can also be used to heal Tombstone.
Cast Animation: 0.35+0
Cast Range: 750 ( 875)
875)Search Radius: 1300
Damage/Heal per Unit: 19/26/33/40 ( 29/36/43/50)
29/36/43/50)Maximum Units: 8/9/10/11
Tombstone Heal: 4/8/12/16
24/ 100/
Can be cast on and counts nearby spell immune allies.Cannot be cast on and does not count nearby spell immune enemies.
Units counted towards damage still lose health.Even allies feel despair in Undying's presence.
Notes:
- Can be cast on Tombstones, but not on any other ward type unit.
- When cast on an allied Tombstone, it always heals it for the given amount, regardless of unit count.
- Can target enemy Tombstone, but does not damage or heal it.
- Cannot be cast on Tombstone zombies.
- The 1300 search radius is centered around Undying, not the target.
- Units within the area are selected randomly and have to pay 19/26/33/40 ( 29/36/43/50) health as part of the health cost. This health loss is never lethal.
- Does not count Undying, the target, wards, buildings, invisible enemies and units in the Fog of War.
- Spell immune allies are counted, including the zombies from Tombstone.
- Units which require a certain amount of attacks to be killed do not lose health when counted in by Soul Rip.
- If there are no valid units within the search radius, the damage or healing equals zero.
- The damage or heal are summed up and the target receives them in once instance.
- Soul Rip can damage or heal a unit for up to 152/234/330/440 ( 232/324/430/550) health (before reductions).
| Tombstone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Ability
Target Point
Target Point
Affects
Enemies
Enemies
Summons a tombstone at the target point. Zombies will frequently spawn next to every enemy unit in the area around the Tombstone, and attack them. Zombies have the Deathlust ability, which causes their attacks to slow the target, and if the target reaches below a certain amount of health, increases the attack and movement speed of the zombie.
Cast Animation: 0.45+0
Cast Range: 600 ( 725)
725)Zombie Spawn Radius: 1200
Zombie Spawn Interval: 4/3.5/3/2.5
Hero Attacks to Destroy Tombstone: 4/5/6/7 ( 10/11/12/13)
10/11/12/13)Non-Hero Attacks to Destroy Tombstone: 16/20/24/28 ( 40/44/48/52)
40/44/48/52)Hero/Tower Attacks to Kill Zombie: 1
Other Attacks to Kill Zombie: 2
Tombstone Duration: 30
85/ 120/ Already spawned zombies do not die when their target turns spell immune.Modifiers
modifier_kill: Dispellable with death only. modifier_magic_immune: Dispellable with death only. modifier_tombstone_hp: Dispellable with death only. modifier_undying_tombstone_zombie_aura: Dispellable with death only. modifier_undying_tombstone_zombie_modifier: Dispellable with death only. modifier_undying_tombstone_death_trigger: Undispellable. Persists death.Dirge calls on his fallen brothers to fight for the Dead God.
Notes:
- Destroys trees within 300 radius around the Tombstone upon cast.
- Zombies do not spawn for invisible units or units in the Fog of War.
- Zombies do not spawn for wards, buildings, couriers, hidden units and zombies from an enemy Tombstone.
- The zombies are uncontrollable and do nothing but attack their set target. However, they can be boosted by allied spells or auras.
- An exception here is Howl, which does not affect the zombies.
- The first wave spawns immediately as the Tombstone is summoned, resulting in 8/9/10/12 possible waves per cast.
- When a zombies' target turns invisible, the associated zombies die after 0.1 seconds.
- When a zombies' set target dies, the associated zombies die instantly, unless the target was a Meepo.
- In the case of Meepo clones dying, the zombies just stand around until the Tombstone is gone.
- When a zombies' set target runs into the Fog of War, the associated zombies still follow it.
- When the Tombstone expires or is killed, all its zombies instantly die.
- Illusions and creep-heroes are treated like creeps by the Tombstone, so the take 16/20/24/28 ( 40/44/48/52) attacks to destroy it, instead of 4/5/6/7 ( 10/11/12/13).
- Illusions and creep-heroes are treated like creeps by the zombies, so they take 2 attacks to destroy it, instead of 1.
- When the talent is chosen, a Tombstone of the current level spawns whenever Undying dies.
- This spawn is independent from the cooldown and does not require mana.
- The tombstone spawns even when having Reincarnation.
- The Tombstone lasts its full duration, it is not bound to Undying's death timer and does not disappear when he respawns.
Ability
No Target
No Target
Affects
Enemies / Self
Enemies / Self
Undying transforms into a horrifying flesh golem. Gains a percentage increase to strength and imbues attacks with a slow and damage amplification.
Cast Animation: 0+0
Strength Bonus: 40%/50%/60%
Movement Speed Bonus: 30
Debuff Movement Speed Slow: 40%/45%/50%
Debuff Incoming Damage Amplification: 25%/30%/35%
Debuff Duration: 6
Flesh Golem Duration: 40
125 100/
Illusions get a new Flesh Golem buff, lasting for the full duration, regardless of how much is left on Undying himself.Modifiers
modifier_undying_flesh_golem: Dispellable with death only. modifier_undying_flesh_golem_slow: Dispellable with any dispel.The flesh of the recently dead add to the power of Dirge's plague.
Notes:
- Flesh Golem interrupts Undying's channeling spells upon cast.
- Increases total strength, including strength bonuses.
- Checks Undying's strength periodically and adapts the bonus instantly.
- Increases Undying's base movement speed to 330.
- Multiple attacks on the same target do not stack, but refresh the duration instead.
- Amplifies all 3 damage types, including self-inflicted damage and damage dealt by allies.
- Flesh Golem is fully canceled on death.
Notes:
- Gained by choosing the right level 25 talent. The ability is shown as a permanent buff in the HUD.
- Reincarnation cannot be prevented in any way. If Undying dies with it, it is used.
- If Undying has the Aegis of the Immortal, the talent triggers first, if it is ready.
- Provides 1800/800 ground vision at the death location during its delay.
- The cooldown cannot be altered by anything.
Undying Zombie[edit]
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Deathlust
_icon.png){kind=icon}
Ability
Passive
Passive
Affects
Enemies
Enemies
Slows enemy units on attack. If the attacked unit's health goes below the threshold, the zombie receives enhanced movement and attack speed.
Health Threshold: 40%
Threshold Move Speed Bonus: 35%/40%/45%/50%
Threshold Attack Speed Bonus: 50/60/70/80
Move Speed Slow: 7%
Slow Duration: 2.5
Modifiers
modifier_undying_tombstone_zombie_deathstrike: Dispellable with death only. modifier_undying_tombstone_zombie_deathlust: Dispellable with death only. modifier_undying_tombstone_zombie_deathstrike_slow_counter: Dispellable with death only. modifier_undying_tombstone_zombie_deathstrike_slow: Dispellable with any dispel.Notes:
- The slow from multiple attacks and multiple zombies fully stacks.
- Each stack lasts 2.5 seconds. They do not refresh each other's duration.
- The number of current stacks can be seen on the debuff icon (a number is visible on it).
- The health of the target is checked in 0.5 second intervals. If their target is below the threshold, the Deathlust Frenzy buff is placed.
- The buff lasts for 2.5 seconds, but gets refreshed as long as the target stays below the threshold.
- Does not trigger against Familiars.
Spell Immunity
Ability
Passive
Passive
Affects
Self
Self
This creature does not feel the effects of most magical spells.
Modifiers
modifier_magic_immune: Dispellable with death only.Notes:
- The Tombstone has this ability as well.
- The status buff uses the other
spell immunity icon.
Talents[edit]
| Hero Talents | ||
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| +6 Tombstone Attacks to Destroy | 25 | Gains Reincarnation 300 CD |
| -1.5s Decay Cooldown | 20 | Tombstone On Death |
| +10 Soul Rip Damage/Heal | 15 | +25 Tombstone Zombie Damage |
| +40 Decay Duration | 10 | +125 Cast Range |
Notes:
- The Zombie attack damage talent is added to the base damage, and not as bonus damage.
Recent Changes[edit]
Main Article: Undying/Changelogs
Version
Description
- Increased Decay mana cost from 70/85/100/115 to 85/95/105/115.
- Reduced Soul Rip damage/heal per unit from 22/29/36/43 to 19/26/33/40.
- Added Aghanim's Shard upgrade for Undying:
- Talents:
- Level 10 left talent changed: +5 health regen ➜ +40s Decay duration.
- Level 15 left talent changed: +40s Decay duration ➜ +10 Soul Rip damage/heal per unit.
- Level 20 left talent changed: +4 Tombstone attacks to destroy ➜ -1.5s Decay cooldown.
- Level 25 left talent changed: -2s Decay cooldown ➜ +6 Tombstone attacks to destroy.
- Flesh Golem
- No longer deals 25/35/45 damage per second.
- No longer causes Undying Zombies to deal 2x damage against debuffed enemies.
- Now applies 25%/30%/35% damage amplification.
Recommended items[edit]
Starting items:
- Tango gives health regeneration to sustain in lane.
- Healing Salve also restores health in lane.
- Clarity restores mana to help Undying use more abilities in the early game.
Early game:
- Arcane Boots increase Undying's lackluster mana pool, as well as provide mana to his allies.
- Magic Stick restores health and mana during ganks.
- Observer Ward provides vision on the enemies so Undying and his allies can gank them effectively.
- Infused Raindrops provides Undying with cost-effective mana regeneration in the early game as he wants to spam spells. The magic damage block also adds to his tankiness, which translates to casting more Decays and Soul Rips in fights.
Mid game:
- Magic Wand gives attributes and a way to restore health and mana.
- Mekansm's attributes, health regeneration, and armor help Undying and allies survive engagements.
Late game:
- Guardian Greaves give more armor and health regeneration for team, also the active ability does not cost mana.
- Aghanim's Scepter provides a tremendous boost on strength steal which improves overall survivability in teamfights. It also helps Dirge remain relevant in the late game, when his Decay is no longer as effective.
Situational items:
- Soul Ring produces mana on demand, and gives a good bit of strength and health regeneration.
- Blade Mail grants armor and returns damage done back to the enemies, discouraging them from targeting Undying. It is especially effective when paired with his Flesh Golem form, as Undying is granted extra HP during the transformation.
- Spirit Vessel can heal Undying and allies, or combine with Soul Rip to increase damage output in fights.
- Pipe of Insight grants Undying and teammates magic resistance to help them stay alive longer in teamfights.
- Crimson Guard helps Undying and teammates block physical attack damage.
- Shiva's Guard provides both of Undying's needs in tankiness and mana.
- Scythe of Vyse gives a great disable and mana regeneration for Undying.
- Radiance wears down enemies in teamfights, and accelerates Undying's farming speed.
- Black King Bar prevents disable-heavy teams from shutting down Decay and Soul Rip.
- Holy Locket gives you several bonuses, like increased HP and mana, some HP regeneration and extra stats. With the maximum amount of charges the active ability can restore up to 300 health and mana. Undying also benefits from the 35% heal amplification since it boosts outgoing healing from Soul Rip, Mekansm and the upgraded Guardian Greaves; granting huge amounts of burst healing.
- Lotus Orb gives useful bonuses to Undying, and Echo Shell makes disables and nukes more dangerous to the caster than to him.
Gameplay[edit]
| Roles: | Support Durable Disabler Nuker |
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| Complexity: | ★☆☆ |
| Playstyle: | Consumed by the chorus of the unending Dirge, the Undying one marches across the land, rallying the dead to rise against the living. He saps the strength from his enemies with Decay, and tears the life from close-by beings with Soul Rip, searing enemies while infusing allies with health. Atop the battlefield he erects a terrible Tombstone, calling forth legions of zombies to maim and incapacitate his foes. The Undying's powers grow as he transforms into a gruesome Flesh Golem, slowing and rendering nearby enemies vulnerable until their lifeless bodies succumb at last to the almighty Dirge. |
Audio[edit]
History[edit]
Equipment[edit]
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Trivia[edit]
- In DotA, his hero name was Dirge, and his hero title was Undying.
- Undying was originally an intelligence hero. He became a strength hero as he got reworked in the 6.58 gameplay patch. All his abilities, but Soul Rip got reworked. His old abilities are explained here.
- Undying makes several references to the Left 4 Dead series, saying names of special infected, campaign names, and even the title itself in his dialogue.
- One notable reference is Undying's line, ▶️ "No dead are safe from Blueheart Bob."; this phrase is highly similar to the famous Left 4 Dead "Chicago Ted" graffiti line ("No zombie is safe from Chicago Ted").
- Undying refers to Bounty Hunter as a Hunter due to the Hunter in Left 4 Dead being able to ambush players, just like how Bounty Hunter can.
- Spirit Breaker is referred to as a Charger due to the Charger sprinting at other players and repeatedly stunning them, just like how Spirit Breaker can.
- Venomancer is referred to as a Spitter for its ability to spit acid at players, similar to Venomancer himself.
- Alchemist is referred to as a Jockey as the Jockey climbs on players and steers them, similar to how the Alchemist himself steers his Ogre.
- Undying also references the Half Life series in a rival line towards Tinker (▶️ "For Lamarr."). Dr. Kleiner, who shares his voice actor with Tinker, has a pet headcrab named Lamarr. Headcrabs are small, parasitic creatures that attach themselves to the head of their victims, after which the victims turn into zombies.
- Undying's taunt against Kunkka ▶️ "Where is your ex-parrot?" is a reference to the famous Parrot Sketch from Monty Python's Flying Circus.
- Undying's taunt against Invoker ▶️ "Carl? Is that you?" is a reference to the 6.72's leaked changelog (which turned out to be a fake), where Invoker's name "Kael" was mistakenly translated into "Carl".
- A dirge is a sombre song of mourning or grieving, typically performed at a funeral.
- Undying's line, ▶️ "Shop smart." is a reference to the Army of Darkness movie.
Gallery[edit]
Splash artwork
Concept art
Concept art
Ability icon progress
Low Violence model
Low Violence model
