Mastering Oracle: The Ultimate Dota 2 Support Guide

Nerif, the Oracle, is a ranged intelligence hero often played in the hard support role. As the weaver of fate, Oracle has a versatile arsenal of spells that either heal allies or harm enemies, and purge effects from targeted units.

Abilities

Fortune’s End

Oracle charges up a bolt of energy over 2.5 seconds. If the bolt hits an allied unit, it removes most negative effects. If it hits an enemy, the unit and nearby allies are dealt moderate magic damage and rooted for the duration of the channel. This spell can be charged up under the fog of war, keeping multiple targets in place from a distance.

Fate’s Edict

This spell disarms a target unit and grants them 100% magic resistance for up to 4.5 seconds. It can be used to protect allies from magic damage or render enemies useless. This ability has a high skill ceiling and can be extremely impactful in team fights.

Purifying Flames

This spell applies a magic damage nuke to the target, followed by health regeneration over 9 seconds. The initial damage is lethal to enemies, but leaves allies with at least one point of health. The cooldown is 2.25 seconds, allowing for repeated use on the same target or others.

Synergies and Strategies

Oracle’s ultimate ability, False Promise, delays all damage and healing on a target ally for up to 10 seconds. Any healing received during this time is doubled, while incoming damage remains unchanged. This ability functions similarly to Dazzle’s Shallow Grave, preventing allied heroes from dying and providing a chance for burst healing at the end.

Oracle is meant to be a single-target cleric, keeping debuffs off allies and healing them over time. False Promise acts as a “second chance” mechanic, turning team fights in favor of his team. The spammable nature of his nukes means he can be active multiple times in an engagement, unlike heroes with longer cooldowns.

Skill Build

Oracle’s skill progression has two main branches:

Dispel/Nuke

1. Fortune’s End
2. Purifying Flames
3. Purifying Flames
4. Fate’s Edict
5. Purifying Flames
6. False Promise
7. Fortune’s End
8. Fortune’s End
9. Level 10 Talent: +25% XP Gain
10. Fortune’s End
11. False Promise
12. Fate’s Edict
13. Fate’s Edict
14. Level 15 Talent: +150 Cast Range
15. Fate’s Edict
16. False Promise
17. Level 20 Talent: +50 Movement Speed
18. Level 25 Talent: +2 False Promise Duration

Anti-Carry

1. Fortune’s End
2. Purifying Flames
3. Purifying Flames
4. Fate’s Edict
5. Purifying Flames
6. False Promise
7. Purifying Flames
8. Fate’s Edict
9. Fate’s Edict
10. Level 10 Talent: +25% XP Gain
11. Fate’s Edict
12. False Promise
13. Fortune’s End
14. Fortune’s End
15. Level 15 Talent: +150 Cast Range
16. Fortune’s End
17. False Promise
18. Level 20 Talent: +50 Movement Speed
19. Level 25 Talent: +2 False Promise Duration

Item Build

Oracle’s item build focuses on cost-effective utility items to enhance his kit and sustain himself and his teammates.

• Early Game: Observer and Sentry Wards to keep vision control.
• Mid Game: Urn of Shadows for additional healing, paired with Arcane Boots for sustain.
• Late Game: Holy Locket for more healing, Aether Lens for extended spellcasting range, Glimmer Cape for invisibility and magic resistance, Force Staff for mobility, Eul’s Scepter of Divinity for mana and disable capabilities.

Combo and Counter Strategies

Oracle’s kit is highly situational and requires practice to master. He excels in team fights but is vulnerable to silences and disables. Heroes like Night Stalker, Grimstroke, Disruptor, Earth Spirit, Lion, Shadow Shaman, and Nyx Assassin can counter him effectively.