Lich

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Version Control

This article is mostly accurate for the latest version of the game (7.38), in which this hero/item was changed.
It has no changes in the current game version — 7.38b.

Lich
20 + 2.1
17 + 2
26 + 3.8
Grants the following bonuses per level:
+46.2HP and +0.21HP regeneration
+0.33 armor and 2 attack speed
+45.6MP and +0.19MP regeneration
+0.1% base magic resistance
+3.8 Main Attack Damage
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1.83
Armor
(621.49 EHP)
27.6%
Magic Resist
(773.48 EHP)
900
Projectile Speed
Melee Melee units have their projectile speed set to 900, if they should ever need it.
100 (117)
(1.7 BAT)
Base Attack Time Attacks per Second is defined as
ΣAS / BAT / 100
0.46 + 0.54
Turn Rate This unit takes 0.15s to turn 180°.
This ability component has a different effect during daytime. 1800 / This ability component has a different effect during nighttime. 800
Ice
Gib Type
2010-11-01
Released
2004-02-03
(v0.60)
Competitive Span
2011-04-09 — Present
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Unleashes a powerful attack that bounces between enemies.
Resurrected by a curious geomancer, Ethreain bewitched his savior with a Sinister Gaze, then promptly made the man his newest sacrifice. Finally freed from the depths of the Black Pool, the Lich returns to wreak icy destruction on the world. Cloaking his followers with a Frost Shield, Ethreain floats across the battlefield to Blast any who cross him. A frozen orb descends on his foes, traveling between foes and Ice Spires until the Chain Frost brings all opposition to their demise.
Frost Blast
Frost Shield
Sinister Gaze
Sinister Gaze
Ice Spire
Ice Spire
Chain Frost
Roles:Support Support Nuker Nuker
AdjectivesBlue, Flying, Icy, Undead, Nose
Legs ( 2 )

Facets[edit]

Frostbound
Chain Frost
Chain Frost stays dormant and lingers on the current affected enemy unit, until there is another valid unit for the projectile to bounce on.
Growing Cold
Frost Shield
Increases the current Frost Shield duration per enemy hero kill.
Chain Frost
Increases the current number of Chain Frost bounce per enemy hero kill.

Upgrades[edit]

Aghanim's[edit]

Upgradable by Aghanim's Scepter.
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade:
Sinister Gaze
Adds an area-targeting functionality, affecting enemy units within a radius of the area-targeted location.

Lich can now use his other abilities while channeling this ability.
Upgradable by Aghanim's Shard.
Aghanim's Shard Upgrade:
Ice Spire
Grants the Ice Spire ability.

Conjures an Ice Spire for his rituals, slowing enemy units around it.

Talents[edit]

+100 Chain Frost Increment Damage25+50 Frost Shield Health Regen
+4s Frost Shield Duration20 Chain Frost Upon Death
-3.5s Frost Blast Cooldown15+0.3s Sinister Gaze Duration
+125 Frost Blast Radius/Damage10+10% Frost Shield Damage Reduction
▃ ▃ ▃ ▃ ▃ ▃ ▃
+2 All / / Attributes

Bio[edit]

And so the dead will bury the dead.
▶️  Ethreain, the Lich
In life, the frost-mage Ethreain (not yet a Lich) had used the threat of destructive ice to enslave entire kingdoms. His subjects, aided by a few desperate magicians, eventually grew bold enough to ambush him. Armed with enough charmed rope to bind him forever, they tied the frost mage to adamant weights and dropped him in a pool known chiefly for being bottomless. It wasn't.

He only fell for a year or so before an outcrop snagged him. There he rested, dead but undecaying, until the geomancer Anhil thought to verify the legend of the supposedly bottomless Black Pool. Anhil's plumbline snarled with the ropes that bound the drowned magician, and up he hauled an unexpected prize. Thinking that by rendering the dead undead, he could question the Lich about the properties of the pool, he removed the bindings and commenced a simple rite of resurrection. Even the descendants of Ethreain's enemies were long forgotten by time, so there were none to warn Anhil against imprudence. But he learned the error of his judgment almost immediately, as Lich threw off the shackles and consumed him.

Innate. Innate[edit]

Death Charge[edit]

Death Charge
This ability can be bestowed by Illusions. Neither affected nor disabled by Break.
Passive
Affects
Self / Units
The one in the Black Pool neither can utilize nor be affected by any mana regeneration sources on itself.
Set Self Mana Regen: 0
Lich can only regenerate mana when affected by the Fountain's Rejuvenation Aura.
However, it feasts on the remaining arcane energy upon both ally and enemy heroes' death within the radius.
Radius: Affected by AoE Radius increasing sources. 1500
Self Max Mana Restore: Affected by Mana Restore Manipulation sources. 15%
Creeps' death restores a lesser amount of max mana.
Self Max Mana Restore: 2.5%
Lich is considered a ground unit, despite its hero model showing otherwise.

Hero Model[edit]

Hero Model
Passive / Channeling
Affects
Self
Lich's hero model has the following hidden Innate. innate abilities.

He may only perform or utilize the ability's functions upon a successful channeling.
Details
Hidden Innate Abilities
Watch Tower
Warp
Warp
Lantern of Sight
Tap on the Innate. innate abilities for more details.

Abilities[edit]

Frost Blast[edit]

Q
V
Frost Blast
Unit / Area
Affects
Enemy Units
Spell / Magical
Blasts the target enemy unit with damaging frost, dealing area damage and slowing movement and attack speed for a duration.

The primary target receives both base and area damage.
Cast Animation: 0.3 + 0.4
Cast RangeAffected by Cast Range increasing sources. 575/600/625/650
Effect Radius: Affected by AoE Radius increasing sources. 200 (With level 10 Left Talent.With level 10 Left Talent. 325)
Base Damage: 40/80/120/160
Area Damage: 80/120/160/200 (With level 10 Left Talent.With level 10 Left Talent. 205/245/285/325)
Move Speed Slow: 25%
Attack Speed Slow: 30/40/50/60
Slow Duration: 4
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Frost Blast has an instant cast time while channeling Sinister Gaze.
7 (With level 15 Left Talent.With level 15 Left Talent. 3.5)
Mana Cost
110/120/130/140
Frost-mage Ethreain has not forgotten even the simplest of ice manipulation.

Frost Shield[edit]

W
F
Frost Shield
Affects
Units / Ice Spire
Spell / Magical
Applies a shield around the ally target. Deals damage per second and slowing enemy's movement speed within the radius.
Cast Animation: 0.2 + 0.4
Cast RangeAffected by Cast Range increasing sources. 800
Pulse Radius: Affected by AoE Radius increasing sources. 600
Damage per Second: 18/32/46/60
Move Speed Slow: 20%/25%/30%/35%
Slow Duration: 0.5
Shield Duration: 4/5/6/7 (With level 20 Left Talent.With level 20 Left Talent. 8/9/10/11)
Health Regen Bonus: (With level 25 Right Talent.With level 25 Right Talent. 50)
Reduces hero-based attack damage of all damage types for its duration.
Damage Reduction: Affects the incoming ability value positively of the affected unit. 45%/50%/55%/60% (With level 10 Right Talent.With level 10 Right Talent. 55%/60%/65%/70%)
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Frost Shield has an instant cast time while channeling Sinister Gaze.
Aghanim's Shard Upgrade
Aghanim's Shard Upgrade
Applies all effects of Frost Shield around the Ice Spire and regenerating its health while the ice magic pulsates.
Hit Count Regen per Pulse: 1
30/25/20/15
Mana Cost
100/110/120/130
First conceived of to protect him in his mortal years, the frost magic that Ethreain weaves around himself has only grown colder with time.

Sinister Gaze[edit]

E
R
Sinister Gaze
Unit / Channeled / Area
Affects
Enemy Units / Self
Hypnotizes an enemy unit, causing it to move towards a point between the Lich and the enemy unit while draining a percentage of its current mana.
Max Channel Time: 1.1/1.4/1.7/2 (With level 15 Right Talent.With level 15 Right Talent. 1.4/1.7/2/2.3)
Distance Moved: 32%/38%/44%/50%
Current Mana Loss per Second: 15%
Radius: Affected by AoE Radius increasing sources. (Upgradable by Aghanim's Scepter. 400)
Sinister Gaze is more effective on creeps.
Duration Factor: 2
Lich replenishes mana based on the mana drained.
Mana Restore Factor: Affected by Mana Restore Manipulation sources. 1
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Adds an area-targeting functionality, affecting enemy units within a radius of the area-targeted location.

Lich can now use his other abilities while channeling this ability.
24/22/20/18
Mana Cost
25
Mind the cold...

Ice Spire[edit]

Point / Passive
Affects
Enemy Units
Spell / Magical
Conjures an Ice Spire for his rituals, slowing enemy units around it.
Cast RangeAffected by Cast Range increasing sources. 750
Effect Radius: Affected by AoE Radius increasing sources. 550
Move Speed Slow: 25%
Hero Attacks to Destroy: 5
Duration: 15
Aura Linger Duration: 0.5
Creeps' attacks are less effective on the Ice Spire.
Creep Attacks to Destroy: 10
Frost Blast of its corresponding level is applied around it when destroyed.
Damage Radius: Affected by AoE Radius increasing sources. 200 (With level 10 Left Talent.With level 10 Left Talent. 325)
Damage on Death: 80/120/160/200 (With level 10 Left Talent.With level 10 Left Talent. 205/245/285/325)
Applies all effects of Frost Shield around the Ice Spire and regenerating its health while the ice magic pulsates.
Hit Count Regen per Pulse: 1
Chain Frost can be cast onto or bounces to the spire if there are no other enemies in the bounce radius.

Each successful bounce reduces the unit's current hit count.
Hit Count Reduction per Bounce: 1
Lich Sinister Gaze
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Ice Spire has an instant cast time while channeling Sinister Gaze.
25
Mana Cost
150

Chain Frost[edit]

Unit / Passive
Affects
Enemy Units / Ice Spire
Spell / Magical
Releases an orb of frost that bounces between nearby enemy units, slowing and subsequently increasing its damage each time it bounces.
Cast Animation: 0.3 + 1.03
Cast RangeAffected by Cast Range increasing sources. 750
Bounce Radius: Affected by AoE Radius increasing sources. 550
Number of Bounces: 10
Bounce Delay: 0.2
First Damage: 250/400/550
Damage Increment per Bounce: 15/20/25 (With level 25 Left Talent.With level 25 Left Talent. 115/120/125)
Move Speed Slow: 65%
Attack Speed Slow: 65
Slow Duration: 2.5
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Aghanim's Scepter Upgrade
Chain Frost has an instant cast time while channeling Sinister Gaze.
Talent Upgrade
Passively casts an independent Chain Frost of the corresponding level upon Lich's death, excluding Reincarnation sources.
Number of Casts: 1
Search Radius: Affected by AoE Radius increasing sources. 750
100/80/60
Mana Cost
180/300/420
Almost universally considered the ultimate in frost magic, Ethreain's orb of frozen death strikes fear into those who dare stand against him.

Recent Matches[edit]

Main Article: Lich/Matches
DateTierTournamentPicksScorevs. Picks
Mar 08, 2025 - 23:30 SASTTier 4Saudi eLeagues 2025: Online Major 1SEL: Major 1Dragon Knight Jakiro Night Stalker Lich Tiny
R8 EsportsR8 Esports
0 : 1
ZNTRXZNTRX
Puck Rubick Silencer Slardar Bloodseeker
Feb 23, 2025 - 18:00 SGTTier 3EPL World Series: Southeast Asia Season 3EPL World Series: Southeast Asia Season 3EPL World SEA S3Tiny Muerta Lich Pudge Templar Assassin
InterActive PhilippinesInterActive Philippines
1 : 0
IvoryIvory
Phantom Assassin Pangolier Riki Winter Wyvern Dark Seer
Feb 20, 2025 - 15:05 SGTTier 3EPL World Series: Southeast Asia Season 3EPL World Series: Southeast Asia Season 3EPL World SEA S3Ember Spirit Phantom Assassin Lich Riki Dark Seer
CaterpillarCaterpillar
1 : 0
TeamlessTeamless
Night Stalker Warlock Zeus Puck Luna
Feb 19, 2025 - 12:05 SGTTier 3EPL World Series: Southeast Asia Season 3EPL World Series: Southeast Asia Season 3EPL World SEA S3Dragon Knight Lich Lion Mars Ursa
GroomifyGroomify
0 : 1
Yangon GalacticosYangon Galacticos
Terrorblade Batrider Bounty Hunter Lycan Sand King
Feb 18, 2025 - 20:45 BRTTier 4Liga dos Ursitos: Pudão da Bola PretaLiga dos Ursitos: Pudão da Bola PretaLiga dos UrsitosLich Lion Beastmaster Bloodseeker Queen of Pain
Team ChadsTeam Chads
1 : 0
PlaceholderPlaceholder
Invoker Dark Willow Warlock Phantom Assassin Underlord

The International[edit]

  • Lich has won the following final matches in The International of the following years:

Recent Changes[edit]

Main Articles: Changelogs, Old Abilities and Hero Lore
Description
7.38
(2025-02-19)
7.37e
(2024-11-19)
7.37d
(2024-10-01)
  • Increased Frost Shield incoming attack damage reduction from 30%/40%/50%/60% to 45%/50%/55%/60%.

Dota Plus Progress[edit]

Main Article: Hero Challenges

Relics track a hero's actions and statistics, and display in-game notifications when a milestone is reached. They are only available to Dota Plus subscribers.

Lich's Relics Voice Lines

Multi-Hero Frost Blasts

Frost Blasts Leading To Kills

Chain Frost Triple Kills

Chain Frost Bounces

Slow Duration

Magic Damage

Allies Glimmer Duration

Triple Kills

Dominating Kill Streaks

Dusts Leading To Kills

Enemy Ward Kills

Wards Placed

Kill Assists

Kills

Bronze

Silver

Gold

Platinum

Master

Grandmaster

Equipment[edit]

Trivia[edit]

  • Lich's voice actor, Gary Schwartz also voiced the Heavy and Demoman classes in "Team Fortress 2", another title by Valve.
  • In the first iteration of Invoker's abilities (Pre 6.18), when the order of his three orbs determines the Invoked ability, Frost Nova was one of his abilities and functioned almost identically as the current Frost Blast, and was mapped to Quas Quas Exort.
    • Crystal Maiden also had the same Frost Nova ability with small differences in numbers.
  • Anatomically, Lich's cranium has no visible sutures, another proof of his age.
  • ▶️ "Frost bitten, twice shy." is a reference to Great White albums: Once Bitten... and ...Twice Shy and also to the English idiom.
  • ▶️ "And so the dead will bury the dead." is a reference from Bible (Luke 9:59-60), where Jesus said, "Let the dead bury the dead," in response to a disciple who wanted to bury his father before committing himself to the Lord.
  • Lich's response ▶️ "Dead man drifting." is a reference to the line "Dead man walking." spoken by the Warcraft 3 hero.[1]
  • Warcraft 3 similarities:
    • Lich's hero concept is originally based on Kel'Thuzad, a campaign-only variant of the Undead Lich hero.
      • In DotA, he was also named Kel'Thuzad. His name was changed to Ethreain in Dota 2 to avoid copyright issues with "Blizzard Entertainment", since the Kel'Thuzad is a well known character within the Warcraft universe.
      • He kept his title as the Lich. A Lich as an animated corpse-turned-wizard, commonly related to western mythology.
        • "Lich" is an old english word and literally translates to "corpse". It is related to the german "Leiche" and the dutch "Lijk".
      • Frost Blast's original iteration is identical to the Lich's Frost Nova, and is named Frost Nova in DotA as well.
      • Lich's old ability, Ice Armor, was identical to the Lich's Frost Armor, and is named Frost Armor in DotA as well.
      • Lich's old ability, Sacrifice, was identical to the Lich's Dark Ritual, and is named Dark Ritual in DotA as well.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]