Non-targetable

From Liquipedia Dota 2 Wiki

Untargetability is a mechanic that makes the unit untargetable.

Definition[edit]

Mechanic Definition Examples
Non-targetable
  • Does not includes Hide sources.
  • Grants Attack Immunity and Phased.
  • Not selectable and does not have a Hitbox.
  • Cannot be targeted by both allies and enemies.
Hitch A Ride
Misc Non-targetable
  • Can be selectable and still has a Hitbox.
  • However, it cannot be targeted by either allies or enemies.
Upgradable by Aghanim's Shard. Smoke Screen

Unselectability[edit]

Main Article: Selection Boxes

Unselectability makes the unit not selectable, and selectable only in a few cases. Most abilities/items treat unselectable units as if they were invisible, except in a few cases. Some sources of unselectability may remove a unit's selection box, grant attack immunity, and may prevent allies or enemies or both from targeting them.

Although Hide sources also cause the unit to be unselectable and non-targetable, they are considered a different mechanic.

Sources[edit]

Unselectability Sources
Unselectable by both factions, Invulnerable, Hitbox Removed
Unselectable by both factions, Invulnerable, Hitbox Removed, Phased

When a unit is granted unselectability, any attack or ability targeting it by the group of units that it is untargetable against (e.g. enemies for Shadow Realm, allies for Upgradable by Aghanim's Shard. Smoke Screen, all units for other sources) which are already in its attack or cast animation get canceled. For example,

Bypassing Unselectability[edit]

Directly Unit-Targeting[edit]

Main Article: Target Unit

Target unit abilities require the caster to directly target a unit, and cannot be used on the ground. While most unit targeting abilities cannot target unselectable units, there are a few particular exceptions. These exceptions do not work on abilities that prevent both factions from targeting a unit.

Spell Reflection sources, and some abilities with an Instant Cast Animation (DOTA_ABILITY_BEHAVIOR_IMMEDIATE) instant cast time that does not require facing the target while casting, can fully target unselectability from Shadow Realm and Upgradable by Aghanim's Shard. Smoke Screen.

No-Facing Target Required with Instant Cast Time Abilities on Enemys
No-Facing Target Required with Instant Cast Time Abilities on Allies

Secondary Targets[edit]

Additionally, most abilities also treat unselectable units as if they were invisible. Generally, abilities that do or do not affect invisible units also do and do not affect unselectable units respectively. For example, Paralyzing Cask neither bounces to invisible units nor unselectable units; Thundergod's Wrath neither strikes invisible units nor unselectable units.

However, the following abilities interact differently with unselectable units:

Sources Affecting Unselectable Units