Neutral items have been through several redesigns since they were introduced, and patch 7.41 brought two changes that affect every game from the first second: tier 1 neutral items drop from the start of the game, and enchantments now depend on a hero's attributes instead of being random.
Change 1: Tier 1 neutrals from the start
Previously, the first tier of neutral items became available from five minutes into the game. Now they are available from the first creep camp.
What this means:
- Supports who pull and stack early gain even more value from the jungle.
- Early neutral items speed up the laning phase. A regeneration or damage item in the first minutes changes lane trades.
- Junglers and offlaners who contest camps early get an item bonus sooner.
How to adapt: plan who gets the first tier 1 item before the game starts. On most teams, it should go to the hero whose lane is most contested.
Change 2: Attribute-based enchantments
Enchantments add a second layer of bonuses to neutral items. Previously random, they now depend on the hero's attributes.
What this means:
- Builds become predictable. You can plan around the enchantment your hero will receive.
- Primary attribute matters more. Strength heroes, Agility heroes, Intelligence heroes and Universal heroes each have enchantment preferences.
- Less variance, more skill. Fewer games are decided by lucky rolls.
Meepo and neutral items
Meepo has a unique relationship with neutral items: only the Prime can hold one, while clones copy attributes. That makes attribute-granting neutral items and attribute-related enchantments particularly valuable, because every clone benefits from the stat bonus. Survivability options are also good, since the Prime is often the Meepo that initiates.
Practical tips
- Share neutrals deliberately. Neutral items can be passed between teammates. Give them to the hero who benefits most.
- Check enchantments before choosing. The attribute link means the same item can be better on one hero than another.
- Farm early camps with purpose. An early neutral item is a small but real power spike.
- Stash items you do not need. A spare neutral item can be swapped later when a teammate's needs change.
The 7.41 neutral-item system rewards planning. Teams that coordinate their neutral items gain a quiet but consistent edge.
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