Nuke

From DotA Allstars Wiki

A nuke generally refers to a spell that causes ranged magic damage.

Nukes generally deal all or most of their damage immediately rather than Damage Over Time. As they cause proportionally high damage early game, they are generally the first skill to be leveled. Although their power normally diminishes late game, there are two notable exceptions: the Demon Witch's Finger of Death, and the Slayer's Laguna Blade.

As most heroes with nukes have at least one other offensive ability, they often "chain" or "combo" their abilities (i.e. cast them in rapid succession and kill enemy heroes before they can react). Examples of heroes with good nuke chaining abilities include the Demon Witch's Impale + Voodoo + Finger of Death, the Nerubian Assassin's Mana Burn + Impale + Vendetta and the Slayer's Light Strike Array + Dragon Slave + Laguna Blade. To complement their abilities, nuking heroes often purchase items that grant additional spells, like Dagon and Guinsoo's Scythe of Vyse.

A Hero who depends on or uses many nukes, is called a Nuker. For example: Zeus, who has 3 nukes. Nuker heroes are generally Intelligence based. As nukers usually have lower hit points than other heroes, they are often targeted first by enemy heroes. However, the Shiva's Guard is a nuking item which also grants armor, making it popular for some of the weaker nukers.