I'm a mana battery addict

[cokeandhoes]

I get this item for all heroes at the start, my start for most heroes always goes something like 2x runes, one HP pot, 2 totem and the battery main piece. In the first few sec, I complete the battery. It seems to help a lot, but my question is, just how helpful is it, or is it a waste of gold?

The heroes I end up playing the most are usually puppet master, soul reaper, and andromeda.

[Toryama]

It doesn't depend on your hero, rather your enemies line up. It's very strong against enemy heroes that spam, ie Arma or TB, but utterly useless against heros like Hammerstorm who run out of mana after casting one hammer early on. It doesn't really shine until mid game where team fights/ganks occur more (assuming you're not already fighting spammers) and power supply is godsend for those times you're running away with like 50 hp and have 15 charges to heal your hp/mana. It teeters off late game, but by then it's worth the 500~ gold you spent for it =p.

TL;DR Good item, I'd recommend it.

[Padawanabee]

Best item in the game. You can buy it at the outposts next to the side lanes, though, so you sometimes don't need to put the 210 down right away.

[DenyTheTruth]

Best item in the game. You can buy it at the outposts next to the side lanes, though, so you sometimes don't need to put the 210 down right away.

As this person said, since you can buy it at the outpost, you should not spend the money until you know your opposing lane-mate. Most of the starting items can also be found in the outpost so just hold on to your money and go shopping when you get in lane.

[JOSHPFANBOY]

What alot of people mess up on is buying items you can buy at the outpost, you should much rather get the items you can only get at your shop, farm a little in the lane, and pick up the item at the outpost.

[Sahyduna]

IMO battery, for its price - and costs a bit less than a bracer - ends up always, always paying itself in the end by 10x (OK, rough estimate) not to mention that IT may save your life, or give that extra mana for a kill and comes with a small stat boost. Personally, I use in, say, 90% of my games. Even with or 3 or 4 charges it can be a decisive boost.

EDIT: Damn, only noticed the "at start" part now. Just get the two branches, and get battery a bit later. On melees, I usually get Hatchet (at side shop) first though.

[HappyCookie]

mana battery/power supply is soooo good on Electrician, especially ~14-15 when you can start using your mana shield.

[Heridshire]

Actually i feel that it also depends a lot, maybe even more, on the hero you are playing than the enemy's heroes in the line. Heroes which depend a lot on mana but have low mana pool cry for this item early game, like Madman or Hammerstorm.

Middle game, as said, most heroes make good use, except if you are lacking slots. It can really be a problem. However many times i find myself using energy battery + bottle in order not to lack mana, never =)

For these heroes you mentioned, i'd rather go with 2 sets of runes + 4 sets of mana potions + 4 minor totems. I will have cheap stats, health regen and proper mana regen. If I'm against some special uber skill using lane like armadon and hellbringer, then i buy it.

[Blaat]

It's better to buy at outpost. If you meet armadon at bot lane, but it at the outpost. If you meet Hammerstorm, don't but it.

I don't but it too often, but when I buy it, I love it ^^

[Ana_]

I almost always buy it, since in team fights, spells will fly and you will get like 10charges almost instantly.