Ice Hunter's Magic Boots
Early
Equipping these boots early accelerates Saber's jungle clear and lowers ability cooldowns. Faster cooldowns let Saber use Orbiting Swords and Charge more frequently while roaming between lanes. The Retribution active upgrade allows Saber to deal extra true damage over time to creeps and targets. Once completed, Saber can quickly rotate across the map, unlock his ultimate faster, and secure early kills with Triple Sweep during ganks on side lanes.
In-game passive Unique Passive - Hunter: After dealing damage to a Creep, deal 25<2|lv 3> + True Damage to the target over 3s (damage is increased by 100% for non-Marksmen heroes).
This item is essential for Saber's ambush strategy. Its passive grants extra physical damage and a slow effect on his next basic attack after remaining out of combat. Saber initiates from bushes using Charge to close the distance, unleashing a heavy enhanced basic attack combined with Orbiting Swords. This initial burst chunking the enemy's health makes his Triple Sweep ultimate virtually guaranteed to kill squishy targets before they can fight back or escape.
In-game passive Unique Passive - Ambush: If no damage is taken or dealt within 5s (excluding from Minions or Creeps), the next Basic Attack will deal an additional 160 Physical Damage and slow the target by 40% for 1.5s.
Hunter Strike synergizes perfectly with Saber's multi-hit ability kit. Orbiting Swords and Triple Sweep easily trigger the item's passive by dealing damage multiple times rapidly, granting Saber a massive burst of movement speed. This movement speed allows Saber to quickly reposition after executing a target with his ultimate or chase down fleeing enemies. Lower cooldowns also mean Triple Sweep is available much more frequently for constant skirmishing across the map.
In-game passive Unique Passive - Retribution: Dealing damage to the same enemy hero or creep 5 times in a row grants 50% extra Movement Speed that decays over 3s (8s cooldown).
Endless Battle amplifies Saber's weave of skills and basic attacks. After casting Orbiting Swords or dashing with Charge, Saber's next basic attack inflicts additional true damage. This True Damage bypasses armor, compounding the defense reduction from his Enemy's Bane passive. The item gives Saber sustained combat power, mana sustain, and cooldown reduction, ensuring he can follow up his ultimate with empowered basic attacks if an opponent barely survives.
In-game passive Unique Passive - Divine Justice: After casting a skill, the next Basic Attack within 3s deals 60% Physical Attack as extra True Damage (1.5s cooldown).
Blade of Despair provides the ultimate physical power boost for late-game assassinations. Its passive boosts Saber's physical attack when targeting enemies below half health. Because Triple Sweep consists of three consecutive strikes, the initial hits rapidly reduce the enemy's health below half, immediately triggering the attack boost before the powerful final blow connects. This ensures even defensive squishy heroes or slightly tankier targets are instantly executed.
In-game passive Unique Passive - Despair: Dealing damage to non-Minion enemies below 50% HP increases Physical Attack by 25% for 2s (takes effect before the damage is dealt).
As a fragile assassin who dives directly into the enemy team with Triple Sweep, Saber is often vulnerable after finishing his target. Immortality grants him a second chance by reviving him shortly after death with a shield and a portion of health. This resurrection gives Saber enough time for Charge to come off cooldown, allowing him to dash away to safety or contribute further to late-game team fights.
In-game passive Unique Passive - Immortal: Revives 2.5s after death, gaining 16% Max HP and a 220-1200 shield (scales with level) that lasts 3s (210s cooldown).
