In patch 7.39e, Juggernaut remains one of the top picks for climbing MMR thanks to his simplicity and effectiveness at all stages of the game. A strong laning phase with Blade Fury, consistent farming with Battle Fury, and high survivability through Healing Ward make him a versatile carry for players of any skill level. Even without complex mechanics or facets, Juggernaut reliably delivers impact in matches and often becomes the key to victory.

Abilities

Blade Fury — Grants magic immunity and deals AoE magic damage. A core tool for safe laning and early-game farming.

Healing Ward — Summons a ward that heals allies. Great for sustained fights, pushing, and team recovery.

Blade Dance — Passive ability that gives a chance for critical strikes. Scales well with items and provides strong physical damage.

Omnislash — Ultimate that slashes enemies in rapid succession. Ideal for eliminating key targets and mid-game dominance.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong laning phase with Blade Fury
• High farming tempo and transition into mid-game
• Team utility and sustain through Healing Ward
• Strong single-target burst with Omnislash
• Adapts well to various game states

Cons:

• Vulnerable to disables when Blade Fury is on cooldown
• Requires good item timings
• Hard to recover without early advantage
• Healing Ward is easy to destroy if poorly positioned
• Struggles against AoE magic damage and teamfight control

Skill Build

• Level 1: Blade Fury
• Level 2: Healing Ward
• Level 3: Blade Dance
• Level 4: Blade Fury
• Level 5: Blade Fury
• Level 6: Omnislash

Skill Priority: Blade Fury → Healing Ward → Blade DanceUltimate: Level up as soon as possible

Talent Tree

• Level 10: –12s Healing Ward cooldown
• Level 15: +1% max HP regen from Healing Ward
• Level 20: +2 attacks to destroy Healing Ward
• Level 25: 50% lifesteal from Blade Dance

Item Build

Starting Items:

• Tango
• Quelling Blade
• Magic Stick
• Slippers of Agility

Boots:

• Power Treads — for attack speed and stat toggling

Core Items:

• Battle Fury — enables fast farming and scaling
• Manta Style — dispel and added survivability
• Black King Bar — protection from disables
• Aghanim's Scepter — grants Swiftslash

Situational Items:

• Butterfly — evasion and DPS
• Abyssal Blade — lockdown and frontline power
• Satanic — lifesteal and sustain
• Eye of Skadi — anti-heal and slow
• Nullifier — counters defensive items
• Blink Dagger — mobility and initiation

How to Play Juggernaut

During the laning phase, focus on last hits and safe trades using Blade Fury. Use Healing Ward to recover after skirmishes. Once you get key items like Battle Fury and Manta, accelerate your farm by clearing jungle and waves. In mid-game, look for opportunities to isolate and eliminate enemies with Omnislash. During teamfights, position yourself to enter after initiation, using Blade Fury and Omnislash for cleanup. Keep Healing Ward hidden but effective.

Matchups

Strong against:

• Viper
• Slardar
• Centaur Warrunner

Weak against:

• Morphling
• Visage
• Death Prophet

Counter Items

• Ghost Scepter — nullifies right-click damage
• Glimmer Cape — removes Omnislash target
• Eul's Scepter — escape tool and disables ult
• Force Staff — reposition allies out of Omnislash
• Heaven’s Halberd — disables Juggernaut’s crits

Juggernaut remains a great pick for carrying in patch 7.39e because he offers a great combination of mobility, damage, heals, and flexibility. This makes him more than capable of being a powerful force in a match, whether public or a more serious one.