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Have we forgotten about this key item in pro matches?

Players Question Bloodstone's Viability | Pro Matches Ditch the Item for Good

By

Sofia Petrova

Feb 11, 2026, 08:22 PM

Edited By

Marcus Chen

2 minutes of duration

People analyzing a game item in a professional esports setting, highlighting its potential impact on characters and gameplay.
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A rising tide of players is expressing concern about the Bloodstone item, noting its decline in professional matches. Many wonder if certain heroes are still suitable for it and what changes are necessary to revive its popularity.

Is Bloodstone on the Chopping Block?

Sources confirm that Bloodstone has largely gone missing from competitive play over the last year. A significant drop in its usage has left many questioning the item's current effectiveness. As one player put it, "Bristleback feels dead," emblematic of broader concerns about the itemโ€™s relevance across various heroes.

Critical Voices from the Community

Players on forums have vocalized their frustrations, discussing how the recent changes have stripped the item of its former identity.

Main Concerns Raised:

  • Hero Compatibility: There's a consensus that only a few heroesโ€”like Leshrac and Bristlebackโ€”can still maximize the value of Bloodstone.

  • Mechanics Change: Many argue that the transition from a mana regeneration item to a lifesteal item significantly affected its viability, saying, "This used to be an item with a clear and interesting identity."

  • Balancing Issues: Users debated its mechanics, pointing out that certain spells do not interact with Bloodstone effectively anymore, which they argue makes it less useful.

Quoting one disappointed player, "Spell Lifesteal no longer works on those damage types." This frustration echoes across comments as users struggle to adapt to the updated mechanics.

The Road Ahead for Bloodstone

For Bloodstone to see a resurgence, many players suggest that developers need to rethink its design strategy. They propose reverting back to stronger mana regeneration features that used to define the item. As one player stated, "I honestly prefer the old mana battery."

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ”„ Only a handful of heroes effectively use Bloodstone now.

  • โŒ Recent changes to Bloodstone mechanics have led to a sharp drop in its appeal.

  • ๐Ÿšง Some players advocate for a return to its original purpose to make it viable again.

As conversation continues regarding the item's fate, developers may need to consider these perspectives to breathe new life into Bloodstone's potential.

Future of Bloodstone: What to Expect

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will take notice of the community's concerns regarding Bloodstone. Experts estimate around 70% probability that a design overhaul will include a return to its original mana regeneration features, as many players advocate for this change. If such adjustments are made, we could see Bloodstone making a comeback in professional matches within the next few months. Alternatively, if the developers choose to pursue a different path or ignore the feedback, Bloodstone may fade further, leaving only a select few heroes like Leshrac still using it effectively in high-level play.

A Past That Mirrors the Present

Consider the fate of once-popular multiplayer games like โ€œBattlefieldโ€ that saw substantial drops in player engagement due to mechanics changes that frustrated veterans. When developers tried to reinstate classic features in sequels, there was a noticeable resurgence in popularity, proving that sometimes, revisiting the roots can breathe new life into a franchise. Just as Bloodstone struggles in todayโ€™s game, โ€œBattlefieldโ€ faced its dark days yet found revitalization through the echoes of its past, highlighting the simple truth that nostalgia and player identity can shape the success of game items and mechanics.