Couriers and Wards: The Dota 2 Cosmetics Everyone Sees

Your hero cosmetics show when players look at your hero. Your courier crosses the map all game, and every player sees your wards when they spot them. That visibility makes couriers and wards some of the most wanted cosmetics in Dota 2.

The courier carries items from the shop to your hero. Hundreds of courier designs exist, from small animals to mechanical creatures, and many come in ground and flying forms.

An Unusual courier carries a particle effect, such as flames or sparkles, that follows it around the map. The effect often matters more to the price than the courier model. Two copies of the same courier with different effects can sit far apart in price.

Some couriers carry gems that change how they look.

• ▸A Prismatic gem changes the colour of the effect
• ▸An Ethereal gem adds an extra visual effect

A popular colour on a popular effect can raise the price well above a copy with a plain colour.

Ward cosmetics replace the look of the observer and sentry wards you place. They cost less than most couriers and give you a visible change for little money, which makes them a good first purchase.

1. 1
   Pick the courier model you like first
2. 2
   Decide whether you want an effect, and which one
3. 3
   Compare listings with the same effect and gem colour
4. 4
   Check recent sale prices, since effects change the price more than anything else on a courier