With the OB8 update, [GOD:Cupid]'s aspect has unfortunately been nerfed to have even lower scaling on his first ability--it now only has 15% scaling (15% Str & 15% Int). This lowers his damage a LOT, and while this does achieve the goal of really emphasizing the utility aspect of Cupid's kit, it leaves his Aspect unable to perform his roles well.
This guide is (currently) for Aspect Cupid in the Carry role, but later I will add a Support Cupid build. Why is it primarily Carry? Even with the Aspect, Cupid isn't a great support. While he has a lot of utility for a carry, for a support he's lacking. His healing/shielding is nice but not significant enough to make him a true "healer" support, and his CC is all delayed, making his peel mediocre for a support.
All the nerfs to Cupid aspect have made it clear what his aspect is supposed to do: It's specifically supposed to combo with [ITEM:(3595)Eros' Bow] to increase his utility. Because of this, Aspect Cupid wanta to focus on his basic attacks rather than his abilities, if nothing else just to get Eros' procs and increase his heart stacks quickly.
When going Aspect Cupid in the Carry role, it's important to understand WHY you are bringing his aspect in over non-aspect. You are trading your damage for utility, and your play needs to recognize this. While you can certainly still do a good bit of damage with Yellow Number items and attack speed, you want to play more passively and supportively. Think of it like a carry version of Aphrodite mid; you can still do damage, but you'll be lacking compared the opponent, so you better make use of your utility to give your team an advantage.
There's a couple non-negotiable items for Cupid carry: These are [ITEM:(151)Bragi's Harp], [ITEM:(231)Bracer of The Abyss], and [ITEM:(3595)Eros' Bow]. We already covered Eros' Bow above, so let me explain the other two. Bragi's and Bracer give Cupid all the stats he needs (Intelligence, Attack Speed, and a little bit of Strength) while providing YELLOW NUMBER damage. "Yellow Number" range is additional flat damage that is dealt to the enemy: with these two items, every basic attack deals a set amount of ADDITIONAL damage to enemies. As basic attacks scale with Strength, these more Int-focused Cupid builds will not be hitting nearly as hard. The Yellow Numbers counteract this, allowing Int builds to take advantage of their utility while get flat basic attack damage and scaling. These 3 items encapsulate the goal of Aspect Cupid in Carry: abuse fast attack speed to proc Yellow Numbers and Eros' healing as quickly and as many times as possible.
Generally, you want to get a penetration item third. [ITEM:(207)The Executioner] and [ITEM:(1922)Demonic Grip] are both options for your basic attacks. Executioner is a better item and will give your attacks more power behind them, but Demonic will give a nice boost of Intelligence to boost your 1's shielding. You can also go something like [ITEM:(143)Obsidian Shard] or [ITEM:(196)Titan's Bane] for more general penetration.
I also put two builds that are more for fun than anything else: a hybrid crit build and a Polynomicon build.
Want to join the discussion?
Login to share your thoughts and interact with other commenters.