What is Cleave (Splash)?

In Dota 2, the terms “splash” and “cleave” refer to types of AoE damage that are dealt to enemies near the primary target, but there are differences between them:

Cleave

Cleave is physical damage that spreads in an arc in front of the hero after a normal attack. Damage is only dealt to enemies in the cleave area, which is usually highlighted by a visual effect. Examples of heroes/items with cleave:

• Sven — Great Cleave;
• Kunkka — Tidebringer;
• Magnus — Empower;
• Battle Fury.

Splash

Splash is AoE damage that spreads around the point of impact. Examples:

• Jakiro — Liquid Fire and Liquid Frost;
• Dragon Knight's attacks in dragon form.

Despite the differences, cleave is often referred to as splash, and vice versa.