Valve’s Dota 2 Patch 7.35, one of the most significant gameplay updates of 2023, introduced Frostivus and brought crucial balance changes.
These modifications have reshaped the game’s meta, heralding a new era of heroes rising to prominence while others face challenges. We dive into STRATZ.com’s meta trends to identify the biggest winners and losers post-update.
Winners of Patch 7.35
Leshrac
Leshrac emerged as a top winner, benefiting from minor spell kit buffs and significant improvements to core items like Bloodstone and Veil of Discord. These item changes propelled Leshrac’s win rate from 47.6% to an impressive 58.6%.
Timbersaw
Timbersaw, another hero favoring Bloodstone and Shiva’s Guard, saw a boost in win rate due to item changes and buffs to base STR, STR gain, and Reactive Armor. These enhancements elevated Timbersaw’s win rate from 45.4% to 54.2%.
Death Prophet
Following the trend of spell casters, Death Prophet also capitalized on the item changes. Buffs to her Silence ability and a level 20 talent adjustment enhanced her overall gameplay, marking her as a significant winner.
Losers of Patch 7.35
Muerta
Muerta faced a setback with Gunslinger no longer prioritizing heroes and Pierce of the Veil’s late-game nerf. These changes weakened her laning phase, leading to a drop in win rate from 50.9% to 46.7%.
Phantom Assassin
Phantom Assassin, a staple in the carry role, suffered due to the removal of lifesteal from Phantom Strike. This change significantly impacted her survivability, causing her win rate to fall from around 50% to 44.4%.
Spectre
Spectre, once dominant in the safe lane, experienced a series of nerfs, including a halved base health regen and weakened Dispersion and Reality abilities. The removal of a popular level 10 talent also hindered her laning, resulting in her win rate dropping from 55.6% to 51.7%.
Implications for the Dota 2 Meta
These shifts in hero viability suggest a rising trend of spell casters dominating the meta, while traditional carries and laners are being challenged. The update has opened new strategic possibilities and necessitated adjustments in gameplay tactics.