he Dota 2 community is poised on the brink of a significant metamorphosis with the announcement of Gameplay Patch 7.34e, scheduled for release on November 20th. Valve’s announcement, which hinted at the patch through an in-game notification on November 17th, has stirred excitement, especially since it coincides with the aftermath of The International 2023.
Gameplay Update 7.34e will be released on November 20, 2023. #Dota2
— Wykrhm Reddy (@wykrhm) November 17, 2023
The End of an Era: Farewell to Blademail Meta
Patch 7.34e’s arrival signals a potential end to the dominant Blademail meta, characterized by the overuse of certain heroes and strategies. Bristleback, the center of this meta, may see a decline in his omnipresence in matches. His strategy, involving an Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade for a rapid quill spray barrage, has been a source of frustration for many players.
Spirit Breaker’s Reign
Another prominent figure in the current patch is Spirit Breaker, known for a strategy that involves rushing Hand of Midas into Octarine Core, followed by an Aghanim’s Scepter upgrade. This tactic, enhancing map presence and enabling constant participation in team fights, has led to a significant 51.02% win rate for the hero, as per Dotabuff.com.
Team Spirit Breaker: A Nod to TI Champions
In a unique move, Valve renamed Spirit Breaker to “Team Spirit Breaker,” honoring Team Spirit’s victory at The International 2023.
Meta Shift: Beyond Hero Strategies
Blademail and Heart of Tarrasque Adjustments
The upcoming patch is also expected to address the prevalent use of Blademail and Heart of Tarrasque. These items have been instrumental in making certain mid-laners nearly invincible, combining defensive durability with offensive power through Blademail’s reflective mechanics.
Dazzle’s Rise as a Core Hero
Patch 7.34d saw Dazzle emerge as a formidable core hero, a strategy popularized by Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen. Equipped with Aghanim’s Scepter, Dazzle’s Shadow Wave skill became a lethal weapon against enemy targets.
Changes to Pub Stompers
Adjustments are also anticipated for popular pub stompers like Witch Doctor, Chaos Knight, Wraith King, and Warlock. These changes could bring a refreshing balance to the game, especially in pub matches.
Dota 2 7.34e will be released on November 20, 2023.#DOTA2 #DOTA pic.twitter.com/HpmOiZTYQB
— Dota 2 (@dota2updates) November 17, 2023
A New Chapter in Dota 2
The Dota 2 community eagerly awaits the transformative impact of Patch 7.34e. This update is not just about tweaking heroes and items; it’s about evolving the game’s strategic landscape. As players adapt to these changes, we can expect new strategies and hero preferences to emerge, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Dota 2’s ever-evolving saga.