In a twist that has captivated the Dota 2 community, Valve has released its 125th hero, Ringmaster, just days before The International 2024. This surprise update introduces Cogliostro Kettle, a.k.a. Ringmaster, an Intelligence support hero who brings a unique and eerie flavor to the game.
Ringmaster: A New Era of Spooky Support
Ringmaster made his debut on October 29, 2023, as a teaser before The International 2023 grand finals. Although Valve had hinted at his arrival in 2024, the exact release date was not specified.
Fans expected Ringmaster to launch with the Crownfall updates, but Valve’s unpredictable release schedule has now placed him in the spotlight just 12 days before The International 2024.
Hero Overview:
- Name: Ringmaster
- Role: Intelligence Support
- Abilities: Five unique abilities with no Aghanim’s upgrades at launch
- Innate Ability: Dark Carnival Souvenir—unlocks a charge when an enemy dies near Ringmaster, offering three unique Souvenir options
Abilities and Gameplay
Ringmaster’s skill set revolves around crowd control and support, embodying the theatrical essence of his character. Here’s a breakdown of his key abilities:
- Dark Carnival Souvenir: Unlocks when an enemy unit dies nearby, granting a charge and allowing selection from three unique Souvenir options. This ability provides versatile options for crowd control and utility.
- Spotlight: An ability granted by his Shard, which reveals invisible enemies, reduces their attack accuracy (30% chance), and damages illusions. This makes Spotlight a powerful tool for team fights and vision control.
Though Ringmaster does not come with a Facet or Aghanim Scepter upgrade initially, his Shard provides significant utility. The Spotlight ability can be a game-changer in battles, offering both offensive and defensive benefits.
Community Reactions
The community’s response to Ringmaster has been mixed. Some players are disappointed, having expected a hero with more control over enemy heroes based on early speculations. However, many are excited about his potential as a support hero, especially for his Area of Effect (AoE) disable and crowd control capabilities.
Player Feedback:
- Criticism: Some fans feel Ringmaster is underwhelming, especially due to the lack of anticipated control over enemy heroes.
- Praise: Others appreciate his strong AoE disable, team-saving potential, and unique ultimate ability that mimics fear debuffs.
The Impact on The International 2024
As The International 2024 approaches, teams will need to quickly integrate Ringmaster into their strategies. Whether Ringmaster disrupts the current meta or becomes a key support remains to be seen, but his arrival adds an exciting new dimension to the game.
Upcoming Tournament:
- Event: The International 2024
- Date: Less than 12 days away
- Location: Copenhagen
Conclusion
With Ringmaster now part of the roster, teams will have to adapt their strategies and consider how to counter or leverage this new hero in their gameplay. Fans and players alike are eager to see how Ringmaster will shape the upcoming tournament and the future of Dota 2.
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