The Wandering Waters Patch has shaken up the Dota 2 meta, with several heroes suffering significant nerfs, causing their win rates and pick rates to plummet. While some heroes emerged stronger, others have struggled to keep up.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 7 heroes who have been the hardest hit by the changes. From Kez’s massive decline to Lina’s fall from grace, these heroes have become far less viable in the current meta.
1. Kez – Truly Flightless
Win Rate Decrease: -8.66% (50.25% → 41.59%)
Pick Rate Decrease: -3.14% (5.99% → 2.86%)
Kez has faced the most devastating changes in the Wandering Waters patch. His win rate dropped dramatically by over 8%, a result of severe nerfs to both his ultimate and his grappling hook. The removal of lifesteal immunity on creeps and the reduction in his lifesteal at early levels have pushed players to abandon him, causing a sharp decline in his pick rate as well. Kez’s once-prominent status is now a shadow of what it once was.
2. Lina – The Fire Burns Out
Win Rate Decrease: -7.53% (51.06% → 43.53%)
Pick Rate Decrease: -13.25% (21.95% → 8.70%)
Lina, a staple in Dota 2’s competitive scene, has felt the brunt of the Wandering Waters nerfs. The nerf to her shard and the loss of her offensive scaling have significantly weakened her, leading to a sharp drop in both win rate and pick rate. Once a dominant mid-laner, Lina now struggles to compete with newer heroes, leaving her on the fringes of the meta.
3. Bloodseeker – No Longer Drawing Blood
Win Rate Decrease: -5.03% (55.92% → 50.88%)
Pick Rate Decrease: -7.97% (13.71% → 5.74%)
Bloodseeker was once one of the most feared heroes in Dota 2, but the Wandering Waters patch has dulled his edge. The Blood Mist change, now requiring him to attack for it to work, has taken away his ability to counter tanky heroes effectively. Although still holding a positive win rate, his pick rate has taken a hit, and players are moving away from him in favor of other heroes.
4. Lich – The Frost King Falls
Win Rate Decrease: -4.28% (55.51% → 51.23%)
Pick Rate Decrease: -10.83% (21.68% → 10.85%)
Lich, once an essential support hero, has been significantly weakened by this patch. His Sinister Gaze, Frost Spire, and Frost Shield have all been nerfed, reducing his impact in the early game. The drop in his pick rate reflects the frustrations of players who once relied on him for utility and lane control. Lich’s fall is a result of multiple nerfs, making him less desirable in the current meta.
5. Morphling – Struggling to Adapt
Win Rate Decrease: -4.04% (48.41% → 44.37%)
Pick Rate Decrease: -3.86% (9.69% → 5.83%)
Morphling has always been a high-skill hero, but the Wandering Waters patch has made him a much riskier pick. With early game nerfs and the loss of his favorite Khanda item, he’s become less viable. His win rate now sits below 45%, and his pick rate has also seen a noticeable dip. Players now have to work much harder to make Morphling effective, as his early-game struggles and changes to his talents make him a high-risk, high-reward pick.
6. Phantom Assassin – Now the Same, But Worse
Win Rate Decrease: -3.66% (50.42% → 46.75%)
Pick Rate Decrease: -2.74% (25.25% → 22.51%)
Phantom Assassin continues to be a fan favorite, but her numbers have taken a hit. While her pick rate remains high, the nerfs to her evade and crit damage have lowered her effectiveness. Phantom Assassin is still feared, but the patch has made her more predictable, and her reduced power makes her harder to dominate in the current patch.
7. Lycan – Universally Nerfed
Win Rate Decrease: -3.53% (48.67% → 45.14%)
Pick Rate Decrease: -3.79% (5.30% → 1.51%)
Lycan’s role in the meta has always been somewhat unstable, and the Wandering Waters patch has made things even worse. While he received some minor stat buffs, he lost his universal status, and his wolves are now more vulnerable to magic damage. The drop in his pick rate is evident, as Lycan has become far less appealing in a patch full of changes.
A Shifting Meta
The Wandering Waters patch has been a challenging time for some heroes in Dota 2. From Kez’s plummet to Lina’s fall from grace, many heroes are struggling to adapt to the new changes. However, as with all balance patches, the meta will continue to evolve.
The loss in popularity for these heroes may be temporary, with potential buffs in the future. For now, though, players may want to steer clear of these Wandering Waters Patch Losers until the next round of adjustments.
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