After nearly six months of anticipation, Valve has unveiled Dota 2 Patch 7.36, bringing a wave of significant updates that include the introduction of Innate Abilities and Hero Facets.
This comprehensive patch not only enhances hero mechanics but also adds new content with Crownfall Act II: The Deserts of Druud. Here’s a deep dive into everything that’s changed.
New Mechanics: Innate Abilities and Hero Facets
Innate Abilities
Innate Abilities are a game-changer for Dota 2 heroes, introducing passive, hero-specific abilities that remain active throughout the match. These abilities come in two types: unique effects and ability levels.
- Unique Effects: These are specific to each hero. For instance, Faceless Void’s Innate Ability slows down projectiles within a certain range, while Dawnbreaker can reveal the entire map briefly at sunrise.
- Ability Levels: Some abilities, like Kunkka’s Tidebringer, now have five levels instead of the usual four. This change includes a free ability point at level one, allowing for additional upgrades.
Hero Facets
Hero Facets offer a new layer of customization, aligning a hero’s playstyle with specific match scenarios or player preferences. Each hero can choose between at least two Facets during Strategy Time, which cannot be changed once the match begins.
- Example Facets:
- Batrider: The Stoked Facet boosts movement speed and Spell Amplification after using an ability or item on an enemy. The Arsonist Facet allows Sticky Napalm to stick to buildings and deal extra damage.
- Wraith King: Options include summoning skeletons or dealing more curse damage.
- Leshrac: Choices include restoring mana with attacks or modifying Diabolic Edict to explode faster without damaging buildings.
These changes significantly enhance hero variety and flexibility, allowing for unique strategies and increasing the viability of off-meta picks.
Balance Changes and General Updates
In addition to the new mechanics, Patch 7.36 includes a comprehensive balance update. Key highlights include:
- Hero Denies: Now provide experience to the hero who created the deniable debuff.
- Mana Cost Reduction: No longer applies to abilities that drain mana over time.
- General Buffs and Nerfs: Nearly every hero has received some form of adjustment, aiming to balance gameplay and enhance competitive integrity.
Crownfall Act II: The Deserts of Druud
For players eager for new content, Crownfall Act II: The Deserts of Druud is now live. This update brings a wealth of new features:
- New Overworld Map: Explore fresh environments and discover hidden secrets.
- Story Elements and Characters: Engage with new narratives and interact with additional characters.
- Cosmetics and Minigames: Unlock unique cosmetics and enjoy new minigames.
- Surprises: Valve hints at unexpected additions to keep players intrigued.
Conclusion
Dota 2 Patch 7.36 is a substantial update that reshapes the game with Innate Abilities and Hero Facets, enhancing both strategy and gameplay depth. Combined with balance changes and new content from Crownfall Act II, this patch promises to keep the Dota 2 community engaged and excited.