Valve Deploys Dota 2 Patch 7.37b in Latest Balance Refinement

As The International 2024 (TI13) approaches, Valve has quietly released a new update for Dota 2 that aims to shake up the meta. Patch 7.37b, which went live on August 15th, introduces a slew of balance changes, with over half of the game’s hero roster receiving some form of adjustment.

While the patch dropped under the cover of night, the community is already abuzz with discussions on the implications of these changes. From buffs to underperforming heroes to nerfs for some of the current top picks, Valve seems determined to keep the Dota 2 landscape fresh and unpredictable heading into the biggest tournament of the year. In the sections below, we’ve compiled a summary of the key changes, as well as the full patch notes, to help you make sense of the latest update. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual fan, this information should give you a better understanding of what to expect from Dota 2 in the coming weeks and months.

Dota 2 Patch Review: Major Buffs and Nerfs

The latest Dota 2 update, Patch 7.37b, has certainly ruffled some feathers in the community. While there are a number of changes to digest, one of the most impactful alterations comes in the form of a significant nerf to the beloved Kaya item. Previously, the bonuses provided by Kaya would stack with other items that incorporated it into their recipes, such as Meteor Hammer. However, this is no longer the case – Kaya’s mana regeneration and spell damage boosts will now function as unique modifiers, preventing them from stacking.

This change is sure to have a ripple effect across the meta, as players will need to carefully consider their item builds moving forward. No longer can they simply stack Kaya-based items for a compounding power spike.

In addition to the Kaya adjustment, the patch also sees a change to one of the neutral items. The Ironwood Tree’s “Plant Tree” ability has had its range halved, from 800 to 400. This tweak may impact the viability of certain strategies and playstyles that previously relied on the item’s long-range tree spawning.

As for hero changes, the patch notes highlight a mix of buffs and nerfs across the expansive Dota 2 roster. Some underperforming heroes have received much-needed boosts, while a few of the current meta favorites have been brought down a peg. Overall, Patch 7.37b appears to be Valve’s attempt to shake up the Dota 2 landscape ahead of The International 2024. With over half the hero pool affected, the competitive scene is sure to see a shift in the coming weeks and months. It will be fascinating to see how the pro players and teams adapt to these changes and what new strategies emerge leading up to the biggest tournament of the year.

The following received reinforcements:

• Alchemist
• Ancient Apparition
• Anti-Mage
• Bane
• Beastmaster
• Clockwork
• Death Prophet
• Enchantress
• Magnus
• Mirana
• Troll Warlord
• Witch Doctor

The following heroes have been nerfed:

• Brewmaster
• Centaur Warrunner
• Ember Spirit
• Legion Commander
• Omniknight
• Sven
• Tinker
• Venomancer

Major hero changes

Mirana has received some substantial improvements to her kit. Her signature ability, Star Storm, now deals 80% of its damage, up from 75%, giving it a noticeable boost in potency. Furthermore, the radius of its second strike has been expanded from 650 to 675 units, allowing Mirana to cover more ground and potentially hit more enemies with this powerful ability. In addition to these changes to Star Storm, Mirana’s Aghanim’s Scepter-enhanced Sacred Bolt has also been buffed, with the bonus damage it provides increased by 5%. This makes the ability an even more attractive pickup for Mirana players, further enhancing her already formidable spell arsenal. Rounding out the improvements, Mirana’s level 10 talent has also been adjusted, now increasing her jump distance from +125 to +150. This extra mobility will make it easier for Mirana to reposition, dodge enemy attacks, and chase down fleeing foes. While Mirana has enjoyed these substantial buffs, the same cannot be said for Ember Spirit, who has taken a series of nerfs. His Immolation ability no longer extends the duration of the debuff it applies to enemies, reducing its overall utility. Additionally, the damage dealt by Immolation has been reduced at higher levels, further diminishing its impact. The cooldown of Ember Spirit’s Area Strike ability has also been increased by 1 second per level, slowing down his ability to unleash this powerful AOE spell.

Ember Spirit’s talents have not escaped unscathed either. The barrier provided by his Flame Guard at level 10 has been reduced, while the damage from Area Strike at level 20 has also been scaled back. These talent adjustments further contribute to Ember Spirit’s overall weakening, potentially pushing him out of the meta as players seek more reliable and impactful heroes.

Sven, a staple carry in the Dota 2 scene, has also received a nerf to his Battle Cry ability. The cooldown of this spell has been increased by 5 seconds per level, which will have a significant impact on Sven’s ability to maintain his powerful buff and sustain his team’s push or teamfight presence. This change is particularly impactful for Sven’s popular support role, where his Battle Cry has been a crucial tool for enabling his carries and facilitating team engagements.

Tinker, the master of high-ground defense and split-pushing, has also been the target of nerfs. His March of the Machines ability now heals for less per second, making it weaker at higher levels and reducing its effectiveness as a sustain tool. Furthermore, the mana cost of both March of the Machines and Defense Matrix has been increased, making these core abilities more expensive to cast, especially at later stages of the game. These changes to Tinker’s kit will force players to manage their resources more carefully and may lead to a shift in Tinker’s playstyle and overall viability in the meta. Overall, these balance adjustments demonstrate Valve’s continued efforts to fine-tune the Dota 2 hero pool, ensuring a diverse and dynamic competitive landscape. While some heroes have received substantial buffs, others have been brought down a notch, creating a delicate balance that will undoubtedly shape the strategic decisions and hero picks in future Dota 2 matches.

Full log of patch 7.37b

Item Changes:

Gleipnir’s Eternal Chains ability has seen its radius reduced from 375 to 350 units, slightly shrinking the area of effect.

The mana regeneration and lifesteal bonuses from multiple Kaya-based items (Kaya, Yasha and Kaya, Kaya and Sange, Meteor Hammer) no longer stack, forcing players to be more selective in their item choices.

Neutral Item Changes:

The Ironwood Tree’s Plant Tree ability has had its cast range decreased from 800 to 400 units, making it less versatile for map control and vision.

Hero Changes:

Abaddon:

• Mist Coil’s mana cost has increased from 50 to 50/55/60/65.
• Curse of Avernus now deals 15/25/35/45 damage per second, up from 10/20/30/40.
• His level 10 talent’s Aphotic Shield health regen bonus has been reduced from 15 to 12.
• His level 15 talent’s Mist Coil damage/heal bonus has been reduced from +40 to +35.
• His level 25 talent’s Mist Coil AoE has been decreased from 400 to 350.

Alchemist:

• Greevil’s Greed’s maximum kill interval has been increased from 36 to 40 seconds.
• Berserk Potion’s duration has been extended from 10 to 15 seconds.

Ancient Apparition:

• Death Rime’s movement slow per effect has been increased from 1.5% to 2%.

Anti-Mage:

• His level 10 talent’s Mana Void AoE bonus has been increased from 150 to 200.
• His level 15 talent’s Persecutor max slow has been increased from 10% to 15%.

Arc Warden:

• His level 15 talent’s Magnetic Field attack speed/damage bonus has been reduced from +20 to +16.
• His level 20 talent’s Spark Wraith damage bonus has been increased from +35% to +40%.

Axe:

• Counter Helix’s radius has been reduced from 300 to 275.
• His level 15 talent has been changed from +20 Counter Helix Damage to +10 Berserker’s Call Armor.
• His level 20 talent has been changed from +12 Berserker’s Call Armor to +25 Counter Helix Damage.

Death Prophet:

• Silence ability: Movement speed slow increased from 15/20/25/30% to 20/24/28/32%
• Spirit Collector ability: Heroic Spirit damage increased from 84-90/92-98/100-106 to 88-94/96-102/104-110

Elder Titan:

• Momentum ability: Base attack speed reduction increased from 75 to 85

Ember Spirit:

• Immolation ability: Damage per second reduced from 10/20/30/40 to 10/18/26/34
• Sleight of Fist ability: Cooldown increased from 12/10/8/6 to 13/11/9/7 seconds
• Talents:
  • Level 10 Talent: Flame Guard Barrier Health bonus reduced from 200 to 165
  • Level 20 Talent: +55 Sleight of Fist Hero Damage reduced to +50

Enchantress:

• Enchant ability: Now increases the range of attacks on the victim not only for the owner of the ability, but also for creatures under his control
• Talents:
  • Level 15 Talent changed from +45 Damage to +30 Attack Speed for Hero and his Minions
  • Level 20 Talent changed from +150/25 Charmed Creep Health/Damage to +150/25 Hero and Minion Health/Damage

Faceless Void:

• Time Lock ability: Bonus damage increased from 10/15/20/25 to 12/18/24/30

Hoodwink:

• Scurry ability: Duration increased from 3.5/4/4.5/5 to 3.5/4/4.5/5 seconds
• Scurry ability: Duration reduced from 3.5/4/4.5/5 to 2/2.5/3/3.5 seconds

Huskar:

• Burning Spear ability: No longer reduces duration
• Burning Spear ability: Burn from max health reduced from 1% to 0.75%
• Talents: Level 25 Talent: Increased Burning Spear duration bonus from 4 to 6 seconds

Invoker:

• Exort ability: Bonus spell damage per orb increased from 2/3/4/5/6/7/8% to 3/4/5/6/7/8/9%
• Abilities (Kvass, Wex, Exort, Invoke): Now using these abilities does not stop interrupted spells and does not remove invisibility from the owner
• Talents: Level 15 Talent changed from +50 Forge Spirit Attack Speed to +1 Forge Spirit Number

Jakiro:

• Liquid Frost ability: Damage increase reduced from 15/20/25/30 to 12/18/24/30

Juggernaut:

• Base damage increased by 2

Legion Commander:

• Overwhelming Odds ability: Barrier duration reduced from 8 to 6 seconds

Lina:

• Laguna Blade ability: Number of Insight effects reduced from 12 to 10/11/12

Magnus:

• Base Dexterity increased by 3
• Solid Core ability: Now also grants +20/30/40/50% Slow Resistance (scales with Reverse Polarity)
• Talents:
  • Level 15 Talent: Increased attribute bonus duration per hero hit by Reverse Polarity from 15 to 20 seconds
  • Level 15 Talent: Now attribute bonuses for a hero hit by Reverse Polarity are not refreshed, but stacked

Mars:

• Effect duration for Victory Feast and Arena of Blood abilities increased from 15 to 20 seconds.
• Level 10 Talent changed from +30% Bulwark Misdirect Chance to +10/5% Bulwark Front/Side Damage Reduction.
• Level 20 Talent changed from +14/7% Bulwark Front/Side Damage Reduction to -20s Arena of Blood Cooldown.

Mirana:

• Base Dexterity increased by 2.
• Solar Flare time to reach maximum effect reduced from 8 to 6 seconds.
• Starstorm second hit damage increased from 75% to 80%, search radius increased from 650 to 675.
• Aghanim’s Scepter: Starstorm damage to arrow victim increased from 75% to 80%.
• Level 10 Talent: Leap Jump Distance bonus increased from 125 to 150.

Monkey King:

• Primal Spring maximum preparation time increased from 1.5 to 1.75 seconds.
• Jingu Mastery bonus damage changed from 40/80/120/160 to 30/75/120/165.

Dead:

• Base armor increased by 1.
• Ofrenda radius changed from 450 to 400/450/500/550.
• The Calling mana cost reduced from 145/160/175/190 to 140/155/170/185.

Naga Siren:

• Deluge duration increased from 3 to 4 seconds.

Necrophos:

• Base intelligence increased by 1.
• Ghost Shroud movement speed steal increased from 40% to 50%.

Night Stalker:

• Hunter in the Night Aghanim’s Shard cooldown increased from 30 to 35 seconds.

Nyx Assassin:

• Impale cooldown changed from 17/16/15/14 to 18/16/14/12 seconds.

Omniknight:

• Healing Hammer damage heal reduced from 30% to 25%.

Oracle:

• Rain of Destiny damage/heal per second reduced from 40 to 35.

Outworld Destroyer:

• Essence Flux Aghanim’s Scepter barrier health reduced from 70% to 65% of max mana.

Phantom Lancer:

• Illusory Armaments main hero’s base damage is 100% additional, illusions’ only 65%.
• Juxtapose damage to illusions reduced from 650% to 625%.

Primal Beast:

• Trample no longer grants passive movement speed bonus, now increases owner’s speed by 10% when used.

Puck:

• Puckish now also restores 20 mana and health per projectile knocked off the target.

Queen of Pain:

• Shadow Strike delay before cast reduced from 0.4 to 0.3 seconds.

Riki:

• Tricks of the Trade bonus agility increased from 40/60/80/100 to 55/70/85/100.

Rubick:

• Base intelligence decreased by 1.
• Fade Bolt mana cost increased from 110/120/130/140 to 110/125/140/155.

Slardar:

• Level 15 Talent: Health Bonus increased from 275 to 300.

Snapfire:

• Scatterblast cooldown changed from 16/14/12/10 to 18/15/12/9 seconds.
• Firesnap Cookie landing damage increased from 70/145/220/295 to 75/150/225/300.
• Spit Out now hits apply the effect of the Mortimer Kisses ability of the current level.

Sven:

• Warcry cooldown increased from 35/30/25/20 to 40/35/30/25 seconds.

Terrorblade:

• Level 10 Talent: Increased Reflection cooldown reduction from 4 to 5 seconds.

Tinker:

• March of the Machines heal per second reduced from 15/25/35/45 to 14/21/28/35.
• March of the Machines mana cost increased from 90/110/130/150 to 100/120/140/160.
• Defense Matrix mana cost increased from 70/80/90/100 to 80/95/110/125.

Troll Warlord:

• Battle Trance bonus attack speed increased from 30% to 40%.

Tusk:

• Snowball stun duration increased by 0.2 seconds for each ally in the snowball.
• Level 10 Talent: Increased Walrus Punch Stun Duration Bonus from 0.5 to 0.75 seconds.

Ursa:

• Maul health as damage reduced from 1.5% to 1.2/1.3/1.4/1.5% (scales with Enrage).
• Earthshock Aghanim’s Shard Enrage duration reduced from 1.5 to 1.4 seconds.
• Level 15 Talent changed from “Earthshock applies 2 Fury Swipes” to “+7 Fury Swipes damage”.
• Level 20 Talent changed from “+10 Fury Swipes Damage” to “Earthshock applies 2 Fury Swipes”.

Venomancer:

• Septic Shock now only one debuff from each ability or item is counted.

Viper:

• Predator damage per percent of missing health reduced from 0.25 + 0.05 per owner level to 0.15 + 0.05 per owner level.
• Level 15 Talent changed from +20 Corrosive Skin Attack Slow to +15% Poison Attack Damage and Slow.
• Level 20 Talent changed from +20% Poison Attack Damage and Slow to +0.2 Predator Damage Per Percentage of Health.

Visage:

• Lurker maximum effects reduced from 10 to 8.

Void Spirit:

• Dissimilate Spear effectiveness increased from 60% to 70%.

Warlock:

• Fatal Bonds damage distributed increased from 12/16/20/24% to 15/18/21/24%, cooldown increased from 36/30/24/18 to 42/34/26/18 seconds.
• Shadow Word cooldown changed from 14 to 15/14/13/12 seconds, mana cost reduced from 120/130/140/150 to 110/120/130/140, and cast range changed from 600/700/800/950 to 650/700/750/800.
• Chaotic Offering Golem’s Permanent Immolation damage per second reduced from 30/50/70 to 30/45/60.

Weaver:

• The Swarm XP per attack increased from 4/6/8/10 to 5/8/11/14.

Windranger:

• Focus Fire additional attack range reduced from 150 to 125.

Winter Wyvern:

• Level 10 Talent: Damage bonus reduced from 35 to 30.

Witch Doctor:

• Death Ward now has a primary and secondary target, primary target damage increased from 45/70/95 to 55/90/125, secondary target takes 65% of primary damage.
• Level 15 Talent: Maledict AoE bonus increased from 100 to 125.

Wraith King:

• Spectral Blade base damage reduced from 15/30/45/60 to 10/25/40/55.

Disruptor:

• Level 10 Talent changed from -4s Heavenly Jump Cooldown to +1.75 Mana Regen.
• Level 15 Talent changed from +25 Heavenly Jump Movement Speed to +75 Thundergod’s Wrath Damage.
• Level 25 Talent changed from +150 Thundergod’s Wrath Damage to +1% Static Field Damage.