The biggest changes we want to see in the post-TI11 Dota 2 patch
Dota 2 patch 7.32c has been one of the game's most balanced and fun patches in a long time.
Nearly every strategy is viable right now and at The International 11 (TI11), 114 out of the 123 heroes were picked, one of the highest levels of hero diversity ever seen at TI.
It's been an excellent time for Dota 2, but that doesn't mean things can't get better.
While we aren't game developers ourselves, here are some of the things we believe need a shakeup in the post-TI11 Dota 2 gameplay update.
A buff to all unpicked heroes
At TI11, nine heroes received no attention, going unpicked throughout the whole tournament.
Bounty Hunter, Dragon Knight, Windranger, Keeper of the Light, Clinkz, Necrophos, Meepo, Treant Protector, and Techies didn't have a single appearance at the event, and.... well that's just not fair, is it?
Some of the heroes suffer from an identity crisis, such as Bounty Hunter and Keeper of the Light. Are they supports? Cores? Who knows?
Others, such as Clinkz, are overshadowed by better options like Sniper and Drow Ranger. 😢
Meanwhile, Dragon Knight and Treant Protector are just plain bad. 🥲
The upcoming patch will significantly rebalance heroes based on their popularity at TI11 and we hope some of the currently underutilized heroes receive the love they desperately need.
A map revamp
In Dota 2 patch 7.32, the small camp near the mid lane was removed.
It was one line of text in a big update and easy to miss, but its impact on the game was enormous.
Previous patches allowed weak laners such as Keeper of the Light to recover through farming the small camp in between lane creeps, with the small camp removed, picking Keeper of the Light in the mid lane was no longer viable.
It would be great to see more map changes in the game, as they impact every single player.
The map hasn't received a significant update in years and it's about time we get a revamp.
Roshan
Regardless of the draft or the team's strategy, most games in Dota 2 boil down to a few steps. Secure first Roshan, farm up and choke the enemy, get the second Aegis and go high ground.
At TI11, teams almost never went high ground with the first Aegis and always waited for the second Aegis to take down barracks.
It makes sense to do that since Roshan's return comes with a free Aghanim's Shard.
Bringing down Roshan a second time gives teams too much of an advantage right now and we believe that should be toned down a little. It could be through having Aghanim's Shard drop only 50% of the time or significantly buffing Roshan each time he dies.
Nicholas "xFreedom" Kelvin Ileto Lim mentioned that adding a second objective (Roshan's wife perhaps?) on the map could give the team that's behind an objective to aim for.
Regardless of the solution, Roshan's second life offers winning teams too much of an advantage right now and we believe it should be toned down to make games a little more exciting and a little less one-sided.
A nerf to teamfight items
IceFrog will likely make sweeping changes to items in the upcoming patch and we sincerely hope that teamfight items, particularly Mekansm and Wraith Pact receive significant nerfs.
In the last four patches, Mekansm has had its cost reduced by 200 gold, its mana cost cut in half, and buffs to its cooldown. Providing all nearby allies with a 275 health heal 10 minutes in the game is a little bonkers right now.
Wraith Pact is the strongest teamfight item right now and it just does way too much. Reducing the enemy's damage output by 30% while dealing 30 damage and providing 24% lifesteal is just too good.
The item also has a fantastic buildup, thanks to the early Ring of Basilius and extra durability from Point Booster.
Two-time TI winner Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen believes that teamfight items just do too much right now and we can't help but agree. Hopefully, the upcoming patch tones them down a little.
Otomo is a long-time gaming enthusiast and caster. He has been playing games since he was 10 and is the biggest Dota 2 fan.
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