It’s all the time superb to witness how small, seemingly insignificant modifications can have a really pronounced impact on the general meta of the sport. Studying by the patch notes, we felt like the sport goes to remain kind of the identical, with perhaps a few hero highlights. The preliminary impression was that this patch is generally laying down the groundwork for future, greater updates. Properly, the preliminary impression was improper.
We’re not going to debate particular heroes at the moment, because the meta remains to be growing. As an alternative, we’ll consider the larger image — what playstyles presently work higher and why.
For the final couple of years there was a definite shift in direction of extra tactical, energetic Dota, versus a extra strategic one. Crowd management spells had been universally nerfed, a number of objects had Standing Resistance and the final Hero tankiness was at an all time excessive. We’re not going to argue whether or not it was higher or worse gameplay-wise, however CC as soon as once more turning into much more highly effective is a welcome change.
The most important change got here from the 
Sange, 
Kaya and 
Yasha household of things. Standing resistance is unquestionably nerfed and even the 5% could be very a lot noticeable, however there are additionally different issues to contemplate. Most significantly, the spell lifesteal mechanic received reworked, streamlined and barely nerfed throughout the board.
Meaning preemptively solid spells or spells you activate earlier than participating are now not as highly effective as they was once when it comes to maintain. Which means that bursting down targets whereas they’re disabled is lots simpler, so long as they don’t get to react.
There are nonetheless very highly effective maintain objects within the sport, don’t get us improper. However between decrease potential Standing Resistance and decrease passive Well being Restoration, the primary transfer benefit is stronger than it was for the final couple of years.
That is additionally supported by the discount in secondary survivability stats. For instance, 
Radiance now offers much less passive Evasion, whereas 
Vladmir’s Providing is barely weaker Armor-wise. Related pattern might be seen with 
Glimmer Cape.
Once more, that is addressing the tankiness of heroes. The sport-wide EHP discount ought to be very noticeable and proper itemisation is turning into much more necessary. Tougher saves with extra mechanics are most likely going to be lots higher this patch, so think about a 
Ghost Scepter as a substitute of 
Pavise in a few of your video games. A Tier 4 Outworld Employees is probably probably the greatest neutrals within the sport proper now for a similar motive.
Impartial Gadgets typically received a little bit of an overhaul, tightening the system and eliminating a number of the randomness. The enchantments additionally received barely nerfed, principally survivability-wise. With one notable exception of Quickened, which now give +15% Evasion at Tier 4. Maintain an in depth eye on this enchantment particularly, as it may be surprisingly good on help heroes, although Mystical is equally nice, now with the added Forged Vary on the highest Tier.
Lastly, to drive the purpose dwelling, loads of the closely obscured areas of the map received barely extra open. Most significantly, the secure lanes received considerably reworked, permitting for extra angles of method, whereas additionally offering clearer imaginative and prescient.
This, as soon as once more, offers a bonus to the staff smoking up and on the lookout for a gank. And these modifications turn out to be related from the very starting of the sport, so in our opinion, proactive play is extra rewarding typically, not solely when itemisation comes into play.
Surprisingly, that is resulting in longer skilled video games for now, however we should wait and see how the meta will form up typically. Personally, I believe that scouting heroes are going to be the secret with most groups making an attempt to squeeze in at the least one devoted data gatherer. Then once more, I’ve been improper earlier than, we’ll simply have to attend and see.
The patch is most positively primarily about making a basis for greater modifications, but it surely doesn’t imply that it’s small or tame. Generally the smallest elementary modifications have the most important influence and we’re already seeing the skilled scene closely experiment with new heroes.
We strongly advise keeping track of the meta developments by the hero tab on Dotabuff. It appears that evidently for now the outdated favorites are nonetheless barely forward of the curve, however it’s positively going to alter, as soon as gamers begin determining new issues that work.
And if you have already got some cool new revelation of your individual, share them within the remark part under. We’re all the time looking out for brand new, fascinating subjects to debate!
