It’s all the time wonderful to witness how small, seemingly insignificant modifications can have a really pronounced impact on the general meta of the sport. Studying by means of the patch notes, we felt like the sport goes to remain kind of the identical, with possibly a few hero highlights. The preliminary impression was that this patch is generally laying down the groundwork for future, greater updates. Effectively, the preliminary impression was incorrect.
We aren’t going to debate particular heroes right this moment, because the meta remains to be growing. As an alternative, we’ll focus on the larger image — what playstyles at the moment work higher and why.
For the final couple of years there was a definite shift in direction of extra tactical, lively Dota, versus a extra strategic one. Crowd management spells had been universally nerfed, a number of objects had Standing Resistance and the overall Hero tankiness was at an all time excessive. We aren’t 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 largest change got here from the 
Sange, 
Kaya and 
Yasha household of things. Standing resistance is unquestionably nerfed and even the 5% may be very a lot noticeable, however there are additionally different issues to think about. Most significantly, the spell lifesteal mechanic bought reworked, streamlined and barely nerfed throughout the board.
Which means preemptively solid spells or spells you activate earlier than participating are now not as highly effective as they was once by way of maintain. That 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 recreation, don’t get us incorrect. 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 Offering is barely weaker Armor-wise. Comparable development could 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 vital. More durable saves with further mechanics are in all probability going to be lots higher this patch, so contemplate a 
Ghost Scepter as an alternative of 
Pavise in a few of your video games. A Tier 4 Outworld Workers is presumably among the finest neutrals within the recreation proper now for a similar motive.
Impartial Objects on the whole bought a little bit of an overhaul, tightening the system and eliminating a few of the randomness. The enchantments additionally bought barely nerfed, largely 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 assist heroes, although Mystical is equally nice, now with the added Forged Vary on the highest Tier.
Lastly, to drive the purpose dwelling, a whole lot of the closely obscured areas of the map bought barely extra open. Most significantly, the protected lanes bought considerably reworked, permitting for extra angles of strategy, whereas additionally offering clearer imaginative and prescient.
This, as soon as once more, provides a bonus to the group smoking up and searching for a gank. And these modifications grow to be related from the very starting of the sport, so in our opinion, proactive play is extra rewarding on the whole, 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 on the whole. Personally, I believe that scouting heroes are going to be the secret with most groups attempting to squeeze in not less than one devoted info gatherer. Then once more, I’ve been incorrect earlier than, we’ll simply have to attend and see.
The patch is most undoubtedly primarily about making a basis for greater modifications, but it surely doesn’t imply that it’s small or tame. Generally the smallest basic modifications have the most important affect and we’re already seeing the skilled scene closely experiment with new heroes.
We strongly advise keeping track of the meta developments by means of the hero tab on Dotabuff. Plainly for now the outdated favorites are nonetheless barely forward of the curve, however it’s undoubtedly going to vary, 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 beneath. We’re all the time looking out for brand spanking new, attention-grabbing subjects to debate!
