It’s at all times superb to witness how small, seemingly insignificant adjustments can have a really pronounced impact on the general meta of the sport. Studying by way 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 usually laying down the groundwork for future, larger updates. Properly, the preliminary impression was incorrect.
We aren’t going to debate particular heroes in the present day, because the meta remains to be creating. As an alternative, we’ll consider the larger image — what playstyles at present work higher and why.
For the final couple of years there was a definite shift in the direction of extra tactical, lively Dota, versus a extra strategic one. Crowd management spells have been universally nerfed, a number of gadgets had Standing Resistance and the final 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 changing 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% could be very a lot noticeable, however there are additionally different issues to think about. Most significantly, the spell lifesteal mechanic obtained reworked, streamlined and barely nerfed throughout the board.
Meaning preemptively forged spells or spells you activate earlier than participating are now not as highly effective as they was when it comes to maintain. That means that bursting down targets whereas they’re disabled is rather a lot simpler, so long as they don’t get to react.
There are nonetheless very highly effective maintain gadgets 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 Providing is barely weaker Armor-wise. Related development could be seen with 
Glimmer Cape.
Once more, that is addressing the tankiness of heroes. The sport-wide EHP discount needs to be very noticeable and proper itemisation is changing into much more necessary. Tougher saves with extra mechanics are most likely going to be rather a lot 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 Workers is probably the most effective neutrals within the recreation proper now for a similar motive.
Impartial Gadgets typically obtained a little bit of an overhaul, tightening the system and eliminating a number of the randomness. The enchantments additionally obtained barely nerfed, principally survivability-wise. With one notable exception of Quickened, which now give +15% Evasion at Tier 4. Maintain a detailed 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, lots of the closely obscured areas of the map obtained barely extra open. Most significantly, the protected lanes obtained considerably reworked, permitting for extra angles of method, whereas additionally offering clearer imaginative and prescient.
This, as soon as once more, provides a bonus to the group smoking up and on the lookout for a gank. And these adjustments develop into 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 must wait and see how the meta will form up typically. Personally, I feel that scouting heroes are going to be the secret with most groups attempting to squeeze in at the very least 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 positively primarily about making a basis for larger adjustments, however it doesn’t imply that it’s small or tame. Typically the smallest elementary adjustments have the largest affect and we’re already seeing the skilled scene closely experiment with new heroes.
We strongly advise maintaining a tally of the meta developments by way of the hero tab on Dotabuff. Plainly for now the previous 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 at all times looking out for brand spanking new, fascinating subjects to debate!
