DOTA 2 Massive 7.0 Update Feels More Like DOTA 3

Literally A Game Changer

DOTA 2 has been on patch 6 something something for many years now but the massive jump to 7.0 might be bigger than you expected. DOTA 2 update 7.0 named “The New Journey” and released on December 12, 2016 is literally a game changer. The least of the changes is the introduction of a new hero, the Monkey King. Update 7.0 brings us new HUD, redesigned pre-game and an extensive list of gameplay additions/adjustments. The new changes will make you feel as if you were playing DOTA 3.

The Monkey King Has Arrived

The Monkey King has been classified as a melee, carry escape and disabler. It is definitely reflected on his six skills (Boundless Strike, Tree Dance, Primal Spring, Jingu Mastery, Mischief and Wukong’s Command). Boundless Strike slams the Monkey King’s staff on the ground stunning enemies and dealing critical damage. Tree Dance is the ability to jump atop trees to surprise attack enemies. Primal Spring is a leap from tree tops slowing and damaging enemies. Jingu Mastery makes the Monkey King gain bonus damage and lifesteal for a limited amount of time. Mischief allows him to change his form to deceive enemies using his surroundings as inspiration. Wukong’s Command summons an army of monkey soldiers to join the fight.

HUD And Pre-Game

The new HUD had two main goals to accomplish for players. To provide an increased visibility of the map and to see more details of what is happening in each game. This has been accomplished through a new top bar, mini-map, hero control console and shop/courier controls. Although these are some major changes to the in-game interface they do meet their goals.

The new Pre-Game has simplified the choosing of heroes, team balancing and coming up with an early team strategy. It offers a lot more tools while the game is loading in the background making the transition seamless. The new tools include search filters, hero highlight, team composition and even hero suggestions. 

Gameplay Additions/Adjustments

The major changes of this patch have been concentrated on the gameplay itself. The gameplay changes can be basically broken down into six categories (Hero Leveling, Backpack, Map Changes, Illusions, Item Changes, Hero Changes and General Changes).

Hero Leveling

Every Hero gains a series of Hero Talents that players can select at levels 10/15/20/25. They provide special bonuses for your hero or their abilities.

Backpack

Each Hero now has a backpack that allows them to carry an additional three items. The items inside the backpack provide no bonuses and cannot be activated. They are used to complete recipes and swap items.

Map Changes

There have been many map changes including a new Ancient Neutral Creep type and a set of new allied structures in the jungles. Other changes include Roshan stats, shrines, runes, jungle rework, terrain layout and neutral changes.

Illusions

Illusions have been changed all around and now give Gold and XP bounties.

Item Changes

There is a long list of item changes including stats, cost, and cooldown.

Hero Changes

There have been some Hero buffing and nerfing along with a few Hero reworks. Most of the changes revolve around the new Hero Talents system.

General Changes

The general changes mainly cover changes to root, spell and cleave mechanics.

Verdict

After so many years of DOTA 2 sticking to the same formula, they have finally revamped the whole game making it feel as if it were DOTA 3. The changes are so massive it will take veteran players a while to get used to them. This might be a double-edged sword for a game that has hardly changed for many years. But for those players who haven’t played the free to play DOTA 2 in a while, this is the time to jump back in. With so many changes it will level off the playing field giving new or returning players the opportunity to rise to victory.