The echoes of roaring crowds have faded, the Aegis has found its new home, and The International 2025 is now a cherished memory. Yet, in the vibrant world of Dota 2, the game never truly pauses. As the professional scene takes a brief, well-deserved hiatus, the community`s attention swiftly shifts to the next pivotal moment: the impending 7.39e patch. While Valve traditionally refrains from earth-shattering overhauls immediately post-TI – they prefer to let the dust settle, rather than stir up a tempest – we can certainly anticipate a meticulous series of adjustments designed to refine the game’s intricate balance. It’s not about rebuilding the house, but rather, a timely renovation.
Helm of the Dominator: From Niche Pick to Persistent Pest
If there was one item that truly defined The International 2025, it was undeniably the Helm of the Dominator. What began as a strategic niche pick for specific heroes blossomed into an omnipresent fixture, often gracing the inventories of half a dozen heroes across the map. The sight of armies of controlled creeps marching down lanes became a common spectacle, for better or worse.
Unlike some past notorious offenders – we`re looking at you, Wraith Pact – the Helm isn`t fundamentally “broken” to the point of outright removal. It offers unique utility. However, its widespread applicability and efficiency have undoubtedly impacted the flow and watchability of matches. Early to mid-game engagements often devolved into battles of attrition involving a plethora of dominated neutral creeps, which, while effective, didn`t always make for the most thrilling gameplay.
Valve, with its penchant for precise adjustments, is unlikely to outright delete the item. Instead, we anticipate targeted nerfs. Perhaps a return to its roots as a truly specialized item, less effective as a general-purpose power spike. This could manifest as increased cost, reduced aura effectiveness for allied creeps, or diminished statistical bonuses. The goal here is simple: ensure the Helm remains a viable option for those who truly need it, without it becoming the de facto first purchase for everyone and their mother.
The Great Hero Rebalancing Act: Stars Descend, Underdogs Ascend
Post-TI patches always bring an interesting dynamic: the champions of the tournament often face the developer`s balancing hammer, while those who languished in obscurity are given a second chance. This year will be no exception.
While The International 2025 didn`t feature as many overtly “broken” heroes as some past iterations – even the formidable Troll Warlord found his counters – there are still several standouts deserving a slight tap on the wrist. Heroes like Invoker, Shadow Fiend, Timbersaw, Earthshaker, and Primal Beast, who consistently demonstrated their overwhelming presence, are prime candidates for minor numerical adjustments. A touch less damage here, a slightly longer cooldown there – nothing catastrophic, but enough to level the playing field without gutting their core identity.
Conversely, a substantial roster of heroes – nearly eighteen this time around – barely saw the light of day on the main stage. These forgotten faces, often struggling in the general matchmaking ranks as well (think Omniknight, Lina, Treant Protector, Visage, all languishing below a 50% win rate), are ripe for some much-needed love. Don`t expect grand reworks for most; rather, anticipate small, impactful buffs: a crucial +1 damage to a primary ability, a slight reduction in mana cost, or perhaps a minor stat increase that makes them just a little more competitive. These aren`t the heroes that dominate your pub games (looking at you, Wraith King and Legion Commander – your win rates are already healthy!), but those truly in need of a nudge.
The Juggernaut Conundrum: A Legendary Blade in Need of Resharpening
Juggernaut is a hero steeped in Dota 2 lore, a fan favorite, and yet, his performance at The International 2025 painted a peculiar picture. He did appear, suggesting professional teams still see glimmers of potential. His robust win rate in matchmaking (often hovering in the top 6) further confirms he isn`t inherently weak. So, what`s the problem?
The core issue isn`t his power level, but his concept. In the modern, intricate landscape of Dota 2, with its myriad of new items, Aghanim`s Shards, and countless save mechanics, Juggernaut`s signature ultimate, Omnislash, feels increasingly outdated. It`s a six-slotted carry`s ultimate that can be entirely negated by a single Lotus Orb, a well-timed Glimmer Cape, or even a conveniently dropped neutral item. To witness such a potent ability rendered useless by relatively common counter-play feels… anticlimactic, to say the least.
Simply buffing his stats or reducing cooldowns won`t solve this. Such changes would only make him oppressively strong in lower-tier games where counter-play is less organized, while still failing to address his fundamental vulnerability at the highest levels. Valve needs to re-evaluate Omnislash. Could it become an area-of-effect ability, rather than single-target? Or perhaps, should it persist even if the target momentarily vanishes, allowing Juggernaut to continue his flurry, even if he`s momentarily slicing thin air? A conceptual evolution, not just numerical tweaks, is what a hero of Juggernaut`s stature truly deserves.
Kez`s Competitive Debut: From Periphery to Pro Stage
New heroes in Dota 2 often arrive with a turbulent journey through the meta, swinging wildly between overpowered and underpowered. Yet, the hero known as Kez appears to have found a rather stable footing since their introduction.
Approaching its one-year anniversary, Kez boasts a healthy 53% win rate at higher ranks and a respectable 48% overall. Yes, Kez is mechanically rich, demanding skill and precision, making competitive balancing a nuanced task. But this feathered combatant isn`t a game-altering anomaly like the old Techies, capable of reshaping the entire map`s gameplay. Kez is, at heart, a strong, skill-dependent core hero with a potent laning phase and early burst potential, balanced by discernible vulnerabilities.
Given this relative stability and consistent performance, it`s high time Valve brought Kez into the competitive fold by adding them to Captain`s Mode. The community has patiently awaited this moment. After a year of “marinating” outside the professional arena, Kez is ready to spread their wings on the grandest stage. It`s an opportunity to enrich the hero pool, add new strategic layers, and inject fresh blood into competitive drafts.
The Road Ahead
As we collectively await the arrival of 7.39e, it`s clear that this patch, while perhaps not monumental in scale, will be crucial for the continued evolution of Dota 2. It’s about fine-tuning, responding to the narratives of The International, and ensuring that the game remains fresh, challenging, and endlessly engaging for players and spectators alike. The stage is set for a post-TI refresh, and the anticipation is palpable.
Jasper Hawthorne