It’s been a while since DOTA 2 got infused with a major gameplay update, which is why the release of Patch 7.22 came to everyone’s surprise. But with Epicenter Major slated within this season, it would be impossible not to have seen it coming.

And it’s finally here, with major changes that could affect every player’s strategy. Among other things, it’s the upgrades they made to the hero compositions that will take the game to a whole new level. A full list of DOTA 2 Patch 7.22 winners and losers is tallied down in a game review by Nitrogen Sports Blog.

For the most part, the remaining 24 heroes that previously did not have an upgrade are now equipped with an Afghanim’s Upgrade. This gives all the heroes a nice, decent boost as well as a major visual upgrade for having Afghanim’s Scepter.

Now let’s see what other wonders this gameplay update did to some heroes.

Hero Changes and Upgrades

Dark Willow

Dark Willow’s Scepter upgrade brought in the biggest changes to her composition. With this patch, she is now capable of attacking without leaving the Shadow Realm. On top of that, her base time attack is now 1.5, and the Realm’s damage control time has been upgraded from three to four.

Clinkz

Under DOTA 2 Patch 7.22, Clinkz’s base strength has been increased by two, and his Searing Arrows damage has been reduced to +15 from the previous +20. But no doubt the most impressive upgrade is his Level 15 Talent.

Necrophos

As for Necrophos, the hero had his Heartstopper Aura damage type changed to from Pure to Magical. However, this upgrade still does not cause damage instances.

Lycan

Lycan’s Scepter upgrade has birthed two wolves in one of the three creep waves. These wolves have the same movement speed as the lane creeps. Even though the wolves are not under Lycan’s control, they’re still part of his unit, so there’s still some good use for that.

Slark

Slark received just as much upgrade as the others - with the duration of his level four Essence Shift lowered to 100 from 120. In this patch, his base attack speed was also increased and his health regeneration rescaled.

With DOTA 2 Patch 7.22 now here, it won’t be a surprise that professional DOTA 2 teams will exhaust every chance they get trying to find ways to use these hero changes to their advantage. Whatever the results may be, we have yet to find out.

eSports / dota 2 heroes

Hero Upgrades in DOTA 2 Patch 7.22

Hero Upgrades in DOTA 2 Patch 7.22

Hero Upgrades in DOTA 2 Patch 7.22