Dota 2 Patch 7.38: Key Changes and Their Impact on the Meta

The Blix team is analyzing the latest global patch in Dota 2, which introduced significant changes to hero balance, the map, the economy, the neutral item system, and more. We will break down the key points of the update and provide professional advice on how to adapt to the new meta. Today, we’ll discuss the most essential changes in every aspect of the game.

Dota 2: Patch 7.38

Global Map Changes

Dota 2: Patch 7.38 New Map

The new map design is the first thing you notice upon entering the game. It has significantly changed in appearance, but the key farming locations remain mostly the same.

Roshan and His New Mechanics

Roshan now has two lairs and moves between them independently. During the day, he is located at the bottom of the map, and at night, he moves to the top of the map. This movement is not done through teleportation; instead, he traverses the middle lane. If anyone obstructs his path, he will throw away that character, making his movements strategically important for controlling the map.

Dota 2: Patch 7.38 Roshan

There is no need to keep track of Roshan’s timings; his information is displayed in the interface next to the mini-map.

Changes in the Triangle and in the Jungle

The locations of neutral camps have remained largely unchanged, but the landscape and distribution of ancient creep camps have shifted. Now, instead of the usual triangle of two ancient creep camps, one has relocated to a different area.

This leads to a change in farming routes for the carry heroes:

• Staying in the lane has become more profitable due to the increased presence of nearby campers and new creeps that improve over time, providing more gold.
• It’s important to revisit farming through the standard triangle patterns and moving into the jungle, particularly on the Radiant side.

Wisdom Runes Have Been Replaced by Altars

Wisdom Runes are no longer present; they have been replaced by Altars of Wisdom, which serve as fixed sources of experience.

Dota 2: Altars

This change eliminates the randomness factor, making it crucial to control experience strategically on the map.

Lotuses are Now the Focus of Attention

Dota 2: New Lotus System

Now, lotuses no longer just spawn in the river; they are now fixed objects that need to held.

• If two heroes from opposing teams are in the grapple zone, Lotus stays stationary.
• You cannot simply stun the opponent and run away; you must actually fight for control.

Movement Changes

Dota 2: Map Changes

• At night, movement along a side river is accelerated.
• However, this acceleration only occurs when moving away from your base, which alters how you navigate the map.

Hero Balance and Attribute Redistribution

Dota 2 hero: Arc Warden

Valve updated the list of universal heroes by adding Ark Warden and removing Invoker, who is now classified as a pure mage.

Invoker – Complete Rework

Invoker has undergone global changes that have made him a more magic-focused character. Players familiar with the previous version of this hero will need to adapt and revise their builds.

It’s also important to mention the reallocation of attributes among other heroes:

• Some agility heroes have become versatile, impacting their effectiveness in fights.
• Heroes that relied on the old mechanics now require new builds.

What Heroes are in the Meta Now?

Dota 2: Pudge New Meta

• Pudge – Pudge received a significant boost in performance.
• Invoker – Invoker has become a fully-developed mage with high magical power.
• Jungle Heroes – Heroes that heavily farm in the jungle have improved routes.

Our initial impression is that they will be strong in the new patch.

Changing Neutral Items and a Rejection of Randomness

Dota 2: Patch 7.38 Neutral Items

Valve has completely revamped the mechanics of neutral item drops. Now, instead of random drops, players receive stones for killing neutral creeps—two stones for regular creeps and three stones for ancient creeps. These stones accumulate, allowing players to choose between two items once they have collected enough. 

Additionally, players can apply unique enchantments that modify the properties of the items. This new system makes acquiring neutral items more controllable and enables players to adapt to their team’s needs.

Item Changes

Gleipnir

Gleipnir has received a significant nerf. It now assembles without the requirement of Maelstrom, and it no longer deals damage when used; it simply roots. As a result, the item has lost its versatility and has become less popular.

Abyssal Blade

Abyssal Blade has now become a carry artifact and is now crafted from Sange. This change enhances its effectiveness for dealing physical damage.

Phylactery

Phylactery has undergone a change in mechanics. It now has a cooldown of 12 seconds, but it slows enemies for 3 seconds instead of the previous 1.5 seconds. This adjustment makes it more powerful for nukers, although it reduces its spamming ability.

Bloodthorn

Bloodthorn has experienced a damage change; it now converts 80% of physical damage into magic damage. This adjustment makes the item less versatile but stronger for mages.

Necronomicon

While Necronomicon has not returned, it is closer to being reinstated. Valve has introduced new summoned units that could change the push meta.

Additional Quality of Life Changes

Automatic Sale of Items From Courier

You can now select items in your inventory, and the courier will automatically sell them. This greatly speeds up the inventory management process.

Bottle Changes

• Now Bottle only replenishes when directly in the fountain, not when leaving it.
• This change weakens mid-lane players who relied on the Bottle Abusing mechanic.

Conclusions: How to Adapt to the New Patch?

Dota 2: Patch 7.38 New Neutral Creeps

1. The significant changes of the map necessitate the exploration of new farming routes.
2. Controlling Roshan and Tormentor has become increasingly important due to their timed appearances
3. The new system for neutral items reduces randomness and allows for item selection based on your team’s strategy.
4. Some artifacts have had their properties adjusted, requiring a review of builds.
5. The nerf to Bottle abuse has made laning for mid heroes more challenging.
6. Additionally, changes of heroes, particularly those that are versatile, demand a revision of playstyles.

Stay tuned for updates on Blix, where we will discuss meta heroes and the best builds in the new patch. Good luck in Dota 2! We also recommend visiting the Reddit thread for more Dota 2 content.