Hello friends! The Blix team is made up of professional Dota 2 players, and today, we want to share our thoughts on the latest patch, 7.38, titled “Wandering Waters.” This update has already created a buzz in the community, and it took us a few days to adjust to new features like mid lane Roshan and river rune fights.
However, we believe this is one of the best updates in recent years. Let’s explore everything—from our initial impressions to hints about the future of the game.
Dota 2: Wandering Waters
Contents
Wandering Waters: Why Did Players Enjoy the Patch so Much?
With the release of Dota 2 version 7.38, the game has received a refreshing update. There’s no need to spend hours memorizing new mechanics or trying to understand radical changes; it’s straightforward.
Just gather a couple of teammates, click “Find a game,” and explore the new water map. This ease of adaptation makes the patch highly appealing. Even casual players can jump right into the action, while professionals are starting to devise new strategies.
Dota 2: Current Online
Steam statistics back this up: just a day after the update, the number of online players increased by 115,000, with a peak of 700,000 simultaneous players. Additionally, “Wandering Waters:” has successfully drawn back over 100,000 players, indicating that Valve has hit the mark with this update. At Blix, we believe the developers have prioritized fun and accessibility, which has clearly paid off.
However, there are some drawbacks. The textures on the new map are lacking in certain areas. For instance, there are moments when you think you’ve reached high ground, only to find that you’re still on flat ground, which can be confusing. We hope Valve will release microfixes soon to improve the map. Meanwhile, players in tournaments are left wondering whether banned items like the Lotus Orb and Revenant’s Brooch can be used. There hasn’t been a definitive answer yet, but upcoming weeks in the pro scene promise to be exciting.
New Patch Stars: Heroes and Creeps
Dota 2: Patch 7.38 New Creeps
Patch 7.38 has not only updated the map but also significantly altered the balance among heroes. Our team has quickly noticed the shifts in win rates. Dragon Knight has emerged as a dominant force, with his win rate soaring by nearly 10%. Conversely, Kez has become one of the least effective heroes in this update, suffering a significant drop in performance. The overall rankings of other characters have also changed, with some rising and others falling, but the complete picture is still developing.
Regarding builds, we are currently testing new strategies. The Corrosion Orb and the enhanced Mage Slayer have emerged as essential items for heroes looking to clear lanes and take down structures efficiently. These adjustments are reportedly adding about 10% to win rates daily — and this is just the beginning. We anticipate that in the coming weeks, players will explore the mechanics of the new water map to maximize the benefits of this patch.
It’s also worth mentioning the introduction of a new creep: the tadpole. This charming little creature, with its amusing animations, has quickly become a favorite among the community. Watching it “float” across the map is truly delightful. We believe it deserves the “Best New Creep” award!
What’s Next? Spring Cleaning and Hints For the Future
Dota 2: Spring Cleaning
As we adapt to the “Wandering Waters” update, Valve appears to be preparing for the next phase. The spring update is on the horizon, and the developers are actively working on it. At Blix, we’ve observed some intriguing details that suggest larger plans are in motion.
Dota 2: DPC seasons
For some reason, Valve is collecting player card data from previous DPC seasons. This could indicate two possibilities: either they are preparing a purple compendium for The International, or they intend to launch a Masters–style fantasy league for select players. We are leaning towards the first option—the return of a unified system for points and player cards, which would align perfectly with preparations for the year’s main tournament.
Furthermore, the developers are examining Common and Uncommon rarity items. Instead of raising their versions, they are lowering their status by several points. Why is this happening? We predict that a “spring cleaning” will occur in 2022. In the past, Valve used this time to fix numerous bugs, update the interface, improve item descriptions, and even enhance the “Try out the Hero” mode. Following the release of “Wandering Waters,” such a cleanup is essential due to the accumulation of various issues.
But that’s not all. Gabe seems to be weary of the excess of low-value items on the Steam trading platform. If Common and Uncommon items are heavily reduced, will we be upset? Honestly, no. We have been dressing our heroes with items from the new Collector’s Cache chests or with arcana and immortals for quite some time. Therefore, if Valve decides to “clean up” the inventory, we will fully support that decision.
Water Themes and Future Arcanas
“Wandering Waters” clearly establishes the theme for 2025, and the water motif here serves more than just a beautiful backdrop. At Blix, we believe that the new hero, Bartfrog (the water frog bard), fits perfectly into this concept. Its release is just around the corner and will pave the way for new outfits and events.
Dota 2: Templar Assassin Concept
Looking ahead, a significant update is on the horizon for spring, which opens the door to exciting theories. One possibility is a space adventure featuring Ardalan sets and arcana related to Templar Assassin and Invoker. The names of the Invoker facets (Galaran’s Agent, Tarnarus’s Mind) and the constellations mentioned in the announcements suggest something monumental. We wouldn’t mind an epic storyline divided into acts, with cosmic arcana taking center stage.
Dota 2: Kunkka vs Tidehunter
Alternatively, we could see a more grounded narrative focusing on the conflict between Kunkka and Tidehunter. The water-themed map, the compass highlighted in the teasers, and the marine theme of “Wandering Waters” strongly indicate this direction. The story of Admiral Kunkka, who loses his fleet to the water god Moleron summoned by Tidehunter, could serve as the foundation for a captivating tale. The final battle, the quest for revenge, and the ghost ship provide rich material for an event. By introducing a new character, Kez, along with aquatic heroes like Slardar and Naga Siren, we could create a truly legendary saga.
Our Opinion and Conclusions
We are excited about patch 7.38! “Wandering Waters” has brought a refreshing change to the game, and the online growth is a clear sign of the update’s success. While there are some minor issues, such as texture problems and bugs with objects, these are insignificant compared to the overall positive experience.
We’ve already played dozens of matches, testing new builds and heroes, and we can’t wait to see what Valve has in store for us next. How many matches have you played so far? What do you think about the water theme? Are you more interested in a space odyssey storyline or a sea-themed adventure? We also recommend visiting the Reddit thread for more Dota 2 content.
