The Blix team is here to share some insights. We’ve been monitoring tournament statistics for weeks to predict which heroes Valve might upgrade in the next patch. Based on our observations, Valve tends to follow a standard algorithm: if a hero rarely peaks in popularity, isn’t banned frequently, or has weak statistics in the professional scene, the likelihood of that hero receiving a boost increases significantly.
However, it’s important to note that even if a hero appears imbalanced according to specific rating metrics, that doesn’t guarantee they won’t receive an upgrade. Valve’s focus remains primarily on the professional scene rather than public matches.
Dota 2: Art
Contents
- 1 Supports: Who Needs Immediate Reinforcement?
- 2 Omniknight
- 3 Witch Doctor and Dazzle
- 4 Mirana (position 4)
- 5 Offlane Heroes: It’s time to find out where Windranger, Kunka, and Underlord have gone
- 6 Windranger
- 7 Kunkka, Dark Seer, Underlord
- 8 Midlane Heroes: Clinkz, Death Prophet and Shadow Fiend
- 9 Clinkz
- 10 Death Prophet
- 11 Shadow Fiend
- 12 Carry Heroes: Troll Warlord, Wraith King, Luna and Sven
- 13 Troll Warlord
- 14 Wraith King and Luna
- 15 Sven and Faceless Void
- 16 Conclusion
Supports: Who Needs Immediate Reinforcement?
Omniknight
Dota 2 hero: Omniknight
Omniknight is a hero who has largely vanished from the professional scene. He has only been selected once in the last two major tournaments and is rarely seen on ProTracker. His main issue is a weak lineup, which limits his ability to support many carries effectively. His ultimate ability becomes largely ineffective in a meta dominated by heroes with Nullifier. For Omniknight to make a comeback in the game, he requires minor buffs and a shift in the meta: specifically, a reduction in the number of heroes with Nullifier and an increase in heroes that rely on safe support.
Witch Doctor and Dazzle
Dota 2 hero: Dazzle
Witch Doctor and Dazzle are neither picked nor banned, which indicates that they are not considered threatening by anyone. Witch Doctor lost his effectiveness after the Aghanim’s nerf, and Dazzle just struggles to find a place in the current meta. For both heroes to be viable in play, Valve must bring significant buffs or introduce a new strong carry that can help unlock their potential.
Mirana (position 4)
Dota 2 hero: Mirana
Mirana has never been played in the fourth position in the professional scene. Her win rate on ProTracker is approximately 40%, and her primary action in games is using an arrow about once every five minutes. Unless her core mechanics change, she will continue to be viewed as merely a “Highlight” hero and nothing more.
Offlane Heroes: It’s time to find out where Windranger, Kunka, and Underlord have gone
Windranger
Dota 2 hero: Windranger
Windranger has fallen out of favor since her ability changes and the introduction of Gleipnir. Although she has always been a strong option due to her Focus Fire ability, there are now several more dominant heroes in the current meta. To make her relevant again, we either need to nerf the overpowered heroes or improve her characterization gain and left facet.
Kunkka, Dark Seer, Underlord
Dota 2 hero: Kunkka
Kunka, Darkseer, and Underlord haven’t been nerfed significantly, but they have disappeared from the meta due to a general reduction in the effectiveness of auras. This trio relies heavily on auras, so the weakening of items like Vladmir’s Offering, Crimson Guard, and Pipe of Insight has diminished their power. If we bring back the illusionist meta, these heroes are likely to return.
Midlane Heroes: Clinkz, Death Prophet and Shadow Fiend
Clinkz
Dota 2 hero: Clinkz
Clinkz is a hero who excels in specific situations: he can dominate the mid-lane, defeat an enemy carry, and secure a victory. However, if things don’t go according to plan, he becomes ineffective. The professional scene tends to avoid characters that rely on a single strategy. Clinkz should have the ability to farm effectively in case of an unsuccessful start or if he undergoes a complete rework.
Death Prophet
Dota 2 hero: Death Prophet
Death Prophet is rarely picked in pubs, indicating a general lack of interest in the hero. She has a long ultimate ability cooldown and several weaknesses, making her underwhelming in the current meta. To improve her viability, her ultimate cooldown should be reduced or her skill mechanics revised.
Shadow Fiend
Dota 2 hero: Shadow Fiend
Shadow Fiend, until the recent slight nerf, was considered the top mid hero. However, he has since vanished from the professional scene due to the reduction in his minus armor and damage. If Valve wants to see him return, they should consider partially reversing those changes.
Carry Heroes: Troll Warlord, Wraith King, Luna and Sven
Troll Warlord
Dota 2 hero: Troll Warlord
Troll Warlord’s ultimate ability remains one of the most controversial mechanics in the game. If you misjudge the timing, it can lead to your defeat. He hasn’t reached his full potential yet, and even on ProTracker, he ranks as one of the weakest heroes. If his ultimate ability doesn’t change, he is unlikely to return to the meta.
Wraith King and Luna
Dota 2 hero: Luna
Wraith King and Luna – the former disappeared a thousand years ago, and Luna was affected by the last nerf. If they don’t receive buffs, they will be left behind.
Sven and Faceless Void
Dota 2 hero: Faceless Void
Sven and Faceless Void both have underwhelming ultimate abilities. As long as the current meta favors core heroes who can engage in fights quickly, they are unlikely to see a rise in popularity. Perhaps Valve should consider reducing the cooldowns of their ultimates or enhancing their non-ultimate abilities.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, we can draw several conclusions:
- Buffs will be provided to heroes who have fully vanished from the pro scene – Clinkz, Necrophos, Death Prophet, Troll Warlord, Omniknight, and Mirana.
- Could change base mechanics – Troll Warlord, Clinkz, and Death Prophet.
- The meta changes may bring back some heroes without buffs – Dark Seer, Kunkka, and Underlord.
If you want to prepare for the upcoming patch in advance, we recommend focusing on the already strong heroes that may receive upgrades. Team Blix – stay updated with the meta to ensure you remain one step ahead. Good luck in Dota 2! We also recommend visiting the Reddit thread for more Dota 2 content.