Dota 2 patch 7.36 introduces two groundbreaking features: Innate Abilities and Facets for all heroes.
While recent Dota 2 updates have been less frequent, they continue to make a significant impact. The latest patch, 7.36, is no exception.
Alongside the new Crownfall Act and various general and item changes, the most significant additions are the new Innate Abilities and Facets for every hero. Let's dive into these new features.
Innate Abilities
Innate Abilities are unique skills that each hero possesses from the start of the match. Here's what you need to know:
- Availability: Each hero has a distinct Innate Ability visible on their Hero page or in-game by hovering over a new icon between their talents and abilities.
- Types: There are two kinds of Innates:
1. Unique Effects: For example, Faceless Void slows enemy attack projectiles within range, and Dawnbreaker reveals the entire map to allies at sunrise.
2. Ability Modifiers: Some Innates allow an ability to have five levels and provide a free ability point at level 1. For instance, Kunkka's Tidebringer and Legion Commander's Moment of Courage now start at level 1 and can still be upgraded four more times.
Innate abilities aren't entirely new to Dota 2; heroes like Alchemist and Monkey King have had them. However, now every hero will have an Innate Ability.
Facets
Facets offer players a choice to customize their hero’s playstyle, aligning it better with the match or personal preference. Here’s a closer look:
- Customization: Each hero has at least two Facets, allowing players to choose one during the strategy phase at the beginning of each match.
- Visibility: Facets can be viewed on the hero page, in-game by hovering over a new icon between talents and abilities, on the scoreboard, or the top bar when holding Alt.
- Lock-in: Facet choices are finalized after strategy time and remain fixed for the match. The enemy team won't know your choice until the game starts.
Examples of Facets include:
- Viper: Choose between an AoE damage burst for Poison Attack or enhanced defensive buffs while in Nethertoxin.
- Wraith King: Choose between summoning skeletons or dealing additional curse damage on attacks.
- Leshrac: Opt for mana-restoring attacks or a faster-exploding Diabolic Edict that doesn't damage buildings.
- Lone Druid: Select an improved Spirit Link granting lifesteal in both directions or the ability to cast True Form on the Spirit Bear.
Facet choices should be made based on the team's draft and strategy. For instance, if your team plans to snowball with heroes like Leshrac, 'Kritzkreig' might be the ideal choice. However, for a late-game strategy supporting a hero like Spectre, 'Medigun' could be better. These decisions add a layer of complexity and commitment, as you can't change your Facet mid-game.
Exciting Additions
Some Facets offer surprising new playstyles. For example, Lion's 'Fist of Death' transforms him into a melee right-clicker, an unexpected twist for the hero.
With 124 heroes each gaining an Innate Ability and two Facets, this results in approximately 365 new skills, factoring in the rebranding of seven old passives like Greevil’s Greed and Mischief as Innate Abilities. Players will need time to adapt to these extensive changes introduced in patch 7.36.
Fortunately for the Dota 2 community, patch 7.36 has arrived just before the playoffs for DreamLeague Season 23, providing an immediate showcase for the new changes. As the dust settles, GosuGamers will continue to provide detailed insights into these new abilities. Meanwhile, it's time to jump into the game and try something unconventional, like a mid-disruptor or a carry Lion!