The latest mini-patch for Dota 2 introduces several updates, most notably the addition of the new hero Kez to the Ability Draft mode. The patch also includes balance changes for Kez and bug fixes to enhance gameplay.
Kez Now Playable in Ability Draft
Players can now experiment with Kez in Ability Draft, utilising his unique abilities:
- Falcon Rush
- Talon Toss
- Shodo Sai
- Raven's Veil
This update broadens the creative possibilities within the mode, offering fresh combinations for players to explore.
Kez Balancing: Adjustments and Nerfs
This patch marks the third round of changes focused on fine-tuning Kez, a hero who initially faced challenges upon release on 8 November 2024. With a win rate of just 36% in his first 24 hours, Kez struggled to make an impact. However, subsequent updates have sought to address these issues, with the latest patch bringing further refinements.
Key Changes to Kez: н3
- Echo Slash: No longer applies a cleave effect.
- Falcon Rush: Reduced cast range (650 → 575).
- Grappling Claw:
- Healing reduced (40/80/120/160 → 30/60/90/120).
- Cooldown increased (15/12/9/6 → 16/13/10/7).
- Talon Toss: Cooldown increased (15/12/9/6 → 16/13/10/7).
- Raven's Veil:
- Mark no longer grants a parry bonus.
- The Level 15 talent now adds a parry bonus to marked targets instead of increasing the Raptor Dance radius.
Bug Fixes for Kez
The patch also addresses numerous bugs that affected Kez’s gameplay, improving both functionality and clarity:
- UI enhancements make it easier to identify Kez’s current stance.
- Fixed visual and radius issues with Echo Slash, as well as interactions with invisibility.
- Resolved problems in Falcon Rush, Shodo Sai, and interactions with abilities like Faceless Void’s Time Dilation.
- Updated the Grappling Claw description to provide a clearer explanation of its healing mechanics.
Additional Updates
- Increased the maximum texture width for Undying’s Flesh Golem in the Workshop.
- Updated localisation files for improved clarity across all regions.
The 3 December 2024 update further refines the Dota 2 experience, making Kez available in Ability Draft while addressing gameplay balance and bug fixes. Despite a rocky introduction, Kez is steadily finding his place in the meta, with these updates showcasing Valve’s commitment to delivering a polished and engaging experience for players.