Valve released the much-anticipated update 7.37b for many players last night, introducing seemingly minor yet significant balance changes. This article explores how the new patch has impacted the current meta and which heroes are worth keeping an eye on.
Is Tinker Still Overpowered as a Support?
Valve evidently spent considerable time addressing Tinker, a hero significantly impacted by previous changes that removed Rearm from both items and abilities. In patch 7.37, Tinker was considered a "golden nugget" for players who adapted to the changes.
Tinker, with his Repair Bots aspect, turned every fight into a nightmare for opponents by constantly spamming machines that healed allies infinitely. With Holy Locket increasing healing by 30%, it nearly rivalled Alchemist's Chemical Rage. The Defence Matrix, continuously refreshed on his cores, added to the hero's potency. Despite the substantial mana costs, Tinker was still perceived as overpowered.
Patch 7.37b has made Tinker much more balanced. The healing aspect of Repair Bots was significantly reduced at higher levels, and mana costs for key support abilities like March of the Machines and Defence Matrix were increased. While these changes will likely reduce his win rate and pick rate, Tinker will remain a relevant hero.
Mirana Makes a Comeback
Valve has revisited Mirana, not as a support but as a secondary-position hero. Update 7.37b improved her Solar Flare aspect, reducing the time to achieve maximum damage and attack speed bonuses from 8 to 6 seconds. This change allows Mirana to engage in fights more quickly and benefit from Solar Flare's full effects for an additional 2 seconds.
Additionally, Mirana received a boost to her base agility, addressing her need to compete with top-tier cores. Starstorm was also enhanced, with increased damage on the second hit to 80% and a larger search radius of 675. These updates make Mirana more comfortable in lane and improve her trading potential.
Invoker's Increased Speed
In patch 7.37b, Invoker's use of spheres and ultimate abilities no longer interrupts channeled spells or resets invisibility. What are the benefits for Invoker players?
Invoker can now prepare necessary spells while using Ghost Walk. This change simplifies spellcasting and increases the frequency of ganks. With fewer keyboard movements required, Invoker can execute prepared combos directly from invisibility and even ready another spell.
These adjustments enhance Invoker's potential for early ganks and solo kills. Catching a skilled Invoker under Ghost Walk with prepped Tornado and Cold Snap will be even more challenging. Expect Invoker to make a strong return to the mid-lane!
Best Support in 7.37b
For those who examined the patch closely, the standout support hero is clear. Warlock received notable buffs despite already having a positive win rate.
Fatal Bonds now distributes more damage at early levels, with an increase from 12/16/20/24% to 15/18/21/24%, even though the cooldown has been extended. These additional 3% make a noticeable difference, considering the difficulty of playing against Warlock in lane.
Valve also reduced mana costs for Shadow Word and shortened its cooldown from 14 to 12 seconds at the final level, while slightly adjusting the skill's range.
These changes make Warlock even stronger in the early game. Although players previously did not consider Warlock useless until mid- or late-game, Valve has balanced the hero by weakening some skills at higher levels. However, a strong start is often a crucial part of future success.