Valve has introduced version 1.1 for "Nest of Thorns," the fourth act of the "Fallen Crown" event in Dota 2, bringing a detailed balance update to the mode. Released alongside the new hero Kez, this update refines gameplay elements, including abilities, items, and mechanics, while fixing bugs and improving the overall experience. The act centres on an epic battle between the heroes and the Queen, offering rewards such as a Juggernaut set, Arcana upgrades, and other cosmetics for completing the challenges.
Key Highlights from Patch 1.1:
Item Changes:
- Octarine Core: Cooldown reduction per level adjusted from 6% to 5%.
- Timeless Relic: Maximum level reduced from 3 to 2.
Ability Reworks and Adjustments:
- Land Mine: Base cooldown lowered from 5 seconds to 4; Aghanim’s Scepter now reduces cooldowns by 20% and introduces a chance to apply Stasis Traps or Remote Mines.
- Knife Throw: New scaling mechanics and Scepter rework, enabling knives to bypass evasion.
- Spirit Spirits: Now explode upon hitting targets when upgraded with Scepter.
- Counter Helix: Damage scaling increased, though its internal cooldown is extended under Scepter effects.
- Frostbite: Base and scaling targets have been increased.
- Magic Missile: Slight nerf to its damage debuff under Scepter.
Other Notable Fixes and Improvements:
- Players now emit a green glow for better visibility.
- Objects like vases during the Empire fight always drop Cheese.
- Various bugs, including projectile behaviour and map glitches, have been fixed.
The adjustments reflect the ongoing efforts to refine the mode's balance and improve its appeal after patch 7.37e reshaped the broader Dota 2 meta. The update also addressed issues like the misalignment of upgrade options, enhancing user experience during matches.
Broader Context:
The "Fallen Crown" event has stirred interest since its launch on 8 November, providing a climactic narrative chapter that pits players against the Queen. The addition of the new hero Kez has brought fresh dynamics to both standard and custom modes. Meanwhile, 7.37e, released shortly after, significantly impacted competitive gameplay, tweaking popular heroes and introducing the new Aghanim Ringmaster item.
Together, these updates underscore Valve’s commitment to maintaining an engaging ecosystem for casual and competitive players alike.