The anticipation for Dota 2‘s Crownfall Act Three was high, especially with Valve's quirky announcement date of June 39. The update has finally arrived—but aside from a fighting minigame, a new treasure, and an Overworld map, Ringmaster hopefuls may be disappointed.
Valve released Crownfall Act Three, The Frosts of Icewrack, on July 9, coinciding with Dota 2‘s 11th birthday. Similar to the previous two acts, the update includes a new map and story for players to explore, as well as a Collector’s Cache filled with cosmetics, including rare skins for Luna, Juggernaut, and Pudge. However, the main buzz among fans is the new minigame titled “Sleet Fighter,” a Street Fighter-like 2D fighting game available in Crownfall.
Sleet Fighter: A New Dota 2 Minigame
“Sleet Fighter” features two heroes battling in a pub. The minigame is free and includes five Dota heroes, each with their own move sets. With controller support, full-screen availability, Crownfall tokens, rewards to earn, and the ability to play against friends, players can finally live out their Dota fighting game dreams.
No Ringmaster Yet
Today’s Crownfall update did not include Ringmaster, the next confirmed hero, joining Dota 2‘s already massive roster. Many had hoped Valve would release Ringmaster for Dota‘s birthday, but the community’s expectations were a bit too high, leaving players disappointed.
It has been about 10 months since Ringmaster’s first preview at The International 2023’s grand final, and well over a year since the release of the last hero, Muerta. Given Crownfall’s end date was extended to the end of October, many believe Valve needs the extra time to finalize Ringmaster and introduce him to Dota.
If Ringmaster actually arrives in October at the conclusion of Crownfall, it would mean this year’s TI would be the first in history not to feature a new hero.
Extended Time for Crownfall Event
At the very least, Dota 2 players will have more time to finish their Overworld maps and earn a few goodies now that the Crownfall event has been extended.