Dota 2’s latest patch has already received numerous small updates in the span of less than a month. Let’s see why 7.23 got so many tweaks and what’s changed in Dota 2 Patch 7.23e.
The high number of hotfixes is something recent
Before Patch 7.22, which was one of the longest standing patches in Dota 2 history, there would rarely be more than a few minor updates. On the other hand, considering how much Patch 7.23 brought to the table it was expected that at least some of the changes will be gradually toned down. And so, they were, as it became more and more clear that the amount of changes introduced in the last patch were one too many. With the arrival of Dota 2 Patch 7.23e, a few more things changed.
The matter of outposts
Ever since their introduction at the end of November last year, outposts have been part of a heated discussion. With the side shop gone, player choices in the early game were limited, but the addition of a personal courier for everyone made up for that. Outposts became another objective that teams can fight over. The initial experience granted was 25 per minute, this was reduced to 18 in 7.23c and to 15 in 7.23d. With Dota 2 Patch 7.23e going live, the experience was reduced back to 20 per minute, but outposts now only worked every 10 minutes instead of every 5. It’s surely a step in the right direction as not contesting for control over the outposts meant a guaranteed loss, since the team doing a better job usually snowballed thanks to the extra levels. Now outposts still play a role and can be an important strategical element, but they don’t decide the outcome of a game that much.
Half the shrines are gone forever
The number of shrines in the game has been halved from 4 to 2. Only the two around Roshan remain and that has some direct consequences. The Radiant safe lane and Dire offlane no longer have access to a quick heal and must either carry plenty of sustain with a courier or take the walk of shame back to the fountain. While at first glance it might seem that Dire have it worse once again it’s actually the exact opposite as the Radiant carry can’t rely on getting help beyond the Tier 1 tower.
XP talents are no more
Perhaps the biggest change of Dota 2 Patch 7.23e remains the total removal of experience talents. Many support heroes and some exceptions like Weaver had access to those and combining the bonus with outposts often led to a significant level advantage. The talents have been replaced with other good options like health, movement speed bonus, damage and others.
This will most likely be the last patch we’ll see in some time as it’s both the year coming to an end and a tournament following right after. Whether the meta will change in the upcoming months remains to be seen. Of course, we will keep you posted on any meta shifts, so stay tuned.
