Dota 2 Patch 7.34e: how the meta has changed

Given that the 7.34e Dota 2 patch doesn't meet the expectations of 7.35, it only includes a few changes to items. Nevertheless, the most interesting updates for players are the adjustments to hero statistics and abilities, with many popular characters receiving nerfs.

Bristleback

Bristleback, occasionally seen in the professional scene but popular in pubs, has undergone significant nerfs:

• Maximum damage of Quill Spray is now 500 instead of 550.

• Bristleback damage threshold is 300/275/250/225 instead of the previous flat 225.

• Hairball has a range of 1000 and a cooldown of 13 seconds instead of 1500 and 10 seconds, respectively.

• Level 20 talent adds +20 additional damage to Quill Spray instead of the previous +25.

Chaos Knight, considered one of the heroes nerfed after The International 12, has also changed:

• CK's base damage reduced by 5.

• Chaos Strike now has a 70% lifesteal penalty against creeps instead of the previous 40%.

• Phantasm mana cost is now 100/200/300 instead of 75/124/175.

Overall, these changes are likely to push Chaos Knight out of the meta. Despite remaining a strong carry, he will face mana issues and reduced survivability. The early-game damage reduction will also impact players' last-hitting capabilities.

Kunkka

Another hero, Kunkka, subjected to significant nerfs in Dota 2 patch 7.34e, may be pushed out of the current meta:

• Ghostship – reduced delta damage from 45% to 35%.

• Torrent Storm now lasts 4 seconds instead of 5, with a cooldown increased to 75 seconds from the previous 70.

The positive aspect is that Kunkka early game won't be as severely affected. However, the hero will become less potent in the later stages, impacting his popularity.

Necrophos

Judging by the Dota 2 7.34e patch, this update aims to balance popular pub heroes. After Kunkka and CK, the third hero receiving significant nerfs is Necrophos. Despite not being popular in the professional scene this year, the hero had impressive pub win statistics:

• Ghost Shroud now costs 75 mana instead of 50.

• Heartstopper Aura has a regeneration duration of 7 seconds, and HP regen to decay Agh's is reduced to 55% from the previous 60%.

• Death Seeker has a cooldown of 19 seconds instead of 16.

Spirit Breaker

The wishlist for 7.35 included nerfs for Spirit Breaker, and the joy of their appearance in the Dota 2 7.34e patch is justified:

• Charge of Darkness has a cooldown of 22/19/16/13 seconds instead of the previous 21/18/15/12 seconds.

• Aghanim's Scepter cooldown is now 9 seconds instead of 8.

• Greater Bash will deal damage with a multiplier of 1.3 compared to the previous 1.5 against creeps.

Many players expected more nerfs in the patch, but it seems that numerous heroes popular during The International 2023 may maintain their popularity, although they might fall out of the Dota 2 meta.