Major changes in patch 7.40b: what has changed in Dota 2

Valve released patch 7.40b which turned out to be a classic gameplay update without massive reworks but with a number of changes that already noticeably affect gameplay and the meta.

The developers handed out many targeted buffs and also nerfed several clearly broken mechanics that Dota 2 players complained about most often.

Major changes in patch 7.40b:

• Finally Tidehunterlost his broken level 20 talent: the Blubber effect now deals less damage and does not pierce BKB. The hero remains strong but is no longer able to destroy the throne alone.

• Pangolier finally became playable. Swashbuckle received major buffs Shield Crash cooldown was reduced and Rolling Thunder was strengthened. The hero left the status of a “dead pick” and his win rate jumped sharply.

• Clinkz became one of the main winners of the patch. His damage was increased Strafe was sped up and its effect now also works on skeletons. Because of this his innate ability applies the maximum armor debuff much easier and his win rate has risen to around 53%.

• Outworld Destroyer lost effectiveness against illusions — his ultimate no longer deals bonus damage to them and the barrier from Aghanim’s Scepter became shorter. Now kiting OD is noticeably easier.

• Largo was buffed in the lane: the pull range and health regeneration from Catchy Lick were increased. The only nerf was to Croak of Genius but in practice it is barely noticeable since the hero is almost always close to the fight.

• Lone Druid received important changes: Entangle roots became more painful and Spirit Bear now gives less gold and experience in the early game. Laning against Druid became much fairer.

• Spectre got a series of nice buffs — Shadow Step cooldown was reduced its range and illusion damage were increased and Dispersion was also buffed. As a result the hero broke into the top win rate charts.

• Treant Protector became stronger thanks to a reduced Nature’s Guise cooldown and improved Living Armor which is especially important for the early game.

• Brewmaster can now switch stances even while silenced. This seriously strengthened the hero and made him much more reliable in fights.

• Kez lost his building damage — Falcon Rush no longer works on structures which removed an openly toxic fast base destroying strategy.

• Shadow Fiend received more souls without Aghanim’s Scepter and his ultimate now always reduces magic resistance. The hero once again looks dangerous in pubs.

You can find the full list of changes including items in our article dedicated to the release of patch 7.40b.