Complain all you might, Valve certainly doesn’t disappoint when it comes to big Dota 2 updates, and today’s Wandering Waters patch is certainly a huge series of changes to the game.
Dropping on the evening of Feb. 18 (or the small hours of Feb. 19 if you live anywhere not in the US), the Dota 2 7.38 Gameplay Update, titled Wandering Waters, has flooded the map, adding new rivers, streams, and changing the landscape forever.
Just days ago, players were complaining about the lack of gameplay updates for almost half a year, exactly 200 days ago, with 7.37 releasing on August 1, 2024. Now, Valve is updating the game with an patch similar to the massive New Frontiers update in 2023.
Image Credit: Valve
Here’s everything you need to know:
Huge Dota 2 Map Changes Arrive With Gameplay Update 7.38, Wandering Waters
Dota’s iconic river has gotten a few new features, in the form of two huge tributaries on either side of the map. With one for Dire and one for Radiant, each side now has a quick way to dip their feed in the water. Beyond this the map has truely transformed with Roshan returning to the river, Wisdom Runes and tormentors moving, and brand new creeps appearing.
Image Credit: Valve
Speed Boosts in New Rivers
The new waterways that feed into the central river are more than just for show – walking in Dota 2’s new tributary streams will grant heroes a speed boost, so long as you’re moving with the flow of water.
Image Credit: Valve
New Creeps
There’s new, appropriately amphibious, creeps joining the game, with the Pollywog, Boglet, Mashmage Apprentice, Croaker, Marshmage, Ancient Croaker, and Ancient Marshmage taking to the battlefield. Spawning within the waterways, these frogs are nothing to croak at, and will likely be causing some jungle deaths soon.
Image Credit: Valve
Wisdom Runes Relocated
Ever hated how easy it was for you to secure your Wisdom Rune? Yes? Well now with the run so close to the enemy side they can practically smell it, you can more regularly have it stolen. And not just by your teammates!
Image Credit: Valve
Lotus Pools Reforged
Lotus Pools always felt a little odd, with their large impassable pool which took up a lot of real estate on the map. Now they’re hollow and players have to stand in the middle to activate them. If there’s enemy units in the centre with you, you can’t get them. Something a bit more tactical about this otherwise easy form of lane sustain.
Image Credit: Valve
Roshan Returns To The River
No one puts Roshan in a corner, and the king of creeps is back in his river home for the first time in years. But, even going back to his traditional location hasn’t stopped the monster’s wanderlust, and Roshan will still swap between his day and night digs during the match. Lets just hope he’s happier back in the water.
Image Credit: Valve
Torturing Tormentor
Just like Wisdom Runes, Tormentors had become a pretty safe objective in Dota 2, especially if you were ahead. Now Tormentor has taken up Roshan’s old home, and will swap location. After dying to the guy so many times, we’re happy to see the tormentor evicted.
Image Credit: Valve
Farming Madstone and Craftable Neutral Items
Neutral items are OP, and so Valve has completely thrown how they work out the window. It’s a little complex, and we’re putting together a full breakdown soon. But in the meantime, now you need to save up Madstones and craft your own unique item for each tier.
A Mass of Hero and Item Changes
And, of course, there’s huge hero changes that we’d struggle to fit in here. Lets just say a bunch of heroes got new facets, and some of them have the potential to transform the meta.
Stick with Esports.net for more Dota 2 news and info, and keep your eyes peeled as we breakdown more about this huge new patch!