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Initial thoughts on the Dota 2 Patch 7.21

Dota 2 Patch 7.21: Slowing Down the Game and Balancing Heroes

Valve has released Patch 7.21, the latest update for Dota 2. This patch aims to slow down the game and encourage a more active playstyle. It was strategically released after The Chongqing Major to give players time to adjust their strategies for upcoming tournaments in February.

General Changes

One significant change in this patch is reducing the gold bounty given by melee creeps, while increasing the gold bounty of range creeps. Changes to creeps are common in Dota 2 updates as Valve aims to strike a balance between farming and controlling them.

Item Changes

Several items have been adjusted in this patch. Some items have been unnerfed, while others have received nerfs. For example, Buckler’s armor bonus duration has been reduced, and Crimson Guard’s recipe cost has been increased. Eul’s Scepter of Divinity now provides a flat increase in movement speed rather than a percentage bonus.

Hero Buffs and Nerfs

The patch focuses on buffing lesser-used heroes and making adjustments to popular picks. Heroes like Io, Arc Warden, and Chaos Knight have received significant buffs, while heroes like Chen, Dazzle, and Medusa have been nerfed.


The full list of updates for Patch 7.21 can be found on the official Dota 2 website.

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