Dota 2: The Juggernaut Rumbles On Despite Valve’s Detachment

Dota 2: The Juggernaut Rumbles On Despite Valve's Detachment

Dota 2: Chasing Epic Comebacks and Memorable Moments

Three weeks ago, I made a promise to myself: no more Dota 2 until a new patch drops. The game had become stale, with matches often decided by the 20-minute mark. Where were the epic comebacks and nail-biting battles that make Dota so exhilarating? The struggle was real, my friends. But here I am, after 37 games of Dota, still chasing that feeling of triumph. And let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride…

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Us Dota players have a curse, you know. The highs in this game are so incredible that they make all the lows seem insignificant. We forget about the countless soul-crushing defeats because winning an hour-long battle, knowing our every move made a difference, is worth it. It may sound crazy, but I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything (well, maybe for a boatload of cash). Still, it’s frustrating that these unforgettable games seem to be fewer and farther between.

In April, Valve unleashed patch 7.33 upon us, one of the biggest updates in Dota 2 history. The game’s map expanded by a whopping 40 percent, introducing new areas and objectives. There were portals to whisk you across lanes in an instant, hero reworks, new items, and core system tweaks. It was a breath of fresh air, promising to keep Dota exciting for years to come.

Those first few weeks were pure chaos, and I loved every minute of it. Exploring the expanded map, experimenting with new strategies—it was a blast. I played 27 games in just five days after the patch dropped. Even now, weeks later, I’m still uncovering hidden secrets. Just yesterday, I discovered a ward that led to the demise of four couriers. I was so flabbergasted that I had to review the replay to find it. Sneaky buggers, those wards…

But as time went on, Valve made some tweaks, including inadvertently muting every player (which might be the best change ever). However, a troubling issue emerged—now more than ever, the early game determines the match’s outcome. If you lose the lanes, your chances of a comeback are slim. Crushing defeats are never fun, especially when you realize your fate was sealed in just a few critical moments.

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Now, don’t get me wrong. There are still those thrilling, long-lasting battles that keep us hooked. But for the average player like me, they feel rarer than ever. This trend extends to the professional scene as well. In the recent DreamLeague Season 20 tournament, only two out of the final 10 games lasted over 40 minutes. And while there were some back-and-forth wins, major lead changes were few and far between. However, at the Bali Major, the games were longer and more closely contested. Maybe the pros have figured something out that the rest of us haven’t!

Speaking of the pro scene, finding enjoyment there has also become a challenge. The esports industry as a whole is facing financial difficulties, and Dota is no exception. In the past 18 months, the quality of events has taken a nosedive. Tournament organizers are cutting costs, resulting in remote broadcasts and technical hiccups. Even The International, Dota’s grandest championship, has seen its fair share of remote casters and peculiar analyst desk locations. It’s been a bumpy ride, to say the least.

However, there is one tournament series that maintains the high standards we expect. The ESL FACEIT Group has been organizing successful Dota tournaments for years. This year, thanks to their new owners, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, they’ve stepped up their game. The production quality of the two DreamLeague seasons has been unparalleled. And now, the top teams have qualified for The Riyad Masters, a $15 million tournament in Saudi Arabia. With such a prize pool, it might even surpass The International this year!

Recently, Valve announced a surprising change—no traditional Battle Pass to crowdfund The International’s prize pool. Instead, they’ll focus on a new funding model. While we’re not sure if this is a positive development for the game, it certainly spells trouble for the esports scene. Less money means fewer opportunities for growth.

Looking at this season of the Valve-backed Dota Pro Circuit and last year’s International, it’s clear that only tournaments associated with Saudi Arabia can match our expectations. Embracing Saudi funding may be our only hope for a thriving pro Dota 2 scene. It’s a grim reality, but the show must go on, my friends.

Valve’s attempts to turn Dota into a League of Legends-style franchise have been mostly unsuccessful. Games like Artifact and Dota Underlords have faded into obscurity. Even the Dota anime, while decent, pales in comparison to League of Legends’ Arcane. The future of Dota’s expansion remains uncertain, with rumors of a new game called Neon Prime floating around, but nothing concrete has been confirmed.

Outside of Valve’s realm, there are some enjoyable Dota-themed games. Thanks to the game’s custom game system, talented individuals can create games within the Dota 2 engine using its assets. This led to the rise of Auto Chess and other fun options. If you’ve forgotten about custom games, I highly recommend trying out Overthrow 3.0 and Ability Arena.

For me, Dota feels like it’s embarking on a new journey. The potential lies ahead, filled with excitement and challenges. Sure, there are some bumps in the road, but nothing we can’t overcome. The 7.33 patch breathed new life into the game, promising a brighter future. Yet, it’s important to acknowledge the issues plaguing the current iteration of Dota. How long will it take for Valve to address them? Only time will tell.

When it comes to the game’s problems, I used to make excuses for Valve. It’s probably because I’ve been exposed to their practices for over a decade. But I now realize that they could do more. As a League of Legends fan once pointed out, why doesn’t Valve take the obvious steps to improve the game and its competitive scene? Money isn’t an issue for them. Yet, I don’t expect any major changes. Old habits die hard, especially when they’re still making millions of dollars.

Nevertheless, I’ll keep playing Dota almost every day, excited about its future. It’s still the only game that gives me that rush, the feeling of pure satisfaction after an intense victory. There’s always something new to learn, and no two games are ever alike. In the midst of a match, I can’t think about anything else—the world around me ceases to exist. Unless Valve messes things up big time, Dota’s essence will never fade away. And that’s why I’ll be here, playing until the very end.

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