Summary
- Patch 7.36a introduces numerous adjustments and bug fixes, though it has faced criticism for worsening utility bloat issues, notably requiring strategy shifts for heroes like Bristleback and including the controversial ugg logo patch
- All heroes now have innate abilities and the new hero facets system, offering varied strategic options and affecting traditional roles
- Key item and ability changes like the Arcane Blink nerf and Bloodthorn rework significantly influence gameplay, forcing players to adapt their strategies
Patch Overview
Patch 7.36a has been Released
Released recently, patch 7.36a introduces a slew of adjustments and bug fixes. The update is focused on refining gameplay mechanics, with changes aimed at enhancing player experience. However, it has not been without its criticisms.
Addressing Utility Bloat
The latest update has drawn criticism for exacerbating utility bloat issues. This is especially noticeable in heroes that already had extensive abilities, like Bristleback. These changes may require players to rethink their strategies and item builds.
New Balance Dynamics
Balancing the game is a perennial challenge, and patch 7.36a is no exception. While the changes provide fresh opportunities for high-level theorycrafters, achieving optimal balance will require further adjustments. This could lead to shifting meta in forthcoming matches.
Key Hero Changes and Strategies
Innate Abilities
All heroes now come with an innate ability, transforming core gameplay. These passive skills are granted at match start, enabling new strategies. For instance, Juggernaut’s passive grants a movement speed boost, encouraging aggressive early-game plays. This alteration impacts team compositions, requiring players to reconsider traditional roles and adapt to the shifting meta.
Hero Facets System
Another significant change is the introduction of hero facets. Players can select from multiple bonuses at the game’s outset, significantly affecting gameplay. Alchemist can choose between increased starting gold or reduced ultimate cooldowns, vital for optimizing early and mid-game dominance. This system allows more tailored strategies based on matchups and team needs, adding a layer of pre-game planning.
Arcane Blink Nerf
The cooldown of Arcane Blink has increased to 7 seconds, primarily targeting Tinker builds. This adjustment makes rapid teleports and skill spamming less viable, forcing players to explore alternative strategies. For heroes reliant on Arcane Blink, like Tinker, the ugg logo patch will necessitate a more calculated approach to engagements, carefully balancing offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Bloodthorn Soul Ring Change
Bloodthorn’s mechanics have been refined, making it so silenced enemies no longer take extra damage if the silence is dispelled. This change emphasizes precision in using silences and disables, shifting the focus to timing and strategic deployment. Heroes that previously relied on this unintended feature must now reconsider their item builds and in-fight tactics.
As we move forward, let’s explore another key change. Flory’s gold cost increase impacts heroes who frequently purchase this item. By increasing the cost by 200 gold, heroes like Zeus and Tiny must budget more wisely. This economy change influences early-game purchases and can delay crucial upgrades, altering overall hero progression.
