The professional Dota 2 meta is always shifting, with players constantly uncovering new strategies, experimenting with item builds, and discovering hidden overpowered heroes. However, things have become even more unpredictable following the release of the massive Patch 7.38 update. With groundbreaking changes to the map, the introduction of a new neutral item system, extensive item reworks, and a long list of hero adjustments, the current meta is looking more chaotic than ever.

Adding to the excitement, Patch 7.38 dropped right in the middle of DreamLeague Season 25, leaving teams with little time to fully analyze the changes and forcing them to adapt on the fly. If you're curious about how these updates have affected the pro scene, we've gathered all the relevant data for you.

Keep reading to learn about the most popular heroes right now, including those that are most picked and banned in the current meta.

NOTE: The data below reflects the meta during DreamLeague Season 25 and Patch 7.35’s Professional Ranked games (8000 MMR and above). Since the patch was recently released, it’s important to note that the meta is still in its early stages and could undergo significant changes in the coming days or weeks.

Patch 7.38: Most Picked Heroes In Pubs 

Dragon Knight

In high-ranked pub games, with a matchmaking rating (MMR) of 8000 and above, there is a clear winner in the Patch 7.38 meta: Dragon Knight. While the hero was already a popular pick prior to the patch, the recent changes to his Facet have made him even more contested.

Previously holding a solid 29% contest rate, Dragon Knight has skyrocketed to an impressive 69% contest rate. This means the hero has either been banned or picked in the majority of high-ranked Dota 2 pubs since the patch dropped.

Dragon Knight’s win rate has also seen a dramatic increase, soaring from 49% to an impressive 60%. With this hero, you can deal massive amounts of damage with just a few basic items, making him not only easy to play but also highly effective at snowballing.

Abaddon

Next up is Abaddon, a hero who has received a positive change in Patch 7.38. If you’re thinking, “Wasn’t he already a top pick?” — you’re absolutely right! Somehow, this patch has made him even more balanced and powerful.

While his overall win rate hasn’t shifted significantly, his contest rate has seen a notable increase, rising from 55% to 59%. The update to Abaddon's Facet has made him much more versatile, allowing players to choose between playing him as a full support or as a core. The mystical hero has weathered the patch changes and continues to be a solid pick in the professional scene.

Jakiro

In Patch 7.38, Jakiro has become the hottest support hero in the game! Before the update, Jakiro had a relatively low contest rate of 10% and a 45% win rate. However, the hero now boasts a significant improvement, with a 55% contest rate and a 53% win rate—drastic increases across the board.

Jakiro’s Facets were reworked, and the dual attack types have now been permanently implemented, enhancing his overall effectiveness. With high damage output, slows, stuns, and more, Jakiro has solidified his place as a powerful support pick. The hero is even stronger when paired with his second Facet, Ice Breaker, making him a formidable force in any lineup.

Winter Wyvern

Another dragon on the rise? Winter Wyvern has seen a significant surge in popularity after Patch 7.38. The frosty hero’s contest rate, previously at a mere 9%, has skyrocketed to 34%, while its win rate has also increased by 5%, now standing at 55%.

While Winter Wyvern received some solid buffs, its rise in success is likely tied to the prominence of Phantom Assassin, one of the top carry picks in the current meta. Phantom Assassin can be an unstoppable force, but Winter Wyvern’s toolkit offers the perfect counters to neutralize her strengths.

Additionally, Patch 7.38 introduced two new Facets for Winter Wyvern, with the second choice, Recursive, being the most popular. This Facet allows Winter Wyvern to deal even more devastating Physical Damage by re-casting after the duration ends, punishing enemies who are caught in her frostbite. This combination of buffs and counterplay makes Winter Wyvern an incredibly effective pick in the current meta.

Phantom Assassin

Speaking of Phantom Assassin, she undoubtedly takes the crown in the current meta. This carry hero has been a dominant pick both before and after Patch 7.38. What’s even more surprising is that, despite receiving notable nerfs in the latest update, Phantom Assassin shows no signs of slowing down!

Currently, PA is the most contested hero in DreamLeague Season 25, with an impressive 89% contest rate. However, a majority of her appearances are in the ban pool. In fact, she ranks as the third most-banned hero in the tournament, following Magnus and Abaddon. It’s clear that teams prefer keeping her off the field rather than letting her into the game.

In Patch 7.38, Valve altered her second Facet. While her first Facet, Methodical, was significantly nerfed, it remains a popular choice. Teams are still performing exceptionally well with Phantom Assassin, boasting an impressive 61% win rate.

Patch 7.38: Meta Heroes By Role

If you're looking for role-specific meta heroes read below. We have compiled the four best heroes to play in Patch 7.38 for every position, based on their performances in high-ranked pubs and the ongoing DreamLeague Season 25.

That wraps up the pro Dota 2 meta for Patch 7.38. What heroes do you think are secretly OP right now? Let us know!