The Dota 2 meta in 2024 underwent significant changes due to frequent updates, the introduction of new heroes, and players adapting to new strategies. This year was one of the most dynamic in the game's history.

Major Game Updates in 2024

In 2024, Dota 2 received a series of updates aimed at balancing the game and adjusting popular heroes and items. Here are the key updates:

Patch 7.37b (February 2024)

• Changes affected six artifacts and over 60 heroes, including Tinker and Visage.

Patch 7.37c (June 2024)

• Adjustments were made to meta-impacting heroes, particularly Ringmaster, Phantom Lancer, and Omniknight.

Patch 7.37d (October 2024)

• Focused on restoring balance after significant changes in previous updates. The long-awaited nerf to Windranger and Luna.

Patch 7.37e (November 2024)

• Balance adjustments for frequently picked heroes and undervalued items. Weakening of the popular Alchemist and minor changes to Luna.

These updates reflect Valve's continuous efforts to maintain balance and diversity in the gameplay of Dota 2.

New Heroes: Ringmaster and Kez

During the year, Valve introduced two new heroes—Kez and Ringmaster. Their introduction became a catalyst for new strategies and changed the game's dynamics.

• Ringmaster quickly gained popularity in pubs due to his control mechanics and ability to effectively disrupt enemy positioning.
• Kez, a new carry, initially received mixed reviews. Many players appreciated his late-game potential, but in pubs, his performance was less impressive than Ringmaster's.

It's worth noting that both heroes have yet to appear in professional tournaments, making it difficult to assess their true strength at this time.

Hero and Item Popularity

Throughout the year, hero and item popularity fluctuated depending on the newest patches.

• Early in the year, heroes with a strong early power spike dominated, such as Lina, Troll Warlord, and Batrider, with Gleipnir being the primary choice for many core heroes.
• After Kez and Ringmaster were released, players began experimenting with new strategies. Ringmaster, in particular, became a popular pick in the 4th position due to his impact on team fights.
• At The International 2024, Windranger and Luna stood out, literally solo demolishing opposing teams. Their dominance was so overwhelming that the developers decided to nerf the heroes in patch 7.37d. Luna then underwent changes in the subsequent patch 7.37e, indicating that the developers understood how imbalanced this hero was.

Conclusion

The year 2024 brought numerous innovations to the Dota 2 meta. The new heroes—Kez and Ringmaster—opened up new opportunities for strategies, but their effectiveness on the professional scene remains in question. Frequent patches kept players engaged, forcing them to adapt to continuous changes.

For successful play in the current meta, it's important to stay updated on patches, experiment with new heroes, and understand how strategies evolve.