Dota 2's new Rekindling Soul patch is looking to shake up the game.

EDIT: The update is now live!

The times are a-changin’. Dota 2 is in for a huge overhaul in the near future. The recently announced “Rekindling Soul” (6.82) update is due to hit servers soon, and with it come some of the most significant changes to Dota 2 in a very long time.

The long-awaited model update for Shadow Fiend is first on the list of changes in this new patch. The updated model also comes with a wicked looking Arcana item that changes nearly everything about the standard Shadow Fiend. The new model boasts a much more sinister Shadow Fiend who finds himself guarded by shadowy plate armor. If you opt to purchase the new Arcana item, the shadows are replaced by fire and molten lava (not a bad trade!).

The map itself is also receiving an overhaul. Roshan’s fearsome pit is being moved from its current position to further down the river towards bottom lane, couple this with a different entry point and you have a huge change to one of the games’ most contested choke points. This change will change how Roshan fights operate as a whole. Count on pros and crafty players to find cool new ways to negotiate Roshan’s new residence.

Note: There are other map changes such as fountains being moved to high ground, and new pathing on certain portions of the map.

A new rune has been added to the game in order to add variety to gameplay opportunities. The new Bounty Rune is “imbued with gold and experience.” This rune will always spawn opposite of one of the five existing runes, whether it be on the top or bottom side of the river. This will place more of an emphasis on fighting for control of the runes early in order to establish lane leads and encourage players to rotate and fight with teammates.

A new item has been pulled from Valve’s forges. The Crimson Guard may finally give players a reason to purchase Vanguard! This item requires Vanguard, a buckler, and a recipe in order to craft it. The carrier will have the following benefits:

• 250 HP
• +6 HP Regen
• Passive Damage Block (80% chance for 40/20 melee/ranged)
• +5 Armor
• +2 All Stats

The item also boasts a unique active and passive that make it perfect to protect not only yourself with a passive block, but also your teammates with an active ability that allows you to grant your allies (within 750 range) an extra two armor and a damage shield that absorbs 50 damage if they are attacked before it dissipates.

Both Phantom Lancer and Bloodseeker have had their kits reworked in an attempt to rebalance how the heroes play. Bloodseeker’s “Blood Bath” ability has been replaced with a new skill “Blood Rite.” While Phantom Lancer has received a new skill “Phantom Rush” and “Juxtapose” is moved to his ultimate slot. Riki received a similar change with “Blink Strike” becoming his ultimate, while his passive invisibility has become a normal skill. It is worth noting that Phantom Lancer and Bloodseeker have both been removed from Captain's Mode until their rebalancing is complete.

The rest of the patch notes can be found on the Dota 2 blog. There are a lot of changes not covered here because put simply, the list is staggering. Head over and see for yourself! Enjoy the new patch and maybe I will see you on the battlefield!

Ian Nowakowski

Follow me! @ian_nowakowski