Dota 2’s Game-Changing Update 7.38
Dota 2’s latest update, 7.38, has sent shockwaves through the community, fundamentally altering the game’s landscape both figuratively and literally. From the redesign of the map to the introduction of new systems, the update has left no stone unturned. One of the most notable beneficiaries of this overhaul is Dragon Knight, who has undergone a significant transformation. His win rate has soared to nearly 59 percent overall, according to Dotabuff, and this success extends beyond the immediate impact of the patch. The changes to Dragon Knight’s abilities, particularly his ultimate and the Fire Dragon Facet, have made him an even more formidable presence on the battlefield.
Buffs and Revamps: Dragon Knight’s New Strengths
In Patch 7.38, Dragon Knight received extensive buffs and revamps that have significantly enhanced his capabilities. His baseline ultimate, Dragon Form, now grants him splash damage regardless of which Facet he chooses, a powerful addition that allows him to deal with multiple enemies at once. The Fire Dragon Facet, in particular, has been given a significant boost. The passive ability, Wyrm’s Wrath, has been amplified by an additional 50 percent, resulting in a staggering 60 bonus magical damage per attack when this Facet is active. This damage increase is further bolstered by a level 25 talent, which adds another 50 percent to Wyrm’s Wrath, making Dragon Knight an absolute terror in the late game. The combination of these changes has turned him into a highly efficient farming machine, capable of quickly clearing creeps and securing a strong item setup.
The Impact of Splash Damage
The introduction of splash damage to Dragon Knight has been a game-changer. Prior to the update, his ability to deal with multiple targets was limited, but now he can wreak havoc on clusters of enemies. This makes him especially dangerous in team fights, where he can easily take down entire groups with a combination of his formidable attacks and the splash effect. Additionally, the splash damage allows Dragon Knight to farm both lanes and the jungle more effectively, ensuring that he can emerge from the early and mid-game phases with a full set of items. This new capability has contributed significantly to his increased win rate, as he can now handle a wider range of situations and become a dominant force in the later stages of the game.
Shift in Popularity and Win Rate
Even before the significant buffs in Patch 7.38, Dragon Knight was a favorite among high-Elo players, known for his strong carry potential. However, his popularity in public matches was relatively modest, with a pick rate of around 8 percent. Following the update, this rate skyrocketed to nearly 23 percent in a single day, indicating a dramatic shift in player perception and strategy. The changes have made Dragon Knight not just a viable pick but a highly sought-after one. Moreover, his win rate in matches where he reaches level 25 is over 80 percent, thanks to the massive damage boost from his level 25 talent. This dominating performance has solidified his status as a top-tier hero across all ranks, especially in the higher tiers where player skill and strategic play are more pronounced.
The Fire Dragon Facet: A Clear Favorite
According to Dota 2 Pro Tracker, the Fire Dragon Facet has become the go-to choice for Dragon Knight players, with a win rate of 66 percent and a selection rate of over 80 percent. The sheer power and versatility of this Facet, coupled with the additional Wyrm’s Wrath damage, make it an overwhelming favorite. Players are prioritizing the Fire Dragon Facet heavily over the Earth and Air Facets, despite the latter two still having their unique strengths. The Fire Dragon Facet’s ability to deal massive magical damage and splash damage has proven to be a winning combination, making Dragon Knight a lethal threat in both solo and team scenarios.
Conclusion: Dragon Knight’s New Era
Overall, the changes in Patch 7.38 have ushered Dragon Knight into a new era of dominance. He is now a hero that can be picked confidently in a wide range of scenarios, from solo queue to professional matches. The buffs to his ultimate and the Fire Dragon Facet have not only made him more powerful but also more versatile, allowing him to excel in both farming and combat roles. His high win rate and increased pick rate are clear indicators of his newfound strength and popularity. Dragon Knight has transformed from a strong but niche hero into a must-pick, andplayers at all levels are taking notice and adapting their strategies accordingly. The future looks bright for this fearsome dragon, and it will be interesting to see how the meta continues to evolve around him.
