Dota 2 has once again released another patch that completely shakes up the game. introducing two new systems: innate abilities and facets.
Dota 2 has once again released another patch that completely shakes up the game. If Patch 7.33 focused on expanding the map and adding more objectives, Patch 7.36 reworks every single hero by introducing two new systems: innate abilities and facets. These changes add a degree of customizability that can change up each hero’s playstyle or double down on their core identity.
The patch is overwhelming for any player, let alone those returning to the complex MOBA. On the macro level, the game plays largely the same, but individually, every hero is trying to find their place among the biggest changes in patch 7.36.
Innate Abilities
Innate Abilities is one of the first major changes in Dota 2’s patch. These passive abilities come in different packages depending on the hero. For most of the cast, Innate Abilities are meaningful effects that build on their core identity. For example, Axe’s Coat of Blood doubles down on snowballing by gaining more armor by executing enemies with Culling Blade.
Some heroes are fortunate enough to have abilities with new effects that synergize with their play style. Juggernaut’s Duelist lets him attack for 10% more damage against enemies facing him, and is always applied during Omnislash. Other heroes like Alchemist have part of their kit reworked into an Innate Ability instead. Heroes like Kunkka, Legion Commander, and Lina start with their Innate Abilities at level one, and can be leveled up with skill points like any other skill.
All Innate Abilities aren’t created equal, as many heroes have abilities that feel like placeholders. For example, Mirana’s Selemene’s Faithful, which lets her heal for more using a Healing Lotus, is nothing compared to Shadow Shaman’s Fowl Play, allowing him to cheat death.
Facets
Facets are the landmark change in Dota 2’s Patch 7.36. After picking their hero, players must choose between the multiple facets unique to their character. These facets provide new abilities, stat modifications, and gameplay mechanics that significantly alter how a hero is played. Each facet offers a distinct set of strengths and weaknesses, encouraging players to adapt their strategies and playstyles to maximize their chosen facet’s potential.
Facets make or break a hero’s place in the meta. For example, Axe’s One Man Army Facet grants him bonus strength based on his armor when he’s alone, turning him into a roaming threat that controls the pace of the game. Yet, he isn’t as oppressive equipped with his alternate facet.
It’s a common trend for many heroes to have marginal differences in strength depending on the viability of their facets. Lone Druid’s Facets presents players with the easy choice of healing his companion with Bear With Me or trading that off for additional armor using Unbearable. The win rate difference between the two Facets is a strong reminder players can throw even before the match starts. The best example for this is how Enigma was able to bounce back as a competitive hero despite all the past nerfs because of the Splitting Image Facet.
Facets are such a big change that the feature can enable heroes to venture out of their normal roles. Witch Doctor quickly rose up the ranks to pub stomp high-level play with his new Facet Voodoo Festeration, which transformed Voodoo Restoration to damage enemies instead of healing teammates. Naturally, the community built around that ability and turned him into a tanky offlaner to run down the enemy team.
Facets are an exciting addition to the game, but its painfully obvious which heroes received more thought compared to the rest of the cast. Much like when talents were first introduced in 7.00, it will take a while for all the heroes and the community to catch up to these massive changes.
