Dota 2 Patch 7.39e: The International 2025 might be over, but for Dota 2 players around the globe, the battle is far from done. After weeks of frustration with the Helm of the Dominator meta dominating both pubs and pro games, Valve has finally taken action. Patch 7.39e has landed, and with it comes a wave of nerfs, adjustments, and a few surprising buffs that could shake the game in exciting new ways.
Goodbye to the Helm Meta?
For months, Helm of the Dominator and its upgrade, Helm of the Overlord, dictated how matches played out. The item gave heroes overwhelming control of neutral creeps, shaping entire drafts and strategies at The International. But now, Valve has decided enough is enough.
The item now comes with a mana cost, and dominating creeps feels a little riskier, as damage from enemy heroes introduces a cooldown. This subtle yet impactful change could force teams to rethink long standing strategies that centered around Helm rushes.
The patch doesn’t stop at the item itself. Neutral creeps like Alpha Wolf and the Dark Troll Skeleton Warrior also received nerfs, making them less oppressive when paired with Helm. It’s clear Valve wanted to target not just the item, but also its ecosystem.
Item Changes Beyond Helm
Helm wasn’t the only casualty of this patch. Ghost Scepter and Ethereal Blade, two defensive staples, were toned down, while Refresher Orb now comes with a longer cooldown on repeated use. These changes mean late game decision making is bound to feel different, especially for heroes that relied on back to back ultimates.
Heroes Under the Spotlight
Naturally, the heroes most associated with the TI 2025 meta were hit hardest. Mars, Monkey King, Earthshaker, Bane, Beastmaster, Disruptor, and Hoodwink all received nerfs aimed at reining in their dominance. It’s clear Valve has no intention of letting TI’s most notorious picks run rampant in the upcoming competitive season.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Several underplayed heroes received much needed love. Crystal Maiden, Jakiro, Earth Spirit, Lich, and Omniknight all saw buffs, potentially making them viable options again in pro drafts. These tweaks could breathe new life into team compositions and allow for more diverse strategies.
Kez Enters Captain’s Mode
Perhaps the most exciting update in 7.39e is the addition of Kez to Captain’s Mode. Almost a year after being introduced in Crownfall Act IV, the hero is finally ready for competitive play. With the first LAN events post TI just weeks away, Kez’s inclusion could throw an unpredictable element into drafts, making the next tournaments even more thrilling.
The Road Ahead
Patch 7.39e isn’t the biggest overhaul Dota 2 has ever seen, but it’s a meaningful one. By addressing the Helm meta and redistributing power across items and heroes, Valve has set the stage for a fresh competitive environment.
Will Helm of the Dominator still find its place despite the mana cost? Can the newly buffed heroes carve out space in the meta? And how will pros handle Kez now that the hero is draftable in Captain’s Mode? The answers will unfold in the coming weeks as the Dota 2 scene charges into a new competitive chapter.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official Dota 2 Patch 7.39e updates released by Valve. All information is accurate at the time of writing, but balance changes may continue in future patches.
Also read
Team Liquid Shakes Things Up: SaberLight Benched in Post-TI 2025 Shuffle
Quinn Retires: Dota 2 Fiery Mid Lane Star Bows Out After a Decade of Greatness
DRX vs G2 : Esports with Epic Comeback at VALORANT Champions
